By Kumar S Chari, Editor-in-Chief, News Bureau 

Shri DV Sadananda Gowda, former Chief Minister of Karnataka and Union Cabinet Minister, considers his victory against the formidable Shri Veerappa Moily as the defining moment of his political career. Speaking at the launch of Market Today, a financial journalism portal, Shri Gowda emphasized the importance of new ideas, innovations, and improvisations in the success of young entrepreneurs. He highlighted that every business, whether in agriculture or information technology, requires a unique selling proposition to thrive.

Drawing inspiration from historical figures, Shri Gowda expressed his admiration for Chanakya, whose strategic brilliance continues to influence modern governance and economic policies. He urged that India has many such Chanakyas across states, and their intellect should be harnessed for national development. Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he commended the government’s initiatives in fostering technological advancement and youth empowerment.

A Journey from Grassroots to Prominence

Shri Gowda traced his political journey from his college days at St. Philomena College and Vaikunta Baliga College of Law, where he served as the District Secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). His early association with student and labor movements, including the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), shaped his leadership skills. He stressed that young people must engage with political and social organizations to understand the needs of society.

His entry into mainstream politics was marked by a major challenge in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections when he contested against the influential Shri Veerappa Moily. Despite initial skepticism, his grassroots-level cadre-based campaigning led to a remarkable victory in the Mangalore Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 32,314 votes. This victory propelled him into national politics, where he served in various parliamentary committees and was appointed as the Director of the Coffee Board in 2005.

Key Political Milestones

Shri Sadananda Gowda held several prominent positions in the central government, including:

• Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers (2018-2021)

• Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation (2016-2019)

• Minister of Railways (2014-2016)

• Minister of Law and Justice (2016)

However, he holds his tenure as the 14th Chief Minister of Karnataka in high regard, calling it a challenging yet defining experience. His leadership aimed at governance reforms and streamlining administrative efficiency. Notable among his initiatives was the Sakaala scheme, which ensured time-bound public service delivery.

From Legal Practice to Political Leadership

Born on March 18, 1953, in Mandekolu village of Sulya Taluk, Karnataka, Shri Gowda hails from a Tulu Gowda family. He pursued his education in Science at St. Philomena College and later obtained a law degree from Vaikunta Baliga College of Law, Udupi. His legal career began in 1976 as a public prosecutor, but his passion for public service soon led him to full-time politics.

His early political affiliations began with the Jan Sangh, followed by active roles in the BJP, where he served as:

• Dakshina Kannada BJP Yuva Morcha President

• State BJP Yuva Morcha Secretary (1983-1988)

• State BJP Secretary (2003-2004)

• National Secretary of BJP (2004)

• Karnataka State BJP President (2006)

Under his leadership, the BJP achieved a historic victory in Karnataka in the 2008 Assembly elections, marking its first government in South India.

Legacy and Personal Life

As the second Tuluva Chief Minister of Karnataka after Shri Veerappa Moily, Shri Gowda focused on governance transparency and public welfare. His contributions to cooperative movements and labor rights remain significant.

Shri Sadananda Gowda married Datty Sadananda in 1981, and the couple had two sons. Tragedy struck in 2003 when their elder son Kaushik, a medical student, lost his life in a road accident. Their younger son, Karthik Gowda, is a businessman.

Despite holding several key ministerial portfolios, Shri Gowda remains committed to grassroots politics and youth empowerment, emphasizing that challenges and resilience define a leader’s journey. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring politicians and entrepreneurs across India.