Deve Gowda, 94, rules out BJP-JD(S) rift, vows to keep fighting for Karnataka
Synopsis
At 94, H.D. Deve Gowda isn't slowing down — and he wants the political world to know it. On his birthday, the former PM dismissed BJP-JD(S) rift talk outright, pledged to address public grievances at a 20 May press conference, and hinted JD(S) has its own reading of South India's 2028 political map. A patriarch signalling relevance, not retirement.
Key Takeaways
Deve Gowda on 18 May ruled out any rift between the BJP and JD(S) within the NDA .
Speaking on his 94th birthday in Bengaluru , he reaffirmed cordial ties with PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah .
Deve Gowda vowed to continue public work despite his age, invoking his 68 years in public life.
He urged JD(S) workers to remain disciplined and fulfil responsibilities set by H.D.
A press conference on 20 May is scheduled to address pressing issues facing Karnataka and the country.
On the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections , Deve Gowda remained cautious but signalled JD(S) would contest Congress's claims of southern dominance.
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda on Monday, 18 May firmly dismissed any possibility of a rupture between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)], reaffirming that the two parties' partnership within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) remains solid. The veteran leader made the remarks in Bengaluru while speaking to reporters after offering special prayers at the Venkateshwara Temple in J.P. Nagar on the occasion of his 94th birthday.
On the BJP-JD(S) Alliance
Deve Gowda was categorical that the NDA coalition in Karnataka faces no existential threat. 'We are partners in the NDA. We have good relations with PM Modi and Amit Shah. There will not be any crisis in this alliance. Even if difficult situations arise during the course of this political struggle, we will sit together, resolve them and continue the fight,' he said.
He added that the JD(S) shared cordial ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and expressed no anxiety about the alliance's durability given the strength of those personal and political bonds.
A Resolve That Age Has Not Dimmed
Turning 94, Deve Gowda signalled he has no intention of stepping back from public life. 'I will continue to work for the people of the state to the best of my ability. I have made a firm resolve to continue fighting for the problems of the people for some more time. I will not sit at home just because I have turned 93. Even if required, I will move around in a wheelchair,' he said — a remark that underscored his characteristic determination after 68 years in public life.
On Congress and South India's Political Landscape
Responding to questions about the Congress party's claims of dominance in southern states, Deve Gowda was measured but pointed. He acknowledged that Congress leaders often projected strength in Kerala, Telangana, and Karnataka, but reserved judgement on the region's political trajectory. 'Let us wait and see what happens in the future. I do not want to speak much about it now. I will speak when the appropriate time comes,' he remarked. The comment is being read as a signal that JD(S) intends to contest the narrative ahead of the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections.
Call to Party Workers and What Comes Next
Deve Gowda urged JD(S) cadres to remain disciplined and execute responsibilities assigned at the taluk and district levels by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, the party's senior leader. 'I appeal to party workers and legislators to work sincerely as disciplined soldiers of the party and carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them with dedication,' he said.
He also flagged worsening public grievances and announced a press conference on 20 May to address issues concerning both Karnataka and the country at large. The announcement suggests the veteran leader is preparing for a more active political phase despite his age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Deve Gowda say about the BJP-JD(S) alliance?
Deve Gowda firmly stated there can be no rift between the BJP and JD(S), describing the NDA partnership as robust. He said the two parties would resolve any difficulties together and continue their political fight.
Why did Deve Gowda make this statement?
He was speaking to reporters on his 94th birthday after offering prayers at the Venkateshwara Temple in Bengaluru's J.P. Nagar. Questions about the alliance's health and the 2028 Karnataka elections prompted his remarks.
What is Deve Gowda's position on the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections?
Deve Gowda said JD(S) is a partner in the NDA and has good relations with BJP leadership. He was cautious about predicting the political landscape, saying he would speak 'when the appropriate time comes.'
What did Deve Gowda announce for 20 May?
He announced a press conference on 20 May to address what he described as serious problems facing the people of Karnataka and the country, following an earlier media interaction on the same concerns.
How long has Deve Gowda been in public life?
Deve Gowda stated he has spent 68 years in public life fighting for people's causes. Despite turning 94, he vowed to continue working and said he would move around in a wheelchair if necessary rather than retire from public service.
