JD(S) Chief Deve Gowda will not forget his birthday today; here's why

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday wished former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S) supremo HD Deve Gowda on his 85th birthday.

Gowda was the 11th Prime Minister of India and held office from 1996 to 1997. Prior to this, he was serving as the 14th Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1994 to 1996.

He is also a member of the 16th Lok Sabha and represents the Hassan constituency of Karnataka.
Gowda, a son of paddy farmer, was born in Haradanahalli, a village in Holenarasipura taluk.

Wishing HD Deve Gowda Ji a very happy birthday

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 18, 2018

Recently, he played a huge role in the Karnataka Elections, as his party, JD-S was a key player in the state assembly elections held on May 15. Congress has extended support to JD(S) to form the government and also agreed to join the Karnataka government. But the invitation to form the government was extended to BJP by the Governor. 

Deve Gowda visited Tirupati temple on Friday while moving to Hyderabad with JD(S) MLAs as a precautionary measure to keep his flock together. JD(S) has alleged that BJP is making efforts to poach MLAs in an effort to prove majority in Karnataka Assembly. 

Today is important for Deve Gowda, his party JD(S), and Congress in Karnataka. The apex court today will resume hearing on the plea by Congress and JD(S) questioning Karnataka Governor's decision to invite BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa to form the government. 

BS Yeddyurappa was sworn-in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Friday. 

Earlier on Friday, hearing the petition, the Supreme Court refused to stay the swearing-in ceremony but asked the Centre to furnish documents furnished by Yeddyurappa while staking claim to form the government in Karnataka. 

Today, the apex court will look into the letters submitted to the Governor.  

(With ANI inputs)