As the second phase of general elections in 2024 looms closer, the political arena in Karnataka is ablaze with controversy following the emergence of hundreds of sleaze videos allegedly involving MP candidate Prajwal Revanna from the powerful political family of Hassan.
The entire controversy, according to party sources (JDS), had begun at least 25 days ago when one of the confidantes of Prajwal Revanna had leaked a ‘collection of sleaze videos’ to the parties that are inimical to JDS, though the name of the confidante has been kept away from the controversy it is stated that he was a driver of Prajval Revanna. The JDS had always been touted a party run by a family that includes former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda (Prajava Revanna’s grandfather), former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy (his uncle) and, his father MLA and former minister HD Revanna,
But the legal marking of the case happened only when a former lady cook of this family found out Prajwal Revanna allegedly spoke inappropriately with her daughter. The cook, who is an elderly lady had complained to the Holaynarasipura police station, which is the hometown of the family of Revanna and his son Prajwal Revanna. Following the complaint on Saturday the police booked both Revanna and Prajwal on Sunday.
Following the fall out, the State government led by the Congress party has instituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of upright IPS women officers and issued notices to HD Revanna and Prajwal Revanna in Sexual Harassment Case under various acts of IPC. Both father and son have been summoned to appear for investigation following a complaint lodged by the woman who previously worked in Revanna’s household.
Legal Ramifications
The duo has been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman), highlighting the severity of the accusations.
The State government led by the Congress party has instituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of upright IPS women officers and issued notices to HD Revanna and Prajwal Revanna in Sexual Harassment Case under various acts of IPC.
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Prajwal Revanna’s Whereabouts
Prajwal Revanna, who is contesting as the BJP-JD(S) candidate from the Hassan Lok Sabha segment, is currently abroad following the conclusion of the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka. His absence adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, potentially delaying the proceedings. Soon after getting to know that his arrest will be imminent he fled the country and has been asked to appear before the SIT without any delay, following which he has informed that he is likely to come back to India on 4 May and appear before the SIT.
In the meanwhile the National Women’s Commission has directed the Director General of Police Karnataka to swiftly conduct the investigations and give a report to the NCW. The SIT has also been instructed to keep the NCW in the loop.
Political Fallout
The case has significant political implications, particularly given Prajwal Revanna’s prominent role in the ongoing election campaign. As the scandal unfolds, it may impact voter sentiment and shape the electoral landscape in the region.
Legal Procedure
With the SIT actively pursuing the case, all eyes are on the upcoming developments as the investigation progresses. The involvement of high-profile figures like HD Revanna and Prajwal Revanna underscores the gravity of the situation, heightening public interest and scrutiny.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case is likely to remain a focal point of discussion, with its implications reverberating across political and social spheres.
The Opposition Strategy
The scandal has become a focal point for Congress and its allies, who are determined to keep the issue alive through various media platforms. Social media channels are abuzz with discussions orchestrated by the party’s handlers, ensuring that the issue remains in the public consciousness.
The BJP-JDS Dilemma
The situation is compounded by the alliance between the JDS, to which Revanna belongs, and the BJP for the 2024 general elections. This juxtaposition has allowed the Congress to question the moral high ground claimed by the BJP, leveraging the incident to challenge the ideological integrity of the alliance.
The case has significant political implications, particularly given Prajwal Revanna’s prominent role in the ongoing election campaign. As the scandal unfolds, it may impact voter sentiment and shape the electoral landscape in the region
AICC’s Perspective
Dr. Manjunath Bhandary, AICC secretary and MLC, expressed his dismay over the incident, highlighting Revanna’s familial and political connections. He questioned the alliance over such gross behavior as aloso the values professed by the party Revanna represents.
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BJP’s Response
In response, BJP leaders refrained from commenting, citing ongoing investigations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) as the reason for their silence. On Wednesday union minister Amit Shah clarified that his party would have no truck with the people who did not treat women well, in a guarded statement.
Political Ramifications
The timing of the erelease of the videos, just days before the second phase of the elections, underscores its potential impact on voter sentiment. Analysts suggest that the BJP-JDS alliance, already tenuous due to differing ideologies, may suffer repercussions, particularly in constituencies like Udupi-Chikkamgaluru, Mandya, and Chamarajanagar.
Beyond Karnataka
The fallout from the scandal extends beyond Karnataka’s borders, resonating in states like West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, where the BJP faces challenges. The Congress and its allies aim to capitalize on this momentum, leveraging the issue to mobilize support in key battlegrounds.
As the election fervor intensifies, the sleaze video scandal threatens to reshape the political landscape, with its repercussions likely to reverberate long after the ballots are cast.
