Bengaluru, June 10: Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) patron H.D. Deve Gowda responded to Congress’s allegations that the BJP has disrespected Karnataka by not nominating him for the Rajya Sabha. He emphasized that his personal friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not contingent on a Rajya Sabha seat and will endure for life.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Deve Gowda stated that his relationship with PM Modi has developed over the past decade based on mutual respect. “My friendship and personal connection with Prime Minister Modi will last as long as I live. Our relationship is not dependent on a Rajya Sabha seat, nor will it end if I do not have one,” he remarked.
He clarified that he has no personal interest in the Rajya Sabha nomination, noting that Central Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has already expressed his views on the matter. With only 18 JD(S) legislators in the assembly, he acknowledged that the party is not in a position to win a Rajya Sabha seat on its own.
Deve Gowda praised PM Modi’s leadership, stating that he has worked for the social and economic development of the country, providing stable leadership for India. He mentioned that he has supported PM Modi’s leadership whenever he deemed it appropriate and had previously advised Kumaraswamy to collaborate with him.
“Our good relationship has persisted for the last ten years. PM Modi has enhanced India’s reputation globally, earning respect both domestically and internationally,” he added.
During the conversation, Deve Gowda dismissed speculation that he could be sent to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh or any other state. He reiterated that he is not demanding any seat and is focused on strengthening the party.
“I have been in politics for seven decades, dedicated to public service. My current goal is to fortify the party organization,” he stated.
Reflecting on his political journey, he mentioned that he began his public life with gram panchayats and cooperatives, eventually becoming a legislator, Chief Minister, and Prime Minister.
He shared that his immediate focus is on strengthening the JD(S) organization for the upcoming Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), district panchayat, taluk panchayat, and other local body elections. He assured that he would campaign wherever the party sends him.
Despite not being a Rajya Sabha member, he will continue to communicate with PM Modi regarding issues related to Karnataka. “I can write to the Prime Minister about state interests and meet him if necessary. A Rajya Sabha seat does not define our relationship,” he affirmed.
Deve Gowda also mentioned that Central Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy will continue his public service at the national level.
In conclusion, he highlighted the need to promote jackfruit cultivation in Karnataka’s agricultural sector. He noted that during a recent fruit festival in Lalbagh, Bengaluru, he observed extensive jackfruit farming in districts like Mandya, Ramanagara, Davanagere, and Mysuru, while some northern Karnataka districts faced losses due to adverse weather.
He stressed the importance of better marketing for farmers and agricultural products, especially fruits.
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