"Congress tried to finish JDS, our party has grown step by step": HD Deve Gowda

Hassan (Karnataka) [India], January 24 (ANI): Former Prime Minister and JD(S) patriarch, HD Deve Gowda, on Saturday, accused the Congress party of attempting to dismantle the Janata Dal (Secular) as a political party.
Reflecting on the party's political journey, Deve Gowda asserted that the JD(S) has grown step-by-step in the state through the consistent support of the people.
Further expressing his gratitude, he stated that he would never forget the people of Hassan district's support until his last breath.
Speaking to the media before attending the silver jubilee celebration of the party in Hassan, Gowda said, "Congress tried to finish JDS. Our party has grown step by step in the state with the support of the people. I was elected as an MLA and then gradually rose to the position of Prime Minister...everyone in the district has organised a conference to save the party."
"Everyone has worked together. All the party workers have come to ensure that the program is successful. Before going to the meeting, I have come to offer prayers to my family deities. The people of this district have nurtured me. I am alive because of their blessings. I will not forget their support until my last breath," he said.
The JD(S) celebrated its silver jubilee in Hassan district of Karnataka, where senior leaders, including former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, participated.
Addressing the gathering, Kumaraswamy attacked the Congress government in Karnataka, accusing it of being tight-lipped on the farmers' suicide issue.
"Even though more than 2,800 farmers committed suicide in 2.5 years, the Congress government has not the slightest remorse," Kumaraswamy said.
The party, on its official handle on X, also emphasised that the Hassan rally was a reply to the rival parties, especially Congress, which claimed that the JD(S) is coming to an end.
"The people themselves have responded through this public gathering in Hassan to the Congress leaders who were speaking lightly about the JDS party having come to an end," the JD(S) posted. (ANI)