The political sphere in Karnataka has been reacting constantly ever since Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, embroiled in the sex scandal, announced his intention to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on May 31 in a video statement. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge and State Home Minister G Parameshwar expressed disbelief at Prajwal's delayed response.
"He could have come out with this video when it became viral, there were rumors about it, pendrives were being distributed, or when he learned that the government is leading this to an investigation," Kharge told PTI.
"He could have come out in the open and said that he was innocent when SIT was formed, when complaints were registered against him, or when CM wrote twice to the PM to cancel his diplomatic passport, but he didn't say a word. Now, he is saying that it's a political conspiracy. It is Rahul Gandhi, who went ahead and spoke about it and he had to isolate himself in depression," he added.
"I saw the video. He said that he would appear before the SIT... Now, the legal process will continue... All the notices have been given to him. Now, we have to find the truth. SIT will decide where he should be arrested. If he doesn't turn up, the law will take its course," State Home Minister told reporters.
The Kerala Unit of Congress weighed in, posting Prajwal's video statement, it said in an X post, "Modi's Senior Diplomat Prajwal Revanna touring Europe alleges that Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders drove him to depression and isolation. Hope BJP gives ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ to cheer him up and Nadda ji garlands and welcomes him at the airport on 31st".
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, emphasised the necessity of cooperation with investigative authorities.
"He should appear before the SIT," Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra stated. Echoing similar sentiments, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai said, "They have to come and surrender before the SIT and subject themselves to the due process of law. If they don't do it, the suspicion will only grow every day".
The scandal implicated Prajwal and his father, MLA HD Revanna, revolves around allegations of sexual harassment spanning from 2019 to 2022. The situation intensified with the circulation of explicit video footage purportedly depicting Prajwal engaged in sexual activities with multiple women. The distribution of thousands of such clips on pendrives added fuel to the controversy, prompting legal actions against the Revanna duo.