D. B. Chandregowda

Daradahalli Byregowda Chandregowda (26 August 1936 – 7 November 2023) was an Indian politician who was Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly, three-term MLA, one-term MLC, and Member of Parliament—three-terms from Lok Sabha and one-term from Rajya Sabha.

Chandregowda worked as Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs in Government of Karnataka representing several political parties in his long political career – Praja Socialist Party, Janata Dal, Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party. He was re-elected to the 6th Lok Sabha from Chikmagalur, but vacated his seat later to allow Indira Gandhi to contest election from there.

Between 1978 and 1983, he became a member of Karnataka Legislative Council and worked as Cabinet minister in Government of Karnataka from 1979 to 1980. In 1980, he resigned from Congress and joined Karnataka Kranti Ranga, became President of Karnataka State Congress (U), and served as Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Council from 1980 to 1981.

In 2008, he resigned from Congress and joined BJP; subsequently, he became a Member of Parliament in 15th Lok Sabha representing Bangalore North from BJP in 2009. In 2011, he also entered Silver screen by acting in Kannada film Nanna Gopala, produced and directed by writer "Lakshman". He was a member of the Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice; Committee on Subordinate Legislation; and Committee on members of parliament Local Area Development Scheme from 2009.

Elections contested 1971: Lok Sabha member from Chikmagalur (Congress) 1977: Lok Sabha member from Chikmagalur (Congress) Resigned in 1978 to allow Indira Gandhi to contest and enter Lok Sabha 1978–1983: MLC in Karnataka Legislative Council (Congress) Left Congress to join Karnataka Kranti Ranga of Devaraj Urs 1983–1985: M.L.A in 1983 representing Thirthahalli constituency (Janata Party) 1986: Rajya Sabha MP (Janata Party, later renamed Janata Dal) 1989: Karnataka Assembly member representing Thirthahalli constituency (Janata Dal) 1999: M.L.A representing Shringeri (Congress) 2009: Lok Sabha member from Bangalore (North) for BJP

Autobiography An autobiography of D.B. Chandre Gowda with the name Poornachandra was released on the occasion of his 75th birthday by D. V. Sadananda Gowda, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, and B. S. Yeddyurappa, former Chief Minister of Karnataka. Speaking on occasion B. S. Yeddyurappa said:D. V. Sadananda Gowda calling him his friend, philosopher, and the guide said: