Former Prime Minister H. D. Devegowda, whose political career in public office is ending with completion of his term in Rajya Sabha on June 25, on Wednesday (June 10, 2026) said that his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not linked to his Rajya Sabha nominations. He also said that he had not asked for his re-nomination.

“I have developed a relationship with Mr. Modi since 2014 though (Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister) Chandrababu Naidu and I had criticized Mr. Modi on Godhra issue when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. My relationship with the Prime Minister will not end because of one Rajya Sabha seat,” said the nonagenerian leader, who has been in politics for over six decades. His political career began in 1960 when he was elected to Taluk Development Board.

Mr. Gowda’s statement comes after the Congress criticized BJP for denying him an opportunity to continue in the Rajya Sabha, with party leaders terming the development as “insult and humiliation” heaped on the veteran leader.

“If I was interested in contesting I would have discussed the matter with Prime Minister and Home Minister (Amit Shah) when I went to Delhi for a book release on May 26. I did not discuss it with anyone and returned to Bengaluru after the book release function,” the former Prime Minister told presspersons.

When asked about the Congress’s comments, he said: “I am not interested in this issue. This was discussed within the party. We are 18 members (in Legislative Assembly) and we cannot win the elections with this number. I do not want to comment more.”