01-May-2024 10:00 PM
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Hubbali, May 1 (Reporter) The controversy surrounding Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, has taken a political turn as Union Home Minister Amit Shah insinuated that the Congress delayed action against the Hassan MP until after the Vokkaliga community had cast their votes.
Shah alleged, "The Congress knew everything but waited for the Vokkaligas to vote. They did not take any action until the election of Vokkaliga belt was over, you did politics and let him escape (Prajwal)."
Shah also emphasised that the BJP stands firmly against crimes against women and condemned any attempts to shield perpetrators. "If you have guts, say the truth, because of you a person who committed a heinous crime escaped...even though they're JDS our ally, our stand is clear, those who commit such crimes, need to be given the harshest punishment," he roared.
The controversy erupted just two days before polling day when obscene videos allegedly involving Prajwal surfaced.
Following the elections on April 26, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the allegations.
Subsequently, on April 28, an FIR was filed against Prajwal and his father, an MLA, by their maid, accusing them of sexual assault over several years.
In response, Prajwal was suspended from JDS pending investigation. The SIT has issued summons to both Prajwal and his father Revanna.
The accusation by the Union Home Minister adds a new dimension to the unfolding scandal, as the political landscape in Karnataka becomes increasingly charged in the wake of these developments.
In his impassioned appeal to support BJP candidate and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Shah underscored the pivotal role of voters in shaping the nation's future. He delineated the achievements of the Modi government, particularly in bolstering national security and combating terrorism.
Highlighting the contrast between the present administration and its predecessors, Shah accused the erstwhile UPA government of faltering in the face of terrorist threats, contrasting it with Modi's resolute response to Pakistan-backed terrorism.
He further alleged that vote-bank politics had compromised national security, citing instances where Congress alliances led to incidents like the bomb blast in Karnataka.
Touching upon sensitive issues like the Ram Mandir construction in Ayodhya, Shah denounced Congress leaders for purportedly prioritising electoral gains over national unity. He invoked the spirit of development politics championed by PM Modi, emphasising the eradication of casteism and dynasty politics.
Turning his attention to state matters, Shah chastised the state government for what he termed "drought politics," attributing delays in relief efforts to internal conflicts within the ruling party. He contrasted the financial allocations to Karnataka under the UPA regime with those under Modi's tenure, painting a picture of increased central assistance and infrastructural development.
In a strategic move to rally support for Joshi, Shah assured voters of Hubballi-Dharwad that re-electing the sitting MP would not only benefit the constituency but also elevate its representation in national politics. He concluded his address with a rallying cry, urging voters to cast their ballots in favor of Joshi to strengthen Modi's leadership and fortify the nation against terrorism and insurgency.
Before Shah's address, Joshi highlighted his achievements and the strides made by India under Modi's leadership, setting the stage for Shah's impassioned plea. The rally was attended by a host of political luminaries, including MLAs Basangaouda Patil Yatnal, Mahesh Tenginakai, MR Patil, MLC Pradeep Shettar, and others...////...