New Delhi, May 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended best wishes to former PM H.D. Deve Gowda on his birthday and said that he has made an outstanding contribution to the nation during his long years in public life.

PM Modi took to social media 'X' and said, "Best wishes to Shri HD Deve Gowda Ji on his birthday. He has made an outstanding contribution to our nation during his long years in public life. He is known for his deep understanding of policy-related issues and during his long years in public life. Praying for his long and healthy life."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended birthday greetings and said, "Birthday greetings to former PM & towering statesman Shri H D Devegowda Ji. A son of the soil in the truest sense, your lifelong dedication to farmers & rural India has left an indelible mark on our nation. Wishing you a long, healthy & blessed life."

BJP President Nitin Nabin extended birthday wishes and said, "Warm birthday greetings to former Prime Minister Shri H.D. Deve Gowda Ji. As a veteran leader and a true 'Son of the Soil,' your lifelong commitment to the welfare of farmers and the development of rural India is truly inspiring. I pray for your good health, happiness, and a long life in the service of the nation."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Greetings and warm wishes to former Prime Minister Shri H D Deve Gowda ji on his birthday. He has made noteworthy contribution to India's development, particularly in safeguarding the interests of farmers. Praying for his good health and long life."

H.D. Deve Gowda, a staunch crusader of socio-economic development and an ardent admirer of Indiaâ??s rich cultural heritage, was born on this day in 1933 in Haradanahalli village, Holenarasipura taluk, Hassan district, Karnataka.

A Civil Engineering diploma holder, Deve Gowda plunged into active politics at the early age of 20. After completing his education, he joined the Congress Party in 1953 and remained a member until 1962. Coming from a middle-class agrarian background and exposed to the hardships of farmersâ?? lives, young Gowda vowed to champion the cause of poor farmers, underprivileged communities, and oppressed sections of society.

Starting from the grassroots level of the democratic system, Gowda gradually rose through the political ranks. He earned a place in the hearts of the people while serving as the President of the Anjaneya Co-operative Society and later as a member of the Taluk Development Board, Holenarasipura.

Aspiring to address social inequalities, he always envisioned an ideal welfare state. At the age of 28, Gowda contested the 1962 Karnataka Legislative Assembly election as an Independent candidate and achieved a remarkable victory. An effective speaker on the Assembly floor, he earned admiration from colleagues and seniors alike. The Holenarasipura constituency elected him to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for three more consecutive terms: the Fourth Assembly (1967-71), the Fifth Assembly (1972-77), and the Sixth Assembly (1978-83).

His tenure as the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly from March 1972 to March 1976, and again from November 1976 to December 1977, brought him considerable acclaim.

As a member of the Seventh and Eighth Assemblies, he served as the Minister for Public Works and Irrigation. During his tenure as Irrigation Minister, several irrigation projects were initiated and implemented. In 1987, he resigned from the Cabinet in protest against insufficient budgetary allocation for irrigation projects.

A crusader for freedom and equality, he incurred the displeasure of the Central government during the Emergency period (1975-76) and was imprisoned. Deve Gowda used this period of incarceration to deepen his knowledge through extensive reading. His interactions with other prominent political leaders jailed during the Emergency helped shape his political outlook and personality. He emerged from prison more experienced and determined.

Elected to Parliament from the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency in 1991, he played a significant role in highlighting the problems of Karnataka, especially those affecting farmers, to national attention. He earned respect for his forthright advocacy of farmersâ?? issues in Parliament and for upholding the dignity and prestige of parliamentary institutions.

Deve Gowda served twice as president of the Janata Party at the state level and became the President of the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal in 1994. He was the driving force behind the Janata Dalâ??s rise to power in Karnataka in 1994. Elected leader of the Janata Dal Legislative Party, he assumed office as the 14th Chief Minister of Karnataka on December 11, 1994. He later contested from the Ramanagara Assembly constituency and won by a massive margin.

His vast political experience and strong grassroots support enabled him to address several challenges faced by the state. His political acumen was evident in his handling of the Idgah Maidan issue in Hubballi, a politically sensitive dispute involving property claimed by the minority community. Gowda successfully facilitated a peaceful resolution to the matter.

In January 1995, Gowda visited Switzerland to attend the Forum of International Economists. His visits to several European and Middle Eastern countries reflected his stature as a dedicated political leader. His visit to Singapore helped attract much-needed foreign investment to Karnataka, demonstrating his administrative and economic vision.

Since the 1970s, both friends and critics have noted his deep involvement in politics and governance. Gowda often described his politics as â??the politics of the people,â?? expressing happiness when surrounded by people and working for their welfare.

In the 1989 Karnataka Assembly elections, the Janata Party performed poorly, winning only 2 out of 222 seats contested. Gowda himself faced defeat in both constituencies he contested, marking the first electoral setback of his political career.

This defeat sharpened his determination to rebuild his political standing and prompted him to reassess his political approach. He strengthened relationships both in Karnataka and in Delhi and set aside past rivalries. Gowda became known for his simple lifestyle, low-profile personality, and effective leadership.

Before entering politics, Gowda worked as a contractor undertaking minor public works. His seven years as an Independent legislator gave him a valuable perspective on party politics. A tireless worker, he was frequently seen reading books and periodicals in the legislature library. After being re-elected in 1967, he gained greater confidence, and following the split in the Congress Party in 1969, he joined the Congress (O) led by Shri Nijalingappa, which was then in power in Karnataka.

His major political breakthrough came after the defeat of Congress (O) in the 1971 Lok Sabha elections, when he emerged as a prominent opposition leader during the wave of support for Indira Gandhi.

Born to Dodde Gowda and Smt. Devamma, Deve Gowda has always taken pride in his humble agricultural background. He is married to Chennamma, and the couple has four sons and two daughters. One of his sons became an MLA in Karnataka, while another was elected to the Lok Sabha.

The leadership of the Third Front -- a coalition of regional parties and non-Congress, non-BJP parties -- and eventually the office of Prime Minister came to Gowda without active personal ambition for the post.

Deve Gowda resigned as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on May 30, 1996, and was sworn in as the 11th Prime Minister of India on June 1, 1996. He headed a United Front coalition government for just under a year, leaving office after losing support from the Congress party.

/IANS