Bengaluru, May 18 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior political leaders extended warm birthday wishes to Janata Dal (Secular) supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, who turned 92 on Sunday.
Taking to social media, Prime Minister Modi praised Gowda's longstanding service to the nation. "Birthday wishes to our former Prime Minister Shri HD Deve Gowda Ji. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life," Modi wrote. He further acknowledged Gowda's statesmanlike demeanor, describing his wisdom and insights as a valuable source of strength.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also shared his greetings on the platform X, saying, "Happy birthday to the country's senior politician and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. I pray to God to bestow upon him good health and long life."
Senior BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, along with his son B Y Vijayendra, who currently heads the BJP's Karnataka unit, also joined in extending their wishes to the veteran leader.
Born on May 18, 1933, in Haradanahalli village of Hassan district, H D Deve Gowda served as the 11th Prime Minister of India from June 1, 1996, to April 21, 1997. Prior to that, he held office as the Chief Minister of Karnataka between December 11, 1994, and May 31, 1996.
Gowda, widely admired across party lines, continues to play an influential role in Indian politics as the leader of the JD(S).