Born in 1953 in Devaragunda, Gowda was a natural choice for the BJP high command to replace BS Yeddyurappa as the Karnataka Chief Minister, who formed the first BJP Government in South India.
The soft-spoken two-time MP from Udupi Chikmagalur started his political career as a Yuva Morcha activist.
A two-time MLA, Gowda was the deputy Opposition leader of the State between 1999 and 2004. A person associated with cooperative and labour organisations, Gowda is considered as a supporter of ‘welfare politics’.
A Yaksha Gana artist, Gowda believes in responsive administration.
He introduced Sakala – a scheme to guarantee services within stipulated time. Gowda’s induction is important for the BJP to consolidate its base among the Vokkaligas in Karnataka.