D. B. Chandregowda, Former Karnataka Assembly Speaker, Passes Away At 87

Former Speaker of the Karnataka legislative assembly and Lok Sabha MP D B Chandregowda, breathed his last at his residence in Daradahalli, Mudigere Taluk, Chikmagalur District in the early hours of the day. He was 87.

Daradahalli Byregowda Chandregowda, a veteran politician, had a long and illustrious career in the political landscape of Karnataka. He was widely respected for his dedication to the welfare of the people and his unwavering commitment to the state's progress.

Born on 26 August 1936 in Daradahalli, Mudigere Taluk, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, Daradahalli Byregowda Chandregowda had a remarkable and diverse political career. He was not only a former Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly but also a three-term MLA, one-term MLC, and a Member of Parliament, serving three terms in the Lok Sabha and one term in the Rajya Sabha.

Chandregowda's political journey spanned several political parties, reflecting his dedication to public service over party lines. He represented the Praja Socialist Party, Janata Dal, Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party during his illustrious career. His ability to work across political boundaries showcased his commitment to the betterment of Karnataka and its people.

His leadership skills were evident from his college days when he was elected as the vice-president of the Renukacharya College students' association. Later, at R.L. Law College, he became the General Secretary, showcasing his early potential for leadership.

Chandregowda's parliamentary journey began in 1971 when he was elected to the 5th Lok Sabha from the Chikmagalur constituency, representing the INC (Congress) party. He was re-elected to the 6th Lok Sabha from the same constituency but vacated his seat to allow Indira Gandhi to contest and win the election from there.

Between 1978 and 1983, he served as a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council and worked as a Cabinet minister in the Government of Karnataka from 1979 to 1980. In 1980, he resigned from Congress and joined the Karnataka Kranti Ranga, becoming the President of Karnataka State Congress (U) and serving as the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council from 1980 to 1981.

In 1983, Chandregowda was elected as an MLA, representing the Thirthahalli constituency, and served as the Speaker in the Legislative Assembly from 1983 to 1985. In 1986, he was elected as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, representing the Janata Dal political party. He was re-elected as an MLA from the Thirthahalli constituency in 1989, where he became the Leader of the Opposition. In 1999, he secured a third term as an MLA, representing the Shringeri constituency, and served as the Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs until 2004.

In 2008, Chandregowda resigned from Congress and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Subsequently, he became a Member of Parliament in the 15th Lok Sabha, representing Bangalore North, in 2009. In 2011, he ventured into the silver screen by acting in the Kannada film "Nanna Gopala," produced and directed by writer "Lakshman."

Throughout his political career, Chandregowda made significant contributions and was actively involved in parliamentary committees. He was a member of the Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, the Committee on Subordinate Legislation, and the Committee on Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme from 2009.