HD Deve Gowda Responds to Kharge’s Joke: “It Was an Abusive Marriage”
HD Deve Gowda, the former Prime Minister of India and veteran leader, recently made headlines with a sharp yet witty rebuttal to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The exchange began in the Rajya Sabha on March 18, 2026, during a farewell session for retiring members. Kharge cracked a joke, stating that the JD(S) patriarch “loved” the Congress but “married” Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This light-hearted remark drew laughter from the entire house, including the Prime Minister. However, the seasoned politician’s response was both strategic and firm.
HD Deve Gowda Hits Back: The Latest News on the “Abusive Relationship”
HD Deve Gowda did not take the “marriage” metaphor lightly and issued a detailed response via a statement on X (formerly Twitter). He clarified that he was not present in the House during the speech as he had travelled to Bengaluru for Ugadi celebrations. In his retort, he used the same marriage analogy to explain his shift toward the NDA. He described his past alliance with the Congress as a “forced marriage” that he was eventually compelled to “divorce.” This public clarification has sparked a fresh debate about the reliability of political coalitions in India.
Explained the Split from Congress
HD Deve Gowda explicitly labelled his tenure with the Congress party as an “abusive relationship.” He mentioned that the Congress “dumped” his party in 2019 after a brief and rocky stint in power in Karnataka. Furthermore, he reminded the public that he had originally suggested Mallikarjun Kharge’s name for the Chief Minister’s post in 2018. However, the Congress leadership insisted that his son take the helm instead. According to him, the subsequent lack of support led to the inevitable collapse of their partnership.
HD Deve Gowda and the Shift to the BJP
HD Deve Gowda emphasised that he did not desert the alliance, but that he was left with no other choice. He stated that the Congress party was the one that walked away first. Transitioning to a more stable partnership, his party, the Janata Dal (Secular), eventually aligned with the BJP. This move was intended to ensure a more cohesive and productive political future for his state. The veteran leader remains a towering figure in the Vokkaliga community, and his recent statements reaffirm his commitment to his new political “marriage.”
Political History of Deve Gowda & Kharge in Karnataka
The political journeys of HD Deve Gowda and Mallikarjun Kharge have been intertwined in Karnataka for over 54 years. Both leaders rose from the grassroots to hold significant positions at the state and centre levels.
- The Early Years: They both entered the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in the early 1970s. While Kharge remained a loyal pillar of the Congress, Deve Gowda emerged as a champion of the farmers’ cause through various socialist parties.
- The 1990s Surge: In 1994, Deve Gowda became the Chief Minister of Karnataka, and by 1996, he was unexpectedly elevated to the post of Prime Minister of India with Congress support. Kharge, meanwhile, served as a powerful minister and Leader of the Opposition in the state.
- Coalition Battles: The 2018 Karnataka elections brought them back together in a fragile coalition. Despite their long personal friendship, the political rivalry between the Congress and JD(S) often led to friction, culminating in the “abusive relationship” narrative seen today.
Personal & Political Profile of Deve Gowda
| Feature | Details |
| HD Deve Gowda Full Name | Haradanahalli Doddegowda Deve Gowda |
| Date of Birth | May 18, 1933 |
| HD Deve Gowda Age | 92 Years (as of 2026) |
| Political Party | Janata Dal (Secular) |
| Major Office Held | 11th Prime Minister of India (1996–1997) |
| State Role | 14th Chief Minister of Karnataka (1994–1996) |
| HD Deve Gowda Son | HD Kumaraswamy (Former CM) and HD Revanna |
HD Deve Gowda is often referred to as “Mannina Maga” (Son of the Soil). He holds a diploma in Civil Engineering, but has dedicated his life to public service. His political career is defined by his survival instincts and his ability to influence national politics from a regional base. Even at his current age, he remains an active member of the Rajya Sabha, contributing to debates on irrigation, farming, and federalism. His legacy is one of a leader who bridged the gap between rural aspirations and national governance.
