Gowda, the venerable founder of JD(S) and an icon in Indian politics, marked his 92nd birthday in a rather pensive manner in the wake of scandals that have swirled around members of his family. On allegations of sexual abuse against his grandson and MP Prajwal Revanna, he continued to adopt the stand of upholding justice, saying he did not object to the course of the law if Prajwal is found guilty.
However, on the cases against his son and JD(S) MLA H D Revanna, in which he is accused of sexual harassment and abduction, Gowda treaded cautiously, saying the cases are subjudice.
In a recent decision, Gowda chose to opt out of the usual celebrations on his birthday, requesting his well-wishers to convey their regards from wherever they were. He told reporters he did not want to comment on the issues that are going on in the court regarding Revanna and said that his son Kumaraswamy's statement that accountability must come for all the persons involved if they are found guilty should stand true.
"... I don't want to comment on things that are going on in the court regarding Revanna. Prajwal Revanna has gone abroad, regarding that Kumaraswamy (Gowda's other son and state JD(S) chief) has on behalf of our family said it is the duty of the government to take action in accordance with the law of the land," Gowda said.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the matter, Gowda stressed justice and compensation to the affected women, but he was generally cautious with direct references to persons associated with the cases. Faced with multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, Prajwal Revanna has fled the country, a move that stirred international attention with the issuance of an Interpol Blue Corner Notice.
"There are several people connected to this (sexual abuse cases), I don't want to take anyone's names. Kumaraswamy has said that those who are involved in this matter, action should be taken against all of them, and the affected women should get justice and compensation."
Meanwhile, elder son Revanna Gowda has got interim anticipatory bail in a separate case of sexual harassment; Prajwal is also an accused therein. As the charges of political conspiracy and conspiracy to defame his family caught fire, Gowda himself talked of more persons being involved—though he refused to name them, leaving it for his son and state JD(S) chief Kumaraswamy to respond to such allegations.
When questioned about accusations against Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar regarding the circulation of explicit videos involving Prajwal Revanna, Gowda deferred the response to Kumaraswamy, signaling an intention to address such matters post the announcement of the Lok Sabha poll results.
Asked whether there was a conspiracy to defame and scuttle his family politically, Gowda said, "It is true... over all what all has happened, several people are involved, I won't take names. Kumaraswamy will say on what action to be taken."
It is in this spirit that Gowda pleaded with the media personnel to desist from conducting campaigns near his house, a similar appeal extended to media owners. The veteran politician, with this, looked composed as the tempest of controversies raged on, leaving room for the legal processes to roll out and political responses to be worked out.
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