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.

In 1996, he became the founder member & President of Sir M Vishweshwaraiah sahakar Bank Niyamitha.

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