The Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy met BJP national general secretary BL Santosh on Friday in Delhi, where they spoke, and the two leaders had discussions, and Santosh expressed his condolences for the death of Kumaraswamy’s mother, Chennamma.
The meeting took place in the capital and comes weeks after Chennamma, the wife of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, died in Bengaluru after health problems. Her death had drawn condolences from politicians in both the BJP and Congress.
According to Kumaraswamy’s post on social media, BL Santosh asked him to convey his heartfelt condolences over the passing of his mother.
BL Santosh Offers Condolences
At the meeting, BL Santosh expressed his condolences to Kumaraswamy and his family on Chennamma’s death.
Chennamma was well known for her simple lifestyle and her support for the Gowda family during the long political journey. Kumaraswamy had earlier spoken emotionally about his mother, recalling her contribution to the family and her steadfast support for former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda.
After her death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other political leaders had also expressed their condolences to the family.
Kumaraswamy And BL Santosh Hold Discussions
Apart from the condolence meeting, Kumaraswamy and Santosh also had discussions in Delhi.
Both leaders are key figures in Karnataka politics, but are from different political groups in the state's larger political context.
Kumaraswamy is a senior Janata Dal (Secular) leader and serves as a Union Minister, while BL Santosh is a senior Bharatiya Janata Party organisational leader.
The extent of the political discussions between the two leaders was not yet known.
The meeting is also framed by ongoing political developments in Karnataka and continued coordination among leaders of parties that are linked up at the national level.
Chennamma’s Death
Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and mother of HD Kumaraswamy, died in July 2026 due to health complications.
Kumaraswamy had earlier said that his mother had been suffering from health problems for around a year. She was admitted to a private hospital in Bengaluru after her condition deteriorated.
There has been an outpouring of condolences from political leaders and supporters following her death.
Kumaraswamy had described his mother as a simple woman who remained a strong source of support for the family. He also recalled how she stood by Deve Gowda throughout his political career.
Political Leaders Pay Tribute
Several prominent leaders expressed their grief after Chennamma’s death.
Narendra Modi described her as a woman appreciated for her humility and contributions to society. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described her as the “quiet strength” of the Gowda family, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recalled her as a pillar of courage and support for Deve Gowda.
The recent meeting between Kumaraswamy and BL Santosh is the latest in the series of condolences extended to the former Prime Minister’s family after Chennamma’s passing.
For Kumaraswamy, this meeting was a way to receive Santosh's personal condolences and discuss things in Delhi.
The details of the discussions remain private, but the meeting had two prominent Karnataka political figures in the national capital.
Chennamma's death is still fresh in the minds of the Gowda family and political circles, and expressions of sympathy continue to come from leaders in Karnataka and national politics.
