Deve Gowda Meets PM Modi, Reiterates JD(S) Strength in Karnataka

Bengaluru, Jan 29: In a development that has caught the attention of political circles in Karnataka, former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) national president H.D. Deve Gowda met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday for discussions on key national and state issues.

Following the meeting, PM Modi took to social media platform X, stating, “Had an excellent meeting with Shri H.D. Deve Gowda Ji. His insights on key issues are noteworthy. Equally admirable is his passion for India’s development.” The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) also shared a post in Kannada highlighting the engagement, signaling its significance in the political landscape of Karnataka.

The meeting comes amid heightened political activity in the state. Recently, Deve Gowda, along with his son and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, organized a massive rally in their home district of Hassan, where they called upon citizens to challenge the Congress-led government in the upcoming Assembly elections. The rally and subsequent statements by the JD(S) leadership have underscored the party’s intent to remain a dominant force in Karnataka politics.

During the silver jubilee public convention of JD(S) held last Saturday, Deve Gowda had strongly criticized the ruling Congress government, accusing it of attempting to politically marginalize his family. He warned that “our time will come,” emphasizing that JD(S) remains resilient despite political pressure.

The Thursday meeting with Prime Minister Modi gains added significance in light of H.D. Kumaraswamy’s remarks acknowledging the growing public support for his potential candidacy as Chief Minister in 2028. Kumaraswamy, however, clarified that his immediate focus remains on guiding the state toward development, citing his prior tenure as Chief Minister twice as experience that positions him to serve effectively.

Speaking at the Hassan convention, Deve Gowda ridiculed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over repeated allegations of vote manipulation, noting that these claims contributed to the party winning only six seats in the recent Bihar Assembly elections. He highlighted JD(S)’s local achievements and development efforts, stating, “Our opponents organized two conventions to destroy JD(S). The people here have answered them. This is my Hassan. I will invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all 18 NDA MPs from the state to Hassan, make them sit together, and get the work done on the IIT sanctioned to Hassan during Kumaraswamy’s tenure. I will also ensure the airport is inaugurated.”

Deve Gowda emphasized that the massive public gathering sent a strong message that JD(S) is “alive and kicking” in Karnataka. He accused the Congress party and its allies of attempting to dismantle JD(S) through targeted conventions in Hassan over the past two-and-a-half years, asserting that the turnout in Hassan demonstrated the party’s enduring support under Kumaraswamy’s leadership.

Referring to MLA H.D. Revanna, Deve Gowda alleged that the ruling establishment tried to harass him and his family. He claimed that police action taken during his stay at his daughter’s residence in Bengaluru targeted Revanna, and he criticized the state government for rewarding the officials involved. Revanna is also the father of former MP Prajwal Revanna, who is currently in jail in connection with a legal case.

Concluding his remarks, Deve Gowda reflected on his long political journey: “I am 93 years old. My soul is clean, and I am not dependent on anyone’s mercy. I have struggled and worked hard. I was defeated once in this district, but the same people elected me to the Lok Sabha in 1991. I bow before them. Despite cases being filed against me, the people stood by me.”

The meeting between Deve Gowda and Prime Minister Modi, coupled with JD(S)’s recent rally in Hassan, underscores the party’s continued relevance in Karnataka and signals the potential political battles that lie ahead in the state.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)