Former Karnataka Minister Ramachandra Gowda Dies at 88 in Bengaluru

July 14, 2026

Bengaluru: Senior BJP leader and former Karnataka minister Ramachandra Gowda passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88 at a private hospital in Bengaluru after a prolonged illness. He was one of Karnataka’s veteran political leaders and served the state in several important ministerial positions during his decades-long public life.

Gowda is survived by his family. His final rites are scheduled to be held at his private property in Kamakshipalya in Bengaluru, where family members, political leaders and supporters are expected to pay their last respects.

A Long Political Career in Karnataka

Born on December 13, 1938, in Tumakuru district, Ramachandra Gowda began his political journey with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh before becoming a prominent leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He represented the Bengaluru Graduates’ Constituency in the Karnataka Legislative Council for multiple terms and earned a reputation as an experienced administrator.

During his political career, he held several portfolios, including Medical Education, Sericulture, Planning and Statistics, Science and Technology, and Small Savings and Lottery in the Karnataka government. He also served as the Deputy Chairman of the Karnataka State Planning Board.

Tributes Pour In

Political leaders across party lines expressed condolences over Gowda’s demise, remembering him for his contribution to Karnataka’s public life and governance. His death marks the end of a political career that spanned several decades and witnessed the growth of the BJP in the state.

Ramachandra Gowda had stepped away from electoral politics in 2017 but remained associated with the BJP and continued to be regarded as one of the party’s senior-most leaders in Karnataka.