Modi replies to Gowda remark, says former PM welcome in Gujarat

CHIKKABALAPUR/CHIKKAMAGALUR: In a sharp riposte to JDS chief H D Deve Gowda, Narendra Modi today invited him to live in Gujarat and promised to take care of him more than his son, a day after the former PM said he would take "political sanyas" and leave Karnataka if Modi-led government came to power.

"Deve Gowdaji, you are an elderly person. You are the former PM of India. I am like your son...," the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate said at rallies in Karnataka.

"I publicly promise you that if staying here has become a problem, then I pray - you don't worry. I will make all arrangements for you in Gujarat. If you want to live in an old-age home, live in a house, farm-house or if you want to live in my house. I would render service more than your son."

"Narendra Modi will do everything to give you respect and honour. Deve Gowdaji I welcome you and think you also have a son even in Gujarat who is ready to render services for you," Modi told Gowda, whose party had run a coalition government with BJP in Karnataka.

Modi raised Gowda's remarks, made at Shimoga yesterday, at his rallies in Chikkaballapur and Chikkamagalur and spoke in similar words inviting the former Prime Minister to his state.

The Gujarat Chief Minister also took a swipe at Gowda on the issue of dynastic politics.

"Here (in Karnataka) the dynastic rule is in full flow. Dynastic rule is an enemy of democracy - Deve Gowdaji and his son. I read somewhere yesterday that Deve Gowda said if Modi became PM he would leave Karnataka," Modi said.

At Shimoga Gowda had said yesterday, "He (Modi) can never reach his numbers. If he achieves it, then I will take political sanyas." He had also reportedly said he would leave Karnataka if Modi became Prime Minister.