Karnataka has the dubious record of not a single chief minister completing the full term of five years since Deveraj Urs quit in 1980. In the last 29 years, 12 chief ministers have ruled the state heading 16 different governments, with Ramakrishna Hegde completing a hat-trick. Congress leader SM Krishna came close to breaking the jinx, but he called for fresh elections, six months before the end of his term (1999-2004).

Now with the BS Yeddyurappa government going through a period of turmoil, DNA’s D Vasudevan takes a close look at the chequered political history of the state with an array of images from photojournalists A Veeramani, Mohan Kumar BN and Bangalore News Photos.

R Gundu Rao 12th January, 1980 - 6th January 1983

Gundu Rao (second from right) with Congress leader Oscar Fernandes (right). Rao was the first Brahmin leader to become the CM with the split in the Congress. Many deserted Devraj Urs, who revolted against Indira Gandhi, and it paved the way for Rao to take over as the CM. He took steps to improve Bangalore city. Majestic bus terminal was built during his tenure.