I don’t want Modi’s praise or abuse, says Deve Gowda

Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi showering praises on him on Tuesday as a “magnanimous gesture”, national president of Janata Dal (Secular) H.D. Deve Gowda sought to underplay it saying: “I don’t want his praise or abuse.”

Speaking to presspersons, he said Mr. Modi is an intelligent person and knows how to raise issues that suit the situation. He is a good orator and knows when to speak and on what. “Hence, there is no need to read into the praises that he showered on me,” he said at a media interaction organised by Press Club of Bangalore and Bangalore Reporters’ Guild.

Mr. Gowda said: “Mr. Modi did not refer to either the Mahadayi issue or the agrarian crisis plaguing Karnataka in the rally held in Belagavi.” Recounting his experience of meeting Mr. Modi four times to raise issues concerned to the State, Mr. Gowda said: “Understanding the importance of keeping quiet over vexed issues, he remained silent throughout.”

Comparing Mr. Modi with BJP’s tall leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the JD(S) supremo said: “Mr. Vajpayee is totally different from Mr. Modi. Gaurakshaks and RSS are active during Modi’s tenure.”

Criticising AICC president Rahul Gandhi for making unsavoury remarks about the JD(S), he attributed that to lack of experience as a political leader. “Mr. Modi knows the importance of a son of the soil becoming the Prime Minister of a country,” he said, adding that “there will be no permanent friends or foes in politics.”

When asked whether the JD(S) will back Congress “minus Siddaramaiah” as candidate for Chief Minister, Mr. Gowda said: “There is no question of aligning with anybody in case of fractured mandate.”

He pointed out that it was only Mr. Siddaramaiah who was attacking the JD(S). “Traditional Congress leaders have respect for me and my party,” he said.

Congress seeks apology

Meanwhile, Congress leader Ananda Sharma told mediapersons that Mr. Gandhi had not passed any remark against Mr. Gowda. “Instead, it was Mr. Modi who made derogatory remarks against two former Prime Ministers, Mr. Gowda and Manmohan Singh. The Prime Minister should apologise for that,” he said.