Deve Gowda turns 94: Modi, Rajnath Singh lead birthday tributes to former PM
Synopsis
At 94, H.D. Deve Gowda received birthday greetings from PM Modi, Rajnath Singh, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, and other top leaders — a cross-party show of respect for a politician who still vows to bring JD(S) back to power in Karnataka.
Key Takeaways
Deve Gowda turned 94 on 18 May 2025 , drawing nationwide birthday greetings.
PM Narendra Modi posted wishes on X , praising Deve Gowda's policy understanding and commitment to the marginalised.
Rajnath Singh highlighted Deve Gowda's role in safeguarding farmers' interests .
Deve Gowda served as Chief Minister of Karnataka and Prime Minister of India in 1996 , and founded the Janata Dal (Secular) .
His son, Union Minister H.D.
Kumaraswamy , paid an emotional tribute calling his father's journey exemplary.
Deve Gowda has vowed to return JD(S) to power in Karnataka despite his age.
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda turned 94 on Monday, 18 May, drawing a wave of birthday greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and a host of national and state leaders who lauded his decades of public service and unwavering commitment to farmers' welfare.
A Life in Public Service
Born in Hassan district, Karnataka, Deve Gowda rose through grassroots politics to serve as Chief Minister of Karnataka before ascending to the country's highest executive office as Prime Minister of India in 1996. He is the founder and guiding force of the Janata Dal (Secular), and has vowed — even at 94 — to steer the party back to power in Karnataka.
PM Modi and Senior Leaders Extend Wishes
Prime Minister Modi posted his greetings on social media platform X, writing: 'Best wishes to H.D. Deve Gowda Ji on his birthday. He has made an outstanding contribution to our nation during his long years in public life. He is known for his deep understanding of policy-related issues and passion towards serving the marginalised. Praying for his long and healthy life.'
Rajnath Singh said: 'Greetings and warm wishes to former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda ji on his birthday. He has made noteworthy contribution to India's development, particularly in safeguarding the interests of farmers. Praying for his good health and long life.'
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla added: 'Warm birthday wishes to former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda Ji. Your commitment towards the welfare of people is truly admirable. Praying for your good health and a long life.'
Karnataka and State Leaders Join In
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah conveyed his greetings, stating: 'Birthday wishes to former Prime Minister and senior political leader H.D. Deve Gowda. I pray that God blesses you with good health and long life so that you may continue serving the people of the state for many more years.'
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described Deve Gowda as 'a statesman of our times,' saying the country continued to look to his guidance, enriched by decades of political experience.
Son Kumaraswamy Pays Emotional Tribute
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, Deve Gowda's son, offered an emotional tribute, calling his father's journey of struggle, sacrifice, and dedication exemplary. Kumaraswamy said Deve Gowda's ideals would continue to inspire generations, and prayed for his long life, good health, and the strength to keep serving the nation.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav also extended heartfelt wishes, praying for Deve Gowda's health and prosperity.
What's Next for JD(S)
Even as tributes poured in, Deve Gowda's political ambitions for the Janata Dal (Secular) remain very much alive. His stated resolve to return the party to power in Karnataka ensures that his 94th birthday is not merely a milestone of longevity, but a marker of continued political relevance in a state where the JD(S) seeks to reclaim lost ground.
Point of View
At least ceremonially. Yet the real story is his continued political relevance: a 94-year-old vowing to revive JD(S) in Karnataka is either a testament to extraordinary resilience or a sign of a party that has yet to cultivate credible second-generation leadership beyond the Gowda family. The birthday greetings, warm as they are, cannot mask the structural challenge facing JD(S) in a state now dominated by the BJP and Congress.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is H.D. Deve Gowda in 2025?
H.D. Deve Gowda turned 94 on 18 May 2025. He was born in Hassan district, Karnataka, and has been active in Indian politics for several decades.
What did PM Modi say on Deve Gowda's birthday?
PM Modi posted on X: 'Best wishes to H.D. Deve Gowda Ji on his birthday. He has made an outstanding contribution to our nation during his long years in public life.' He also praised Deve Gowda's understanding of policy issues and his passion for serving the marginalised.
Who is H.D. Deve Gowda?
H.D. Deve Gowda is a veteran Indian politician from Karnataka who served as Chief Minister of Karnataka and then as Prime Minister of India in 1996. He is the founder of the Janata Dal (Secular) and remains the party's guiding force.
What is Deve Gowda's political ambition at 94?
Despite his age, Deve Gowda has vowed to bring the Janata Dal (Secular) back to power in Karnataka. The party currently operates as a significant but non-dominant force in the state's political landscape.
How did H.D. Kumaraswamy mark his father's birthday?
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Deve Gowda's son, paid an emotional tribute describing his father's journey of struggle, sacrifice, and dedication as exemplary. He said Deve Gowda's ideals would inspire generations and prayed for his long life and good health.
