The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Karnataka): The Congress party has strongly criticized the partnership between the JD(S) and BJP in Karnataka, alleging that the BJP played a role in assisting JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna escape abroad amidst accusations of sexual harassment by his former house help. This development occurred after controversial videos related to Prajwal surfaced, prompting his swift departure to Germany. Revanna, the MP from Hassan, had just contested the recent elections under the BJP-JD(S) alliance banner.
Priyank Kharge, a Karnataka minister, explicitly accused the BJP of ensuring Revanna’s departure. “They orchestrated his exit. Given the circulating rumors of his escape, questions arise about how he managed to leave and who facilitated this move. I am holding the BJP accountable here,” stated Kharge. He criticized the coalition for supporting Revanna’s candidacy despite being aware of the allegations against him. Kharge highlighted that several complaints had been filed by BJP members against Revanna.
Further adding to the controversy, Kharge pointed out the BJP’s silence on this matter, contrasting it with their prompt reaction to other regional issues, such as the Hubballi murder case, and questioned their lack of protest now.
In response to these allegations, the Karnataka government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into the sex scandal, following a request from the Women’s Commission’s Chairperson Dr. Nagalakshmi Chowdhary.
Meanwhile, the JD(S) is attempting to dissociate from the incident. JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy expressed his intention to await the investigation’s findings but emphasized that no criminal actions would be excused. He denied any role in Revanna’s departure, asserting that it was up to the SIT to manage his return if needed.
Karnataka’s Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar also criticized the state’s BJP leader, B Y Vijayendra, for his alleged prior knowledge of the scandalous video. She recounted warnings from BJP members against forming an alliance with JD(S), which were ultimately disregarded by BJP’s top leaders, including Amit Shah and PM Modi. Hebbalkar’s comments underscore the internal conflicts and the broader implications for the BJP’s continued coalition with the JD(S).
