Bengaluru, 14 July  

Veteran BJP leader and former Karnataka Minister Ramachandra Gowda died at a private hospital here on Tuesday due to age-related issues, party sources said. He was 88.

Sapthagiri Gowda, who is the BJP District President of the Bengaluru Central, in a post on 'X' said, "It is with profound grief that I share the passing of my revered father, Shri Ramachandra Gowda, a senior Karnataka politician, former minister, former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), and a respected leader who dedicated his entire life to strengthening the organisation of the Bharatiya Janata Party."

Sapthagiri said his father's demise was the greatest personal loss of his life. "The funeral procession will leave our residence at 4 pm, and the last rites will be performed at 5.30 pm at our family-owned land in Kamakshipalya," he added.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar paid his last respects by offering floral tributes to the mortal remains of senior leader Gowda at his residence and conveyed his condolences to his bereaved family. Later, speaking to the media, Shivakumar remembered Gowda as a leader who commanded immense public affection and a sincere politician who remained close to the people.

"He (Gowda) had an in-depth understanding of all the issues concerning Bengaluru city. As an MLC and later as a minister, he served the people and earned the admiration of a large number of people," he said.

Shivakumar said senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa used to take Gowda into confidence on important party decisions. Taking to social media platform 'X', BJP State President BY Vijayendra said the news of the passing of Gowda, a wise leader who served as an exemplary legislator representing the Bangalore Graduates' constituency competently for nearly three decades, has caused profound shock and sorrow among the party's senior leaders, guides, and former ministers.

"Beginning his public life as an RSS swayamsevak and working steadfastly for the principles and ideology since the days of the Jan Sangh, the party has suffered an irreplaceable loss with the demise of Shri Ramachandra Gowda," he said.

Vijayendra said that the BJP leader's long and dedicated service as a voice for the common people-whether as a member of the Bangalore City Corporation, a member of the Legislative Council, or a minister-stands as an ideal example. He expressed that the pivotal role he played and the contributions he made in organising and strengthening the party from the grassroots level in the state can never be forgotten.

Vijayendra recalled that Gowda was a close associate of his father BS Yediyurappa, and he had the privilege of knowing him personally. Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka, remembered Gowda as the "Bhishma of Bengaluru BJP" and said his unwavering commitment to the organisation, simple personality, and immense affection for party workers will forever remain an inspiration to all of us.

"Paid my last respects to senior BJP leader Shri Ramachandra Gowda, the Bhishma of Bengaluru BJP, who laid the party's strong foundation from the days of the Jana Sangh, and offered floral tributes to his mortal remains," he said in a post on 'X'.

Former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa recalled his long-time association with Gowda and said he has lost yet another brother, causing him profound grief. "From the days of the Jana Sangh, we stood shoulder to shoulder, working tirelessly day and night to build the party from the grassroots in the state. Those days of struggle together flash before my eyes. As my colleague in the Council of Ministers, I had the opportunity to witnesshis administrative efficiency and unwavering commitment from close quarters," he said in a post on 'X'.

He said that Gowda's passing is a great loss not only to the party and public life, but also leaves a deep personal void in his life. "I pray that God grants eternal peace to his soul and gives strength to his family members and admirers to bear this irreparable loss," he said.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai too offered his condolences and said the passing of the senior BJP leader had caused him profound grief. Union Minister HD Kumarswamy recalled Gowda as a close friend and said he had served as a member of his Cabinet when he first became the chief minister.

"He was friendly and the very embodiment of simplicity and gentlemanliness," he said on 'X' offering condolences.