In yet another jolt for the Congress as the Karnataka elections loom around the corner, it has become clear that the JD(S) is not going to join its forces with the Congress. This is a telling blow for the Congress which seems to be putting a futile struggle to retain power.
There were palpable tensions between the two parties for quite some time now. However, the fact that the two parties and their leaders can’t see eye to eye came out in the open after Rahul Gandhi read out personal accusations against JD(S) veteran Deve Gowda from a “chit”. Rahul Gandhi even called Deve Gowda BJP’s B-team and asked him to prove his secular credentials. Former Prime Minister Deve Gowda has reportedly been infuriated by these remarks and has come out all guns blazing against Rahul Gandhi. He warned Rahul Gandhi to be careful from here on and also stated that he won’t be tolerating such irresponsible statements any longer. Deve Gowda even called Rahul Gandhi “naive” and stated that the Congress President lacks maturity. Deve Gowda also mocked Rahul Gandhi for his need to carry a ‘chit’ while giving speeches.
A furious Deve Gowda appeared to have taken objection to the casual and insulting statements made by Rahul Gandhi. He also took a dig at Sonia Gandhi and called out her act of betrayal when she withdrew support during Deve Gowda’s Prime Ministerial term. In fact, Deve Gowda has made it clear that there is no question of coming into an alliance with the Congress and he would be happier in sitting on the opposition benches. The Congress is on a serial blunder spree, from having released irresponsible statements against Yogi Adityanath, to calling PM Modi a “northern import”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has understood the situation pretty well and has come out firing against the Congress at exactly the right time. Taking a sympathetic view towards Deve Gowda, Prime Minister Modi severely criticised the Congress and Rahul Gandhi for not sparing even former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, a respected leader in Karnataka. Prime Minister Modi had some kind words for Deve Gowda and made it clear that in spite of political differences there is a limit which should never be crossed.
Deve Gowda tried to downplay the praise by PM Modi but could not hide his aversion to the Congress and a softer view towards the BJP. He made it clear that whatever PM Modi said was sufficient. He recalled how he had taken the vow of giving up on politics if Modi came to power. However, when he went to submit his resignation, PM Modi forgot all political differences and made it clear that ‘whatever one may say during political campaigns out of a heated atmosphere should not be taken that seriously‘. Having taken this moment to remember the friendly gesture extended by PM Modi, Deve Gowda is giving hints and making it further clear that there is no possibility of even a post-poll JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka.