Image: ANI
A Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) legislator, known to be aligned with former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, has urged the party leadership to expel Member of Parliament (MP) Prajwal Revanna following allegations of sexual harassment. The accusations against Prajwal and his father, HD Revanna, have further complicated the power struggle within the JD(S) between Kumaraswamy and his brother, HD Revanna.
Sharan Gouda Kandkur, the JD(S) legislator, penned a letter to the party’s national president and Prajwal’s grandfather, HD Deve Gowda, urging swift action. Kandkur cited circulating videos purportedly depicting sexual acts, implicating Prajwal Revanna. He called for immediate expulsion, expressing concern over the party’s reputation amidst the scandal.
Kumaraswamy’s strained relationship with HD Revanna has been exacerbated by the controversy surrounding Prajwal. The decline in popularity of the Revanna family, coupled with Prajwal’s alleged involvement in the scandal, has reportedly prompted Kumaraswamy’s push for greater control over the party’s affairs.
Despite calls for action, the JD(S) leadership has indicated a willingness to await the outcome of the investigation into the matter before taking decisive steps.
The scandal has also created a dilemma for the BJP, JD(S)’s ally, casting a shadow over their campaign in the state. BJP leaders have distanced themselves from the controversy, focusing instead on their electoral stronghold in southern Karnataka.
Allegations of sexual misconduct against Prajwal Revanna had reportedly been raised months before his candidacy announcement, with warnings issued by BJP leader Devaraje Gowda to state party officials.
Meanwhile, a series of explicit videos allegedly involving Prajwal Revanna have circulated, prompting him to assert their falsity and seek legal recourse against their dissemination.
The recent filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Prajwal and HD Revanna by a woman who worked at their residence has escalated the situation. The complaint accuses them of repeated sexual abuse between 2019 and 2022, resulting in the registration of a case under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to sexual harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation, and outraging the modesty of a woman.
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