During a light-hearted moment in the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge drew laughter across party lines with a witty remark about former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda.
The exchange took place during farewell speeches for retiring members. Recalling Deve Gowda’s long political journey and shifting alliances, Kharge said he had known him for over five decades and worked closely with him. “He dated us, loved us, but married Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Kharge quipped, prompting laughter across the House.
The remark amused members on both sides, with Prime Minister Modi seen smiling at the comment, briefly lightening the otherwise formal proceedings.
Kharge’s comment was widely seen as a playful reference to the evolving political alignments of Deve Gowda and his party, the Janata Dal, which has at different times aligned with both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Despite its humorous tone, the remark underscored the fluid nature of alliances in Indian politics, where parties often shift positions based on electoral and strategic considerations.
The farewell session featured tributes to senior leaders, including Deve Gowda, who served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997 and has had a long parliamentary career representing Karnataka.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi thanked retiring members for their contributions, saying there is “no full stop in politics” and that their experience would continue to guide public life. He also urged newly elected MPs to learn from senior leaders like Deve Gowda, Kharge, and Sharad Pawar.
The exchange stood out as a rare moment of camaraderie and humour in Parliament, cutting across party lines.
