Former Karnataka governor, India's lone woman CEC Ramadevi dies at 79

Bangalore, Apr 18 (PTI): Former Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh Governor V S Ramadevi, the only woman to head the Election Commission, died here on Wednesday following cardiac arrest, family sources said.

79 year-old Ramadevi was not suffering from any ailment and was leading an active life despite her old age, the sources said.

"In fact, she had lunch and spoke to some relatives over the phone before she suffered a massive cardiac arrest", they said.

Born on March 15, 1934, Ms Ramadevi was the Chief Election Commissioner of India from November 26, 1990 to December 11, 1990. She was the only woman to hold the post. She was succeeded by TN Sheshan.

She had served as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh from July 26, 1997 to December 1, 1999 and as the Governor of Karnataka from December 2, 1999 to May 20, 2002.

State mourning

The State has declared a three day mourning from April 17 to April 19. The National flag will fly at half mast atop all government buildings.

She is survived by her son V S Rakesh, daughters V S Rekha, V S Radhika Choudhary and four sisters. Former chief minister S M Krishna has condoled her death.

With DHNS Inputs.