Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, June 10: Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda has said that he has no desire or “obsession” to become a Rajya Sabha member, following reports that he was not considered for an NDA nomination, a development that has triggered widespread discussion in political circles.
Addressing a press conference at the JD(S) office, JP Bhavan in Bengaluru, Deve Gowda said, “I have no desire to become a Rajya Sabha member. In my 70-year-long political journey, public service has always been more important than power.”
He added that he would continue to remain active in public life and speak independently on issues concerning the state and the country.
“I will not sit idle. I will work to the best of my ability and speak on matters concerning the state and the country without any external influence,” he said.
Recalling his long political journey, the veteran leader said he entered active politics in 1954–55 while working in the contracting field. “From then till now, I have been continuously among the people. I have never felt the need to chase a position,” he said.
Responding to suggestions from supporters that he had been “insulted” over being denied a Rajya Sabha ticket, Deve Gowda rejected the claim outright. “My friends are speaking out of concern and saying I have been insulted. But I never made any request for a ticket. It was only media speculation that my name was being considered,” he clarified.
He further said that if he had been interested, he would have raised the matter during his visit to Delhi on May 26 for a book release programme. “I went to Delhi for a book launch. I met Prime Minister Modi and union home minister Amit Shah, but I did not discuss this issue with anyone. After the programme, I returned to Bengaluru,” he said.
Reacting to Congress criticism over the issue, he said he did not wish to comment further. “This is an internal matter. We have 18 members in the Assembly, and with that number we cannot win elections. I do not want to say more,” he said.
In a separate set of remarks, Deve Gowda also clarified that his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is independent of parliamentary positions and rooted in a personal bond developed over the past decade.
“I have developed a good relationship with Modi since 2014. When he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, both I and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had criticised him in connection with the Godhra incident,” he recalled.
He emphasised that his ties with the Prime Minister would continue regardless of his Rajya Sabha status. “My relationship with Prime Minister Modi will not end just because I am not in the Rajya Sabha,” he said.
Taking an indirect dig at the Congress, he said it was a misconception to assume otherwise. “If Congress thinks my relationship with the Prime Minister will be affected because of a Rajya Sabha seat, that is a misconception,” he said.
Deve Gowda also noted that Modi enjoys strong respect both nationally and internationally. “There is no other leader in India today who has grown to that level,” he said.
Highlighting his continued support for the Prime Minister’s governance initiatives, he added, “I have always stood by Modi in all situations. I have supported several of his developmental initiatives for the country.”
Referring to past political developments, he said, “When Kumaraswamy’s government fell here, I had suggested aligning with the BJP. This is not unknown.”
He further pointed to India’s progress under Modi’s leadership in areas such as economic growth and defence capability. “He has set a target of a $5 trillion economy, and India’s defence capability has significantly increased,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Deve Gowda said Modi’s leadership has global recognition. “He is a leader recognised internationally. There is no other leader at that level today,” he said.