Former PM Deve Gowda Fires Back at Congress Chief Kharge Over Alliance Remarks
In a sharp retort to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's parliamentary comments, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda on Wednesday characterized his past political alliance with the Congress party as a "forced marriage" that turned into an "abusive relationship," ultimately necessitating a "divorce." The exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between the two veteran politicians amid shifting political alignments in Karnataka.
Kharge's Light-Hearted Jab in Parliament
Earlier in the day, during farewell proceedings in Parliament, Mallikarjun Kharge referenced his 54-year association with Deve Gowda while humorously noting the latter's current alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party. "I know Deve Gowda ji for more than 54 years and I worked with him a lot. Later, I don't know what happened... 'Wo mohabbat humare saath kiye, shadi Modi sahab ke sath,'" Kharge remarked, eliciting laughter from fellow MPs including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Deve Gowda's Detailed Rebuttal in Letter Form
Responding via a detailed letter after departing for Bengaluru's Ugadi celebrations, Deve Gowda clarified his political trajectory. "If I were to respond to my friend in the same language of marriage, I would like to say that I was in a 'forced marriage' with the Congress but had to 'divorce' them because it was an abusive relationship," he wrote, directly addressing Kharge's metaphor.
The former Prime Minister elaborated on specific grievances, accusing Congress of "dumping" his Janata Dal (Secular) party after the 2018 Karnataka political maneuvers. He recalled that Congress leaders, including Ghulam Nabi Azad, had offered the chief ministerial post to his son Kumaraswamy despite Deve Gowda's preference for Kharge himself. "However, Shri Azad insisted on Shri Kumaraswamy's leadership. But after all this song, dance, and a wedding, what did they do in 2019? They dumped us," he asserted.
Historical Context and Political Realignments
The relationship between Deve Gowda and Congress has been historically complex. Deve Gowda served as Prime Minister in 1996 leading a United Front government backed by Congress support, marking a significant phase of cooperation. In Karnataka politics, his JD(S) has subsequently alternated between opposing and partnering with Congress, reflecting the state's volatile coalition dynamics.
Deve Gowda further alleged that Congress's failure to address internal defections to the BJP weakened Kharge's current position as AICC President. "If Congress had acted against the person who instigated defection that day, today my friend Shri Kharge would be in a better position as AICC President," he contended, emphasizing that Congress initiated the separation rather than his party.
Parliamentary Proceedings and Broader Political Climate
The exchange occurred during a session where Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed retiring members, urging continued public service. "There is no full stop in politics. The future is waiting for you," PM Modi stated, while encouraging newly elected members to learn from senior leaders like Deve Gowda, Kharge, and Sharad Pawar.
PM Modi additionally highlighted the importance of parliamentary humor, singling out Ramdas Athawale for keeping "wit and satire alive" in the House. The session marked the retirement of 37 Rajya Sabha members, including notable figures such as Priyanka Chaturvedi, Tiruchi Siva, and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, following elections across 10 states that have reshaped the Upper House's composition.
These political developments, including opposition abstentions in states like Bihar that benefited the NDA, underscore the evolving landscape of Indian politics where historical alliances are continually reassessed against contemporary realities.
