Source HT
New Delhi — The Rajya Sabha witnessed a rare moment of bipartisan levity on Wednesday when Congress President and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge took a poetic swipe at former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda’s alliance with the BJP. The remark was so sharp yet humorous that it left Prime Minister Narendra Modi visibly laughing in the house.
A “Broken Heart” and a New Alliance
During his address, Kharge turned his attention to the JD(S) patriarch, HD Deve Gowda, whose party recently joined the NDA fold. Kharge, known for his deadpan delivery and linguistic flair, used a classic romantic metaphor to describe the political shift.
“Gowda ji says he loves us (the Congress), but he has married someone else,” Kharge remarked, prompting immediate ripples of laughter across the benches. He didn’t stop there, adding:
“Mohabbat humse ki, aur shaadi kisi aur se kar li.”
(You fell in love with us, but you married someone else.)
PM Modi’s Reaction
The camera quickly panned to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was seen bursting into laughter, covering his face at one point as the wit of the veteran Congress leader landed perfectly. The spontaneous moment offered a brief respite from the usually high-decibel political confrontations that define the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.
The Political Context
The “dig” refers to the shifting sands of Karnataka politics. For decades, the JD(S) and Congress have shared a volatile “frenemy” relationship, occasionally forming coalitions to keep the BJP out of power. However, ahead of the 2024 elections, Deve Gowda’s JD(S) formally aligned with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Party Previous Stance Current Alignment
JD(S) Secular third-front pillar National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
Congress Former coalition partner Primary opposition in Karnataka
“I am still a bachelor”
In a spirited comeback, the 91-year-old Deve Gowda stood up to clarify his position, maintaining that his move was based on the “political necessity” of protecting his party’s interests. The exchange ended on a surprisingly cordial note, proving that even in a highly polarized climate, the “Old Guard” of Indian politics still knows how to trade barbs with a touch of class.
