Friendship with PM Modi will continue beyond RS polls: Deve Gowda

Bengaluru, June 10, 2026
Commenting on Congress criticism of the BJP not considering his candidature for the Rajya Sabha and describing it as an insult to the people of the state, former Prime Minister and JD(S) patriarch H.D. Deve Gowda on Wednesday asserted that his personal friendship and relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would continue irrespective of whether he remained a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Deve Gowda said the relationship between him and PM Modi was based on mutual respect developed over the past decade and should not be viewed through the prism of a Rajya Sabha seat.

“My friendship and personal relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue as long as I live. Our relationship does not end because of a Rajya Sabha seat. People of the state and the country should not think that our association exists because of one Rajya Sabha seat,” he said.

The former Prime Minister said he had no personal interest in the issue of Rajya Sabha nominations and noted that Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy had already discussed the matter. Referring to the party’s numerical strength, he said the JD(S), with only 18 legislators in the Assembly, did not have the numbers required to independently secure a Rajya Sabha seat.

“We have only 18 members. We cannot win a Rajya Sabha seat on our own. There is not much more I can say on the issue,” he remarked.

Praising PM Modi’s leadership, Deve Gowda said the Prime Minister had worked for the country’s social and economic development and had provided stable governance. He recalled publicly supporting PM Modi’s leadership on several occasions and had even advised Kumaraswamy in the past to work closely with him.

“For the last 10 years, we have maintained a good relationship. I have always spoken fearlessly in support of PM Modi’s leadership when I felt it was right. He has enhanced India’s position globally, and today there is respect for him not only in India but also abroad,” Deve Gowda said.

Rejecting speculation that he could be nominated to the Rajya Sabha from another state, including Uttar Pradesh, Deve Gowda dismissed the possibility and said his focus remained on strengthening the party.

“I am not seeking a seat. I will continue to work for the party. I have spent seven decades in politics and have always dedicated my life to public service,” he said.

Recalling his political journey, Deve Gowda said he entered public life through local institutions such as gram panchayats and cooperative societies before rising through the ranks to become a legislator, chief minister and eventually prime minister.

The veteran leader said his immediate focus was on rebuilding and strengthening the JD(S) organisation ahead of upcoming elections, including the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections, Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat polls, and other local body elections.

“Wherever the party asks me to go, I will campaign and address public meetings. I will continue working to strengthen the organisation,” he said.

Deve Gowda also said that despite not being a Rajya Sabha member, he would continue to engage with Prime Minister Modi on issues concerning Karnataka.

“I can still write to the Prime Minister and meet him whenever necessary regarding the state’s interests. A Rajya Sabha seat does not determine our relationship,” he said.

He further noted that Kumaraswamy would continue serving as a Union Minister and contribute to public service at the national level.

Towards the end of the interaction, Deve Gowda spoke about Karnataka’s agricultural sector and highlighted the abundance of jackfruit cultivation across several districts. Referring to his recent visit to the fruit festival at Lalbagh in Bengaluru, he said large quantities of jackfruit were being grown in districts such as Mandya, Ramanagara, Davanagere and Mysuru, while growers in some northern Karnataka districts were facing losses due to adverse weather conditions.

He stressed the need for greater attention to farmers and agricultural products, particularly to ensure better marketing opportunities for fruit growers across the state.(Agency)