Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his thanks to H.D. Deve Gowda, the senior Janata Dal politician and former Prime Minister, for sending him birthday wishes. The Prime Minister’s Office shared the message on 17 September 2026. Modi’s statement recognised Deve Gowda’s long record of public service across several decades.
What Modi said
In a post on the social media platform X, Modi stated that he was grateful for Deve Gowda’s greetings. He went on to note that Deve Gowda’s years of dedicated work for the country and his involvement in public life serve as an inspiration to others. Modi tagged Deve Gowda’s official X account while making this statement.
What this means for you
This exchange reflects the custom among senior political figures in India of acknowledging important personal milestones despite differences in political affiliation or ideology. Deve Gowda, who served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997, continues to remain a respected voice in Indian politics. Such courtesies between leaders, shared through public platforms, are often seen as markers of democratic maturity and mutual respect in the political system.