Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Thursday dismissed the Congress party's criticism of his close ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that his relationship with the BJP leader was not driven by any personal or political gain, including a Rajya Sabha berth for his family members.
Deve Gowda defends friendship with PM Modi
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, the 93-year-old veteran politician said, "My relationship with Narendra Modi is based on mutual respect and admiration, not on any quid pro quo. I have never asked him for anything for myself or my family. The allegations that I am cozying up to him for a Rajya Sabha seat for my son or grandson are baseless and mischievous."
Deve Gowda's comments came in response to the Congress party's repeated jibes that the JD(S) leader was aligning with the BJP to secure a Rajya Sabha nomination for his grandson, Prajwal Revanna, or his son, H D Revanna. The Congress had earlier accused Deve Gowda of compromising his secular credentials by praising Modi.
Congress's criticism and Gowda's rebuttal
The Congress party, which is the main opposition in Karnataka, has been targeting Deve Gowda ever since he praised Modi's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the government's handling of the economy. State Congress president D K Shivakumar had said, "Deve Gowda's sudden love for Modi is suspicious. He is only thinking about his family's political future."
However, Deve Gowda hit back, saying, "I have been in politics for over six decades. I don't need anyone to teach me about secularism or political morality. My support for Modi is based on issues that benefit the nation and the state of Karnataka."
Political ramifications in Karnataka
Analysts see Deve Gowda's defense as an attempt to quell speculation about a possible JD(S)-BJP alliance in the upcoming state assembly elections. The JD(S) has been a key player in Karnataka's politics, often holding the balance of power. While the party has traditionally been seen as a third front, recent statements from its leaders have hinted at a closer relationship with the BJP.
Deve Gowda, however, clarified that his party would contest the elections independently. "We are not in any alliance with the BJP or the Congress. We will fight the elections on our own strength and ideology," he said.
Family and political legacy
The former prime minister also addressed questions about his family's political future. "My son H D Revanna is a seasoned politician and has been an MLA for many terms. My grandson Prajwal Revanna is also a capable leader. They don't need any favors from anyone. Their political careers are based on their own hard work and public support," he said.
Deve Gowda's statement comes at a time when the political landscape in Karnataka is heating up ahead of the 2023 assembly elections. The Congress is hoping to wrest power from the BJP, while the JD(S) is looking to regain its lost ground.
In conclusion, Deve Gowda's emphatic denial of any ulterior motives behind his relationship with PM Modi underscores the complex dynamics of Karnataka politics, where alliances and personal equations often shape electoral outcomes.
