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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended birthday wishes to former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and praised his long-standing contribution to the nation and public life.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Best wishes to Shri HD Deve Gowda Ji on his birthday. He has made an outstanding contribution to our nation during his long years in public life. He is known for his deep understanding of policy-related issues and passion towards serving the marginalised. Praying for his long and healthy life.”
Born in 1933 in Haradanahalli village in Karnataka’s Hassan district, Deve Gowda entered active politics at a young age after completing a diploma in Civil Engineering.
Coming from an agrarian background, he focused on issues related to farmers and underprivileged communities. He also prioritised rural development throughout his political career.
HD Deve Gowda began his political journey at the grassroots level. He served as President of the Anjaneya Co-operative Society. He later became a member of the Taluk Development Board in Holenarasipura.
At the age of 28, he won the 1962 Karnataka Assembly election as an Independent candidate. He later went on to represent the Holenarasipura constituency multiple times.
Deve Gowda served as Karnataka’s Leader of Opposition and later as Minister for Public Works and Irrigation, where several irrigation projects were initiated. He was imprisoned during the Emergency period and later emerged as a prominent opposition leader.
In 1994, HD Deve Gowda led the Janata Dal to power in Karnataka and became the state’s 14th Chief Minister. He resigned as Chief Minister in May 1996 and was sworn in as India’s 11th Prime Minister on June 1, 1996, leading the United Front coalition government.
Known for his simple lifestyle and grassroots connect, Deve Gowda remains a prominent figure in Indian politics.
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