After being elected for the first time as MLA from Shahapur (Karnataka), he became the minister of state for power in 1996 under J.H.

[3][4][5] On 14 February 2022 he was appointed the member of KKRDB Board along with 11 other MLAs belonging to the Hyderabad Karnataka Region.

[6] In 2023 Karnataka state assembly elections, Darshanapur was re-elected as an MLA from Shahapur constituency in Yadgir district.

Before entering into politics, he worked as an Assistant engineer in Lift Irrigation Corp. Bijapur from 1985 to 1989.

Late Bapu Gowda had also served as Minister for Small Scale Industries, Chief whip and Chairman of KHB.