R. Gundu Rao

Who was R. Gundu Rao?

R. Gundu Rao was the Chief Minister of Karnataka state from 1980 to 1983.

Rao was born in Kushalanagara of Kodagu district on 8 April 1937. His parents were K. Rama Rao and Chinnamma. His father was a Headmaster in a local school. He studied in Ammathi High school. He was a well-known Ball Badminton Player in Kodagu and had won numerous trophies.

He began his political career as Town Municipality President of Kushalanagar, a position in which he served for 10 years. Later, He was elected as MLA from Somwarpet in 1972 and 1978. He served as minister in the government of D.Devaraj urs and also, as a Leader of Opposition for a brief period.

He became the first Brahmin Chief minister of Karnataka after the collapse of the Devaraj Urs government. As Chief Minister, Gundu Rao was responsible for the construction of the Majestic bus station in Bangalore, which is today known as Kempegowda Bus Station. He also sanctioned numerous Medical and Engineering Colleges in Karnataka. The Cauvery IInd Stage was completed within a year and half during his tenure. He was also responsible for the construction of the "Kala Mandira" in Mysore.

The Gokak agitation seeking supremacy for Kannada in the administration and education of Karnataka as well as the police firing on farmers at Nargund and Navalgund were the low points during his tenure as Chief minister. While he was acknowledged as an efficient administrator, he was more well known for his flamboyance, boldness and outspokenness.