New Delhi: Amidst the controversy surrounding Prajwal Revanna, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for Hassan and grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] have publicly distanced themselves from the alleged sex scandal.
Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition, R Ashoka, addressed the issue in Bengaluru on Monday, asserting that the law should be upheld without exception. “No one is above the law and all are equal before the law,” stated Ashoka, referring to the ongoing investigation into the matter.
Acknowledging the gravity of the allegations, Ashoka deferred to JD(S) President HD Kumaraswamy’s statements on the issue and advocated for the government’s intervention through a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The controversy erupted following a letter from the Karnataka Women’s Commission chief to the state government, prompting the formation of an SIT to investigate the allegations against Prajwal Revanna. It is alleged that Revanna was involved in harassing and sexually abusing numerous women, with purported recordings of the acts surfacing.
While BJP State President BY Vijayendra and former National General Secretary CT Ravi urged for transparency and diligence in the SIT probe, they emphasized that the law must apply impartially to all citizens. Ravi, addressing concerns about potential electoral repercussions, clarified that Prajwal Revanna was fielded by the JD(S) as the NDA candidate for the Hassan Lok Sabha seat.
JD(S) State President HD Kumaraswamy echoed similar sentiments, affirming that those found guilty would face appropriate consequences. However, JD(S) MLA Sharana Gouda Kandakur went a step further, demanding Prajwal Revanna’s suspension from the party in light of the scandal’s embarrassment to the party’s reputation.
The controversy has cast a shadow over the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, particularly the Hassan parliamentary seat where polling took place on April 26. With the release of incriminating video clips causing widespread consternation, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has vowed to address the matter with urgency and diligence.
As the investigation unfolds, political stakeholders navigate a delicate balancing act, seeking to address the allegations against Prajwal Revanna while mitigating potential electoral ramifications in the remaining phases of the Lok Sabha polls.