Bengaluru: Leaders remember Dharme Gowda as soft-spoken, calm person

Bengaluru: S.L. Dharme Gowda, born on December 15, 1955, at Sarapanahalli to SR Lakshmayya and Krishnamma ,is survived by his wife and two children. Hailing from the politically dominant Vokkaliga community, Dharme Gowda was remembered among political circles as a soft-spoken and calm person. Elected to the Legislative Council in 2018, Gowda was elected as the Deputy Chairman when the Congress and JD(S) formed a coalition government with H.D. Kumaraswamy as the chief minister.

He completed his primary and secondary education at Sakharayapattana and later completed his graduation at Chikkamagaluru.

Gowda started his political career as the member of Bilekallahalli Mandala Panchayat. A close associate of JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy, Dharme Gowda was elected as MLA from Birur constituency in 2004. He served as the president of Janata Bazar, Chikkamagaluru DCC Bank and director of a milk union.

Tributes poured in from all political parties. BJP State president Nalin Kumar Kateel tweeted that the State had lost an outstanding leader and he would pray to the God Almighty that Gowda's family may get immense strength to bear the loss.

Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda said, "It is shocking to learn the news of Deputy Speaker of State Legislative Council and JDS leader S.L. Dharme Gowda's suicide. He was a calm and decent man. This is a loss to the State."

Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa cancelled his day's programme and went to Chikkamagluru to pay his last respects to Dharme Gowda. "The untimely demise of Dharme Gowda is the most unfortunate and traumatic event. May his soul rest in peace and give strength to his family and followers."

Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Siddarmaiah described Dharme Gowda as his close friend.

"Dharmega Gowda's father SR Lakshmaiah was also a close friend of mine. My condolences to the family," he said.