Bengaluru, Dec 26 (NationPress) Former Prime Minister and JD-S Rajya Sabha member H.D. Deve Gowda expressed his strong disapproval of the recent attacks on churches across various cities in India, calling them unacceptable. He emphasized that India is a nation for people of all faiths.

While addressing the media in Bengaluru, Deve Gowda remarked, "The attacks on churches yesterday are deeply reprehensible. It is imperative for all of us to denounce such actions unequivocally."

He further stated, "This nation is not exclusive to Hindus or Muslims; it belongs to individuals of all religions. Swift action must be taken against those responsible for these attacks. The location of the incidents should not influence the response; action is necessary wherever these assaults occur."

In reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to a church for prayers, Deve Gowda noted, "Prime Minister Modi visited a church yesterday and offered his prayers. The state governments need to address this matter, and the Prime Minister should be vigilant about it."

Commenting on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's upcoming 'AHINDA' convention on January 25, Deve Gowda highlighted that the Congress party chief had already spoken on the topic, while he himself is planning a convention in Hassan on January 23.

He raised questions about the definition of 'AHINDA' and who is responsible for providing reservations to women and Muslims, as well as the Nayaka community.

"I won't claim to have launched Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's political journey. He can express his views about me as he wishes," Deve Gowda stated, recalling Siddaramaiah's previous association with the JD-S before joining Congress.

He reminisced about visiting Siddaramaiah after the loss of his son and noted that Siddaramaiah's second son is a doctor and involved in politics.

“When Siddaramaiah asked me how long I would continue working at this age, I replied that once all of you are gone, someone must safeguard this party,” he added.

Deve Gowda mentioned that during Siddaramaiah's initial term as Chief Minister, it took him nearly a year to choose whether to contest the Assembly elections from Kolar or Badami. "If an AHINDA leader struggled to find a constituency despite extensive discussions, how much deliberation occurred?" he questioned.

It is worth noting that after his first term as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah lost from the Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency, which he had historically represented, and narrowly won from Badami in north Karnataka in 2018.

“If you were genuinely an AHINDA leader, you should have contested from anywhere. Ultimately, you opted for your son’s Varuna constituency in the 2023 Assembly elections. Is this what AHINDA stands for?” Deve Gowda remarked.

In announcing party activities, Deve Gowda stated a convention is set for January 23, 2026, in Hassan. “Wherever our party has a presence, it is challenging to coordinate in district, taluk, city municipal councils, and town municipalities. We will participate in local body elections independently,” he mentioned.

He added that a workers’ meeting is scheduled in Bengaluru on January 18, 2026, and that the JD(S) has informed the BJP of their intention to contest independently in areas where they are strong. He noted that Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and JD(S) MLA H.D. Revanna have discussed this matter.

Deve Gowda suggested that a program related to Bengaluru city is also necessary. “The BJP secured four Lok Sabha seats in Bengaluru. Kumaraswamy and I have talked about this. Seat-sharing with the BJP in local body elections is not feasible,” he stated.

“We’ve won five seats in the Maharashtra local body elections. We will establish seat-sharing arrangements for the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections,” he added.

He mentioned discussions will be conducted regarding local body elections, but seat-sharing for these elections cannot be discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “We will negotiate seat-sharing for Assembly and Lok Sabha elections with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah,” he said.

Challenging the Congress, Deve Gowda asked in which election the party had used images of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. “If such an occurrence exists, show me the poster,” he challenged.

He also indicated that the JD-S would collaborate with Left parties in Kerala.

Referring to BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra, Deve Gowda remarked that he is a young individual working with great enthusiasm.