Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has described Narendra Modi as a “compassionate democrat,” saying Modi’s record as the longest continuously serving democratically elected Prime Minister underscores the strength and evolution of India’s democracy.
Recalling the country’s first general election in 1952, Deve Gowda noted that the political landscape then was far narrower, with the Congress as a dominant force and only a limited number of parties in the fray. He contrasted this with the vastly expanded scale and diversity of India by the time Modi took office in 2014 and again in 2024.
He pointed to the growth in the electorate and the rise in political competition, stating that Modi faced challenges from thousands of political parties in the 2024 election. Deve Gowda also highlighted the social breadth of the current Union Cabinet, mentioning representation from Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Deve Gowda credited Modi with securing the passage of the women’s reservation bill to enhance women’s representation in Parliament. He also said today’s voters are more educated and aware of constitutional rights, gender equality and civic responsibilities.
Noting the intense scrutiny of the present era, he said Modi faces continuous criticism from mainstream media and unverified allegations on social media. Deve Gowda praised Modi’s governance, welfare targeting, economic performance, and firm decisions on national security, and concluded by wishing him good health and strength to continue in public life.
