Bengaluru, Jan 29 (NationPress) In a significant encounter, former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) national leader H.D. Deve Gowda engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

Prime Minister Modi shared on social media platform X, "Had a productive meeting with Shri H.D. Deve Gowda Ji. His perspectives on pressing matters are commendable. His commitment to India’s progress is equally impressive."

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) also released a statement in Kannada, which has sparked conversations in the political arena of the state.

This meeting gains importance as Deve Gowda and his son, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, are planning a large rally in their hometown of Hassan, urging residents to unseat the Congress-led administration in the upcoming Assembly elections.

It’s notable that Deve Gowda criticized the Congress-led government in Karnataka during the JD(S) silver jubilee public convention, accusing it of attempts to politically undermine his family and asserting that “our time will come.”

Additionally, the meeting between Deve Gowda and Prime Minister Modi is significant, especially with Kumaraswamy acknowledging public enthusiasm for his potential candidacy as Chief Minister in 2028. He, however, stressed his focus on steering the state positively, having previously served as Chief Minister twice.

Deve Gowda also ridiculed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over allegations of vote manipulation, remarking that such claims led his party to secure only six seats in the Bihar Assembly elections.

“Our rivals held two conventions to undermine the JD(S). The citizens have responded. This is my Hassan. I will host Prime Minister Modi and all 18 NDA MPs from the state in Hassan to collaboratively advance the IIT project approved during Kumaraswamy's administration. I will also ensure the airport is inaugurated,” Gowda stated.

Deve Gowda emphasized that the gathering signified the JD(S) is “alive and thriving” in the state.

He mentioned that the ruling Congress party and its allies convened twice in Hassan over the past two-and-a-half years to eliminate the JD(S) and asserted that the assembly would demonstrate to the nation that the party remains robust under the guidance of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Referring to MLA H.D. Revanna, Deve Gowda stated, “Revanna dedicated himself tirelessly for this district and fought for its progress. In an effort to destroy him, police arrested him while I was staying at my daughter's residence in Bengaluru. Today, those in power in the state are rewarding SIT officers for that action,” he alleged.

He reiterated that rewards were announced for SIT officers who allegedly attempted to harm MLA Revanna and his family. It’s crucial to note that Revanna is the father of former MP Prajwal Revanna, who is currently incarcerated in connection with a sex CD and rape case.

“I am 93 years old. My conscience is clear, and I do not rely on anyone’s favor. I have endured and labored. Although I faced defeat once in this district, the same populace elected me to the Lok Sabha in 1991. I bow before them. Despite facing legal challenges, the people stood by me,” he reflected.