Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) patriarch H.D. Deve Gowda on Wednesday, 10 June firmly stated that his personal friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would endure regardless of whether he secured a Rajya Sabha seat, pushing back against Congress criticism that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had insulted Karnataka by not backing his nomination.

Deve Gowda on the Modi Relationship

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Deve Gowda drew a clear line between political arithmetic and personal bonds. 'My friendship and personal relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue as long as I live. Our relationship does not end because of a Rajya Sabha seat. People of the state and the country should not think that our association exists because of one Rajya Sabha seat,' he said.

He emphasised that the ties between him and Modi were rooted in mutual respect built over a decade, and should not be read through the lens of parliamentary nominations. Notably, Deve Gowda said he had publicly backed Modi's leadership on multiple occasions and had even advised his son, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, to work closely with the Prime Minister.

The Numbers Problem for JD(S)

Deve Gowda was candid about the party's limited legislative strength. The JD(S), with only 18 members in the Karnataka Assembly, does not have the numbers required to independently win a Rajya Sabha seat. 'We have only 18 members. We cannot win a Rajya Sabha seat on our own. There is not much more I can say on the issue,' he remarked.

He also dismissed speculation about a possible nomination from another state, including Uttar Pradesh, saying he was not seeking a seat and that his priority was strengthening the party organisation.

Focus on Upcoming Local Body Elections

The 93-year-old veteran said his immediate focus was rebuilding the JD(S) ahead of several key elections — the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) polls, Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections, and other local body contests. 'Wherever the party asks me to go, I will campaign and address public meetings,' he said.

Deve Gowda also made clear that a Rajya Sabha seat would not affect his access to the Prime Minister on Karnataka's issues. 'I can still write to the Prime Minister and meet him whenever necessary regarding the state's interests,' he said.

Modi's Global Standing and Deve Gowda's Praise

Reflecting on 10 years of the BJP-led government at the Centre, Deve Gowda credited Modi with delivering stable governance and raising India's international standing. 'He has enhanced India's position globally, and today there is respect for him not only in India but also abroad,' he said.

He added that Kumaraswamy would continue serving as a Union Minister and contributing to national public service.

A Note on Karnataka Agriculture

Deve Gowda also turned to Karnataka's agricultural sector, highlighting jackfruit cultivation across districts including Mandya, Ramanagara, Davanagere, and Mysuru. He noted that growers in some northern Karnataka districts were facing losses due to adverse weather, and stressed the need for better marketing support for fruit farmers across the state. His remarks came after a visit to a fruit festival at Lalbagh in Bengaluru.

With the GBA elections approaching, Deve Gowda's public positioning — distancing himself from the Rajya Sabha controversy while reaffirming ties with Modi — signals a deliberate effort to keep the JD(S)-BJP alliance intact at the ground level.