There is change in personality of Modi between Godhra riots to becoming PM of India: HD Deve Gowda
Modi had turned down Deve Gowda's wish to resign from LS after winning 2014 poll
Mandya (K'taka)(PTI): Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda on Sunday said his respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi increased manifold when he turned down his wish to resign from the Lok Sabha.
Recalling the incident, Gowda said he had challenged Modi in 2014 Lok Sabha elections that if the BJP came to power on its own by winning 276 seats then he would resign from Lok Sabha.
"I had told him that if you win 276 seats then I will resign. You can rule by forging an alliance with others but if you win 276 seats on your own then I will resign (from Lok Sabha)," Gowda said in a press conference.
He also said that the BJP came to power on its own following which he felt the urge to fulfil the promise he had made.
The JD(S) patriarch recalled that after the victory, Modi had personally invited him to attend the swearing-in ceremony. After all the celebrations were over, he sought an appointment with Modi, for which he agreed.
When his car reached the portico of the Parliament, Prime Minister Modi himself came there to receive him.
"I have had knee pain since then, which is still continuing. Whatever kind of person he is, that day when my car came to the portico, Modi himself came, held me by my hand and took me inside. This was for a person who had opposed him (Modi) so much," Gowda said.
Gowda said he expressed his wish to resign from the Lok Sabha.
"I told him that I stand by my words. Please accept my resignation. He told me why I was taking things spoken during election so seriously. He also said that he would require to discuss matters with me whenever situation arises," Gowda recalled.
After the incident, Gowda met Modi six to seven times as his respect for him increased.
The former Prime Minister said he had opposed Modi after the Godhra incident and his speeches made in Parliament during the period stand testimony to his claim.
However, his meeting with Modi after the latter became prime minister changed his perception.
"I realised to see the change in his personality -- from what he was as a Gujarat Chief Minister to what he is after becoming the Prime Minister," Gowda said.
The JD(S) supremo also said Modi immediately agreed to meet him whenever he wished to see him.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
