Bengaluru, Jan 24 (NationPress) Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) national president H.D. Deve Gowda fiercely criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government on Saturday, accusing it of attempting to politically dismantle his family and asserting that “our time will come”.

Deve Gowda further ridiculed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding claims of vote theft, arguing that consistently bringing up the matter only led to the party securing a mere six seats in the Bihar Assembly elections.

During a significant gathering in Hassan, Deve Gowda proclaimed that the event served as a powerful declaration that the JD(S) is “alive and kicking” in the state. He remarked that the ruling Congress party and its allies had organized two conventions in Hassan over the last two-and-a-half years with the intention of undermining the JD(S) and emphasized that this assembly would demonstrate to the nation that the party remains robust under the leadership of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

He indicated that the gathering should also act as a message to those who attempted to undermine MLA H.D. Revanna by orchestrating conventions in the district.

“The turnout here has communicated a strong message to those in power in the state. The people are expressing their support for Deve Gowda and Revanna. Our adversaries may engage in manipulation, but the moment will arrive. When I assert this, I have faith in the Almighty. Just wait a while,” he warned.

“Our adversaries orchestrated two conventions to obliterate the JD(S). The citizens have responded decisively. This is my Hassan. I will extend an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all 18 NDA MPs from the state to gather in Hassan, ensuring they collaborate on the IIT project sanctioned during Kumaraswamy’s term. Additionally, I will see to it that the airport is inaugurated,” he stated.

“Youth, mothers, and individuals from across the state have assembled here to deliver a fitting response to those towering figures who sought to diminish us. Despite my health issues—I undergo dialysis three times a week—this district has supported me since the 1960s and contributed to my rise as Prime Minister. I have never wronged any state,” he remarked.

“Our nation comprises diverse castes and religions, with a population of 150 crores. The Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, visited Hassan and claimed that Deve Gowda acted as a mediator for the BJP. Today, we are partners with the BJP and part of the NDA. Kumaraswamy is managing the Heavy Industries portfolio at the Centre,” he noted.

In reference to MLA Revanna, Deve Gowda stated, “Revanna dedicated his efforts to this district and worked tirelessly for its progress. While I was at my daughter’s residence in Bengaluru, police arrived and arrested him. Today, SIT officials are being rewarded by those in power in the state for that,” he alleged.

He reiterated claims that rewards had been announced for SIT officers who, he asserted, sought to dismantle MLA Revanna and his family. It is significant to note that Revanna is the father of former MP Prajwal Revanna, who is currently in jail facing allegations related to a sex CD and rape case.

“At 93 years old, my conscience is clear, and I am not reliant on anyone’s kindness. I have persevered and labored diligently. Although I faced defeat in this district once, the same populace elected me to the Lok Sabha in 1991. I express my gratitude to them. Despite facing legal challenges, the people remained loyal to me,” he reflected.

“Kumaraswamy acquired land 25 years ago after making payments, yet legal issues have arisen against him. Their intention is to obliterate Revanna and his sons. Why? Because with your support, he ensured development across communities through institutions such as the Zilla Panchayat, dairy, and district banks. They could not tolerate this,” he claimed.

“This Deve Gowda was once labeled a mediator for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Now, we are part of the NDA and in power. There is much work ahead. I may not know how long I will live, but during that time, I aspire to bring economic empowerment to every family in this district,” he concluded.

Once again mocking Rahul Gandhi, he stated, “Rahul Gandhi asserts that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ruined the economy. Who is Rahul Gandhi? He continuously speaks of vote theft and managed to secure only six seats in the Bihar Assembly elections. The Congress governs in merely three states. In Karnataka, the government rewards those who arrested Revanna and his family members,” he asserted.

“Should I disclose everything that has transpired in the state? I will maintain my dignity,” he said.

Emphasizing his contributions, Deve Gowda stated, “Who was responsible for the first-ever 33 percent reservation for women in local bodies in the country? It was Deve Gowda. Regarding internal reservations, I reached out to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The SC reservation was raised from 15 percent to 18 percent, and ST reservation from 3 percent to 5 percent, bringing the total reservation to 23 percent,” he added.

He urged the state government, stating, “Let Kumaraswamy take charge in the state. He aspires to establish industrial clusters and revitalize public sector industries.”