By V.S. Karnic, IANS,
Bangalore : Karnataka’s new chief minister, D.V. Sadananda Gowda, is a known loyalist of his scandal-hit predecessor B.S. Yeddyurappa who has been involved in politics since the days of the Jan Sangh.
The two-time legislator and two-time MP belongs to the politically influential Vokkaliga community, large sections of which are perceived to support the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S).
He does not have any administrative experience, but Gowda, 58, who will be the 20th chief minister of Karnataka, has been a member of the state assembly twice (1994-2004). He is now serving a second term in Lok Sabha.
He represents the Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency in parliament. He was the state BJP president when the party took power in Karnataka in 2008.
Born to D.V. Gowda and Kamala at Devaragunda in Dakshina Kannada district, about 350 km from Bangalore, on March 18, 1953, Gowda is known for his amiable nature.
The science and law graduate is married to Datty Sadananda and the couple has one son.
Gowda got his B.Sc from St. Phelomena College in Puttur in Dakishina Kannada and law degree from Vaikunta Baliga Law Collge in Udupi, which was then part of Dakshina Kannada.
The chief minister is a sports lover. He used to play kho-kho in student days, and represented Mysore University. He also plays badminton and tennis.
Besides sports, he likes to participate in ‘Yakshagana’ — the famed folk art of coastal Karnataka.
His favourite pastime? Chatting with family members and friends!
Gowda had been active in the Jan Sangh, the earlier incarnation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
He has served the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and the Sullia taluk Auto Rickshaw Drivers and Owners’ Union. Both Puttur and Sullia are in Dakshina Kannada.