‘Loved us, married Modiji’: Kharge’s punchline on Deve Gowda remark leaves PM in splits – watch | India News
New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge Tributes were paid to his outgoing colleagues in the Upper House as he took a dig at the former prime minister on Wednesday HD Deve Gowda. Kharge said during his farewell that he has known the veteran leader for over 54 years and worked closely with him before the former prime minister’s party allied with the BJP.
“I have known Deve Gowda ji for more than 54 years and I have worked with him a lot. Later, I don’t know what happened… ‘o mohabbat humare saath kiye, shaadi modi sahab ke saath,” Kharge said drawing laughter from fellow MPs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Deve Gowda became prime minister in 1996, heading a Congress-backed United Front government, marking a key phase of cooperation. In Karnataka, his party, the JD(S), later alternated between opposition and partner Congress. Kharg’s farewell address focused on the enduring nature of public service. He said those in politics “do not tire, do not retire” because of their commitment to serve the country. While he is officially retiring from his current term, Kharg is expected to return to the House, reinforcing his point that political life rarely comes to a definitive end.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi also addressed the House, thanking the outgoing members for their contribution and echoing similar sentiments. “There is no full break in politics. The future awaits you,” the prime minister said, urging retired MPs to continue contributing to public life. He urged the newly elected members to learn from senior leaders like Deve Gowda, Kharge and Sharad Pawar citing their decades of parliamentary experience.Prime Minister Modi also singled out Ramdas Athawale for his wit, commenting that humor and sarcasm had waned in the House in recent years but survived through personalities like him. Along with leaders including Priyanka Chaturvedi, Tiruchi Siva and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, 37 members are completing their tenure in Athawale.Elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states followed the retirement, where 26 candidates were elected unopposed. Political developments in states like Bihar, where the opposition supported the NDA, have made the composition of the upper house even more innovative.
