Key facts
- Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda stated his personal relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not contingent on a Rajya Sabha nomination.
- Deve Gowda refuted rumors of a rift between his party, JD(S), and the BJP.
- He affirmed that the NDA bond with PM Modi will continue until his last breath.
- Deve Gowda praised Modi's leadership and international influence.
Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has refuted speculations of a rift between his party, JD(S), and the BJP following his exclusion from Rajya Sabha election nominations. Deve Gowda stated that his personal bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi transcends political considerations and that the NDA alliance will continue.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Deve Gowda emphasized that his relationship with PM Modi has been personal for the past decade and that he has consistently supported Modi's leadership. He expressed his belief that no other leader can compete with Modi and noted an increase in India's economic strength under his tenure, with significant international influence.
Deve Gowda explicitly stated, "There is no need to think that the NDA relationship will end because of a Rajya Sabha seat. This NDA bond will continue till my last breath." This assertion comes amidst rumors, fueled partly by Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala's comments, which highlighted perceived "humiliation" of the JD(S) by the BJP. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy had previously retorted to Congress's remarks, reminding them of their past actions against Deve Gowda.