The sexual video scandal that helped bring down JD-S leader Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, into a political storm in Karnataka. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had taken a dig at Tuesday, denying allegations of blackmail tactics through pen drives and CDs, a dig at former Chief Minister and senior JD-S leader H.D. Kumaraswamy.
Caught in this tangle, the JD-S took action by suspending Prajwal Revanna, the current MP and Lok Sabha candidate from Hassan, following the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) by the Congress government in Karnataka to investigate the allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
Kumaraswamy had earlier criticized Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who he alleged circulated the videos by the Congress leader.
He was speaking to reporters, where Shivakumar quipped, "I face my challenges head-on. I do not use the tactics of Kumaraswamy with pen drives and CDs. Confrontation is my blood type."
On his conviction regarding circulating the video clips, Shivakumar pointed out that Prajwal Revanna had himself admitted that the clips were dated and had mentioned BJP's Devaraje Gowda as having brought the issue to light. He dismissed claims of personal involvement, emphasizing, "Actions have consequences."
Shivakumar also defended actions on allegations by Devaraje Gowda, who stated that they would have acted if they knew about the issue. He emphasized the seriousness of the issue, pointing out its impact on women and their families.
Responding to the allegations raised by Amit Shah that women's safety in Karnataka was compromised, Shivakumar defended the government's action, pointing out arrests that had been made in a recent case and stressing that the state was relatively safe for women compared to others. He asked the BJP when it would raise the pen drive issue, emphasizing a misplaced focus.
Shivakumar challenged the BJP to probe who allowed Prajwal Revanna to leave the country, indicating possible links within the BJP. He asked the BJP if they stand for women's rights and why they still had an alliance with the JD-S.
On the matter of no action against JD-S MLA H.D. Revanna, who was also chargesheeted in a sexual harassment case, Shivakumar reiterated the commitment to ensure women's dignity and said he trusted the process of investigation.
The political landscape in Karnataka continues to be marred with accusations and counter-accusations from the stakeholders, with the strongest of standpoints being taken for their views in the ongoing scandal.
