Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda asserted that his relationship with PM Narendra Modi was not linked to a Rajya Sabha seat and would continue irrespective of whether he remained a member of the Upper House or not.
Gowda's remarks come in the backdrop of the Congress slamming the BJP for not nominating the former PM to the Rajya Sabha once again.
Addressing a press conference, Gowda said he had no regrets over not continuing in the Rajya Sabha and rejected suggestions that his association with Modi was driven by political considerations.
He noted that his relationship with Modi evolved after the latter became Prime Minister in 2014 and that their association had grown over the years.
Gowda stressed that people should not be under the mistaken impression that his relationship with Modi has ended because he is no longer a Rajya Sabha member.
He also credited Modi with strengthening the economy, enhancing India's defence capabilities, and raising the country's international profile.
Gowda said he did not see any contemporary leader capable of matching Modi's stature and remained committed to strengthening the JD(S) in Karnataka.
