Deve Gowda Retorts to Kharge, Labels Congress Tie-Up as 'Forced Marriage'
Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda has issued a sharp rebuttal to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, characterizing his previous political alliance with the Congress party as a "forced marriage" that culminated in a "divorce" due to what he termed an "abusive relationship." This response came after Kharge made light-hearted remarks in the Rajya Sabha, prompting a heated exchange in the political arena.
Kharge's Parliamentary Jibe Sparks Controversy
During a farewell session for retiring members in the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, who also serves as the All India Congress Committee (AICC) President, reminisced about his long-standing association with Deve Gowda. Kharge humorously noted, "I have known Devegowda for a long time — 54 years — and have worked with him. But I do not know what happened. He fell in love with us, but married Modi sahab (Prime Minister Narendra Modi)." The analogy elicited laughter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present in the chamber, and quickly gained traction in local media coverage.
Deve Gowda's Detailed Rebuttal on Social Media
In a detailed statement posted on the social media platform 'X', Deve Gowda addressed Kharge's comments directly. He explained that he was not present in the Rajya Sabha during Kharge's speech because he had to depart for Bengaluru to attend Ugadi celebrations. Gowda stated, "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 elaborated on the historical context, recalling the 2018 political maneuvers in Karnataka. According to Gowda, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad had offered the chief minister's post to his son, H.D. Kumaraswamy, without his consent. "I did not consent to this," Gowda asserted, adding that he had advocated for Kharge to be appointed Chief Minister instead, with Siddaramaiah also present during the discussions.
Allegations of Betrayal and Defection
Deve Gowda further accused the Congress of betrayal, highlighting the events of 2019. He claimed that after the alliance was formed, Congress MLAs defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move he insinuated was orchestrated by the Congress itself. "How many Congress MLAs defected to the BJP and who sent them across is now common knowledge," he remarked. Gowda suggested that if the Congress had taken action against those responsible for the defections, Kharge might be in a stronger position as AICC President today.
In his concluding remarks, Deve Gowda emphasized that he did not abandon the Congress alliance but was left with no alternative. "So to put the record straight, I did not desert the Congress alliance. It is they who walked away. They left me with no choice but to 'divorce' them and seek a more stable alliance," he stated, justifying his subsequent alignment with the BJP.
Political Implications and Reactions
This exchange underscores the ongoing tensions and realignments in Karnataka's political landscape, particularly between the JD(S) and Congress. Deve Gowda's use of marital metaphors to describe political relationships has sparked discussions about alliance dynamics and trust in Indian politics. The incident highlights the personal and strategic rifts that often shape coalition politics, with both parties leveraging historical narratives to bolster their current positions.
As the political discourse continues, observers are keenly watching how this public spat might influence future electoral strategies and alliances in Karnataka and beyond. The detailed rebuttal from Deve Gowda adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate web of state and national politics.
