Bengaluru, July 18 -- In Indian politics, the spotlight rarely falls on those who choose to remain behind it. Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, belonged to that rare generation of political spouses whose influence was measured not in speeches or offices held, but in the strength they lent to leaders who shaped public life.
Her death on Saturday at the age of 89 brings to a close a partnership that spanned more than seven decades and carried Deve Gowda from the dusty lanes of Haradanahalli in Hassan district to the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi.
As news of her demise spread, an inconsolable Deve Gowda arrived at the hospital in a wheelchair and broke down in tears beside his lifelong companion of more than 72 y...