New Delhi: All key opposition parties have teamed up to confront Modi-led BJP government in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but former Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda praised the Prime Minister for giving lion share to OBC, Women and SC, ST communities in his Cabinet. 

Addressing media persons here on Thursday, Mr. Gowda said that “in the recent expansion of the Cabinet, Prime Minister has accommodated, 12 women, 8 SCs and 12 ST communities in his ministry. I don’t know whether it is elections strategy or social justice, however, I would welcome his decision”, he said. 

“In the monsoon session of the Parliament has come to an end. I had made notes to speak on four topics- farm laws, price rise, the 127th Constitutional Amendment Bill on the OBC list, and Pegasus. 

"I could not speak on any topic (not that I would have been given an opportunity to speak on all subjects because my party is in the minority of one) because the Parliament was continuously disrupted”. The former Prime Minister has expressed displeasure for an abrupt end of the Session.

Read: Meeting with Deve Gowda not political, says CM Bommai

 “I feel very sad. I am nearing 90, and despite the usual age-related troubles, I attended Parliament religiously, as I have done ever since I entered it the first time, decades ago. It was our collective duty as members of both Houses to assure the people of India that ours is a functioning parliamentary democracy”, Mr. Gowda remarked against unruly members in the House.

Mr. Gowda lauded the Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, “I had worked with his father S.R. Bommai. The Chief Minister has come to my residence to seek my blessings. I have assured him to all support from my side”, he said and added that the Chief Minister has capable in handling ongoing crisis in his government.