Bengaluru: Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) national president H. D. Deve Gowda on Wednesday firmly dismissed speculation surrounding a possible Rajya Sabha nomination, asserting that he has no personal ambition to return to Parliament through the Upper House and that his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes far beyond political considerations.
Addressing a packed press conference at the JD(S) state headquarters, JP Bhavan, Deve Gowda said discussions over a Rajya Sabha seat were unnecessary and had been blown out of proportion.
“I have spent nearly 70 years in public life. I have no ambition to become a Rajya Sabha member. Public service has always been more important to me than holding power or office,” the veteran leader said.
Opening up on the debate that has dominated political circles in recent days, the former Prime Minister said he attached no importance to claims that he had been insulted over the Rajya Sabha issue.
“Some people are happily discussing the matter, but there is no meaning in such speculation. The discussion itself is unnecessary,” he remarked.
Deve Gowda strongly defended his cordial ties with Prime Minister Modi, stressing that their relationship would not be affected by political developments.
“My relationship with Prime Minister Modi goes beyond a Rajya Sabha seat. Anyone who thinks such a strong bond can be damaged over a parliamentary nomination is mistaken,” he said.
The JD(S) patriarch acknowledged that he had been critical of Modi in the past but said his views had evolved over the years.
“It is true that I criticised Modi once. But over time, I have come to understand him much better. I trust him and sincerely appreciate the good work he has done for the country,” Deve Gowda said.
Praising Modi’s stature on the global stage, the former Prime Minister noted that the Indian leader enjoys respect not only within the country but across the world.
“Narendra Modi is respected globally, and the nation is benefiting from that recognition. No leader can easily rise to that level. My relationship with him is personal, and we do not want to lose it for political reasons,” he said.
He further clarified that his association with the Prime Minister would remain unchanged regardless of whether he continued in Parliament.
“Whether I am in Parliament or not, our relationship will not be affected. It will remain the same till the end,” he added.
Expressing displeasure over remarks made by some Congress leaders, Deve Gowda reiterated his commitment to strengthening the JD(S).
“I will not sit idle. I will continue to work beyond my capacity to strengthen the party and raise issues concerning Karnataka and the nation, both inside and outside Parliament,” he said.
Recalling his long political journey, Deve Gowda said he had been actively involved in politics since 1954-55 and remained committed to public service even at this stage of his life.
The remarks are being seen as a clear attempt by the veteran leader to put an end to speculation surrounding his political future while reaffirming both his commitment to the JD(S) and his personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi.
