My relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not end because of one Rajya Sabha seat: H.D. Deve Gowda

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi with former Prime Minister and JD(S) president H.D. Deve Gowda in New Delhi in a 2024 file photo. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

Stating that he had not asked BJP to nominate him to the Rajya Sabha, former Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda, whose political career in public office is ending with the completion of his term in Rajya Sabha on June 25, said his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not linked to his nomination.

“I have developed a close relationship with Mr. Modi since 2014 though (Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister) Chandrababu Naidu and I had expressed our feelings strongly against Mr. Modi on Godhra issue when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. My relationship with the Prime Minister will not end because of one Rajya Sabha seat,” said the nonagenarian leader who has been in active politics for over six decades.

“I may meet him or write to him on issues concerning the State. I have justified and supported Mr. Modi’s leadership, and stood with him to see country’s all round development. I had told Mr. Kumaraswamy to go with Mr. Modi,” he said, addressing a press meet in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The statement of the veteran leader and founder of Janata Dal (Secular), which is BJP’s ally in National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comes after the Congress leaders attacked the BJP over denial of re-nomination, and said it was “humiliation and insult” heaped on the JD (S) supremo.

“If I was interested in contesting I would have discussed the matter with Prime Minister and Home Minister (Amit Shah) when I went to Delhi for a book release on May 26. I did not discuss it with anyone,” the former Prime Minister told presspersons. “You (media) gave me publicity saying that my name is also being considered with other names. I am thankful.”

Reminiscing on his political career, the Vokkaliga leader said, “I am 93. How long has it been since I came to politics through the election to Taluk Development Board in 1960? Before that I was electe