Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has announced his retirement from active politics on Monday morning. The 81 year old politician has made retirement statements thrice in the past but never kept his words. However, this time,Deve Gowda has surprised everyone by quitting the electoral politics away before the 2019 annual elections.

Mr. Gowda represents the 16th Lok Sabha from Haassan constituency of Karnataka and is also the national president of Janata Dal [Secular] party. With the retirement, Mr. Gowda has handed over the constituency responsibility to his son Raevanna and grandson Prajwal. Also on this note, grandson Prajwal made his political entry who has been very active for the past two and half years.

Called by HD Deve Gowda, his full name is Haradanahalli Doddegowda Deve Gowda, served as Prime Minister from June 1996 to April 1997 and as chief minister of Karnataka from 1994 to 1996.

- TVR