‘Forced marriage with Congress’: Devegowda hits back at Kharge’s ‘Modi marriage’ jibe

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Mar 19, 2026: Former Prime Minister and Rajya Sabha MP H. D. Devegowda has hit back at remarks made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his political alignment with the BJP.

The exchange followed Kharge’s comment in Parliament, where he said Devegowda had once “loved” the Congress but eventually “married” Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Responding sharply, Devegowda remarked that his association with the Congress was akin to a “forced marriage” that turned into an “abusive relationship,” prompting him to “seek a divorce.”

Devegowda further alleged that it was the Congress that had sidelined and “dumped” him and several other leaders, leaving him with little choice but to align with the BJP in pursuit of a stable political arrangement. He maintained that he had not deserted the Congress alliance, but rather, it was the party that walked away first.

In a statement, Devegowda said Kharge’s comments were made in a light-hearted manner but added that, in the same metaphorical language, his experience with the Congress had been far from voluntary or harmonious.