JD(S) To Suspend Prajwal Revanna Over Charges of Alleged Sexual Abuse Of Women, Says Kumaraswamy

Prajwal, who is the candidate for the Lok Sabha election from Hassan constituency under the BJP-JD(S) alliance, faced the accusations as the constituency went to polls on Friday.

New Delhi: JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Monday, revealed the party's decision to suspend Prajwal Revanna, his nephew and incumbent MP for Hassan, amidst allegations of sexual abuse involving multiple women. Kumaraswamy sought to distance JD(S)'s alliance partner BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the case, amid attacks by the ruling Congress seeking their response on the issue. Prajwal, who is the candidate for the Lok Sabha election from Hassan constituency under the BJP-JD(S) alliance, faced the accusations as the constituency went to polls on Friday.

"A decision was already made. Tomorrow it is to be recommended at the core committee meeting in Hubballi. Because he (Prajwal) is a Member of Parliament, it has to be done from Delhi. So I had requested Deve Gowda (JD(S) National President and former PM). Neither he (Gowda) nor I were aware of this issue", Kumaraswamy claimed, reported PTI.

Speaking to reporters, the JD(S) state chief said, "Some issues that have come out, on the basis of that it has been decided yesterday itself to suspend (him). But many were in a hurry".

Prajwal Revanna, 33, is the son of H D Revanna, the former Prime Minister and JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda's elder son, who is an MLA and former minister.    

The explicit video clips allegedly depicting Prajwal Revanna engaging in sexual abuse with multiple women, are circulating widely in the Hassan region. In response to the scandal, the government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough probe into the matter.

Kumaraswamy emphasised the need for the investigation to extend beyond the allegations against Prajwal Revanna to include an inquiry into the origins of the pen drives containing the videos and the individuals responsible for their dissemination.

'Why Bring Family Into It', Kumaraswamy Asks Congress 

While there are no direct accusations against Prajwal Revanna thus far, Kumaraswamy stressed that "if the charges are proven true, appropriate legal consequences must follow without compromise". He affirmed the family's willingness to support any necessary actions against Prajwal Revanna should he be found guilty.

Kumaraswamy rebuffed attempts by Congress leaders to implicate BJP and PM Modi in the scandal involving Prajwal Revanna. He questioned the relevance of linking the case with national leaders or his own family members, emphasising that the focus should remain on the individual and their actions.

He reiterated his stance that there would be no defense for Prajwal Revanna if the SIT investigation validates the accusations, affirming the party's commitment to taking decisive action.

"I want to ask Congress leaders, why bring family into it? Discuss about the individual. An individual and his deeds are in question here, not the family...why bring the family's name, Deve Gowda's name or Kumaraswamy's name? I have myself said whoever has committed the mistake has to undergo punishment", he added.  

Kumaraswamy expressed deep concern over the societal embarrassment caused by such incidents, emphasising that wrongdoing should be condemned regardless of the perpetrator's identity. Regarding Prajwal Revanna's current whereabouts, the Chief Minister's Office disclosed that the police have information suggesting he has left the country, coinciding with the announcement of the SIT probe.

He refrained from commenting on Prajwal's movements, stating that it was the government's responsibility to take appropriate action. He denied prior knowledge of the situation, asserting that the Revanna family operates independently and implying that they were unaware of Prajwal's actions.

When questioned about potential political motives behind the release of the video clips, Kumaraswamy acknowledged the possibility of a conspiracy but deferred judgment until the SIT report is released.

H D Kumaraswamy addressed the circulating speculation surrounding the release of the pen drive containing the video clips, suggesting that experts may be involved and urging for transparency in the investigation. He stressed the importance of conducting a fair probe to prevent such incidents from occurring in society, reiterating his and Deve Gowda's commitment to treating women with utmost respect.

Despite the developments, Kumaraswamy expressed confidence in the NDA candidate winning in Hassan, asserting that Prajwal Revanna would secure victory with a significant margin.

"But the developments that have taken place in the last few days have led to state-wide discussion. Who released (the video clippings), a few days ago, what was the reason for releasing it? An old subject has been raised now, why didn't they raise the issue earlier but just days ahead of the election?...I don't want to discuss it much".