Daijiworld Media Network – Chikkamagaluru (MS)

Chikkamagaluru, Nov 7: Former minister and senior political leader D B Chandregowda passed away at 12.20 am on Tuesday at his residence of Daradahalli of Moodigere taluk in the district. He was 87.

D B Chandregowda had the unique distinction of being the member of legislative assembly, legislative council, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

After obtaining law degree, Chandregowda was working as a lawyer. He was elected as an MP from the Congress from Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency in 1971. In 1978, he resigned from his MP position in order to give the seat to former Prime Minister the late Indira Gandhi. He was the irrigation minister in the cabinet of chief minister Devaraj Urs. He joined Kranti Ranga to change the political scenario in Karnataka.

Chandregowda was the leader of opposition of the legislative council in 1981. He served as legislative assembly speaker from 1983 to 1985. In 1986, he was elected as a Rajya Sabha member from the Janata Party. He served as the minister for law and parliamentary affairs in the cabinet of S M Krishna from 1999 to 2004.

From 2014, Chandregowda took retirement from active politics and was leading a retired life. He died of age-related illness. He is survived by wife Poornima and four daughters.

Family sources said that mortal remains of Chandregowda will be kept for public view at Moodigere Adyanthaya auditorium from 2 pm to 6 pm on Tuesday. The final rites will be held on Wednesday at his Poornachandra estate in Darandahalli.