EX-PM Deve Gowda To Miss Narendra Modi's Oath Ceremony Today, Cites 'Frail Health'

H.D. Deve Gowda would remain absent from the oath-taking ceremony of PM-designate Narendra Modi on June 9, Sunday, an official statement said. 

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda would be skipping the oath-taking ceremony of PM-designate Narendra Modi on Sunday, June 9, an official statement said. 

"I would have very much liked to be part of the swearing-in ceremony today, but my health does not permit me to travel to Delhi," the statement issued by the office of Deve Gowda said, adding, "However, I thank you very much for your kind invitation. I again reiterate the full support of my party, Janata Dal (Secular), to the National Democratic Alliance government."

"First of all, please accept my heartfelt congratulations on being sworn in as Prime Minister of India for the third straight term. It is a truly historic occasion. As I have said many times in the past, this is the result of his almighty's extraordinary blessing on you. I have no doubt that you will continue to be showered with the lord's blessing, and will continue to serve our great nation with absolute dedication that we have all become familiar with for a decade," the statement issued by the office of Deve Gowda said. 

"The elections have thrown up interesting results. It proves the vibrancy of Indian democracy. It has proved that you are a true democrat. The results also expose the ugly campaign of the Congress party to discredit our institutions and democratic processes. The people of India will teach their arrogance and negativity a big lesson," it added. 

Deve Gowda said as a member of the NDA they look forward to working with PM-elect Modi and help him deliver the agenda of 'Sab Ka Sath Sabka Vikas' (development for all), as mentioned in the statement. 

"I also take this opportunity to thank you on this occasion for offering a cabinet position to our party. I will ensure that our minister will serve the coalition and the people of India with total commitment," it said further. 

It is to be noted that Deve Gowda's grandson Prajwal Revanna made headlines when several women accused him of sexual assault. The videos of him assaulting women were reportedly leaked. Revanna was absconding for a while, he recently surrendered before SIT.

Earlier on Friday, Bhavani Revanna, mother of JD(S) leader and rape accused Prajwal Revanna, appeared before the SIT over an abduction case following a direction from the Karnataka High Court, which granted her interim anticipatory bail earlier in the day with stringent conditions.