Deve Gowda Fires Back at Kharge, Says Congress Left Him With No Choice But Divorce

Veteran leader and former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda on Thursday responded sharply to remarks made by Mallikarjun Kharge in the Rajya Sabha, describing his past alliance with the Congress as an “abusive relationship". Gowda said he had not abandoned the alliance but was instead left with no option after the Congress chose to walk away, forcing him to reconsider his political course.

The exchange follows a light-hearted but pointed remark by Kharge during his farewell speech in the Upper House, where he referred to Gowda’s shifting political alignments. Kharge said that while Gowda had “dated” and “loved” the Congress, he eventually “married” Narendra Modi, drawing laughter from members present in the House, including the prime minister himself.

Responding to the comment, Gowda rejected the narrative, stating that his association with the Congress was not voluntary but rather a “forced arrangement". He added that the alliance ultimately broke down due to what he described as an unhealthy and unsustainable partnership. His remarks signal lingering tensions between the Janata Dal (Secular) leader and the Congress, despite their history of political collaboration.

Also Read: Opposition Leader Kharge Pushes For Longer Rajya Sabha Sessions And Greater Bipartisan Cooperation

Gowda, who has had a long political career spanning several decades, noted that he shared a 50-plus-year association with Kharge and had worked closely with him in the past. However, the recent exchange highlights the evolving dynamics in Indian politics, particularly in the context of alliances and shifting loyalties among regional and national parties.

The remarks come at a time when Gowda’s tenure in the Rajya Sabha is drawing to a close, marking the end of another chapter in his parliamentary journey. His response also underscores the broader narrative of political realignments, especially in Karnataka, where alliances have frequently shifted based on electoral and strategic considerations.

While Kharge’s comments were made in a lighter vein, Gowda’s reaction reflects deeper political differences and unresolved issues between the two leaders. The episode adds to the ongoing discourse around coalition politics in India, where partnerships are often shaped by changing political landscapes and competing interests.

Also Read: Haryana Congress Publicly Reveals Four MLAs Involved in Cross-Voting During Rajya Sabha Elections