Shri. H.D. Deve Gowda – A Profile

Shri H.D. Deve Gowda, a staunch crusader of social-economic development and an ardent admirer of the rich cultural heritage of India, was born on May 18, 1933 in Haradanahalli village of Holenarasipura taluk, Hassan District in Karnataka.

A Civil engineering Diploma holder, Shri Deve Gowda plunged into active politics at the early age of 20 when, after completing his education, he joined the congress part in 1953 and remained a member till 1962. coming from a middle class agrarian background and exposed to the hardships of farmer’s life, young Gowda vowed to become a fighter who would take up the cause of poor farmers, under privileged and oppressed sections of society.

Starting from lower strata of the democratic set-up, Shri Gowda ascended the political rugs gradually. He earned himself a niche in the minds of people while serving as the Preseident of Anjaneya Co-operative society and later as a member of Taluk Development Board, Holenarasipura.

Hoping to set right the inequalities prevailing in society, he always dreamt of an ideal utopian state. When just 28 years old, the youthful Gowda contested as an independent and was a runaway success from day one when he first became a member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in 1962.

An effective speaker on the floor of the Assembly, he was acclaimed by one and all, including his seniors.

Holenarasipur constituency sent him to the Assembly for three more consecutive terms i.e., the fourth (1967-71); the fifth (1972-77) and the sixth (1978-83) Assemblies.

His service as the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, from March 1972 to March 1976 and November 1976 to December 1977, won him laurels.

Shri Deve Gowda resigned his membership of the Sixth assembly on November 22, 1982. As a member of the seventh and the Eighth Assembly, he served as the minister of Public Works and Irrigation. His tenure as irrigation minister saw the switching on of many irrigation projects. He resigned from the cabinet in 1987 protesting against insufficient allocation of funds for irrigation.

A crusader for freedom and equality, he earned the wrath of the powers that be at the centre in 1975-76, and was imprisoned during the days of emergency. Shri Deve Gowda utilized this period of forced rest to enrich his knowledge through exhaustive reading. This, and the interaction between him and other stalwarts of Indian politics who were also jailed during that period, helped him mould his personality and perspective. He was a much more seasoned and determined person when he emerged out of his confinement.

Elected to parliament from Hassan Lok Sabha constituency in 1991, he was instrumental in bringing the problem of the state – especially of farmers – to the forefront. He earned respect for his forthright espousal of the plight of farmers, in parliament. He also earned a name of practicing and upholding the prestige and dignity and parliament and its institutions.

Shri Deve Gowda became the President of Janta party twice at state level and president of State Janata Dal in 1994. He was the driving force behind the Janata Dal’s rise to pwer in the state in 1994. He was elected as the leader of the Janata Dal legislative party and on December 11, 1994 he assumed office as the 14th Chief Minister of Karnataka. He then contested as a candidate from Ramanagar assembly constituency and won by a thumping majority.

His prolonged experience in active politics and his strong base at the grassroots level enabled him to plunge straightway into the task of tackling may problems faced by the State. His political acumen was tested again when he brought the Idgah Maidan issue at Hubli to the forefront. It was a ground that belonged to the minority community and was the butt of political controversy. Shri Gowda successfully brought about a peaceful solution to the issue.

In January 1995, Shri Gowda toured Switzerland and attended the forum of International Economists. His tours to European and Middle Extern countries were a testimony to his achievements as a dedicated politician. His tour of Singapore, which brought in the much needed foreign investment to the state, proved his business acumen.

Since the 70’s friends as well as foes have been commenting on his singular pre-occupation with politics and its processes.