Published on: May 18, 2024 13:08 IST
JD(S) Chief HD Deve Gowda, who turned 92 on Saturday, addressed the sexual abuse charges against his grandson, MP Prajwal Revanna. He stated he has no objection to action being taken against Prajwal if found guilty. However, he asserted that the cases against his son, JD(S) MLA HD Revanna, were “created.” Gowda refrained from further commenting as the matter is sub judice.
Gowda had recently announced his decision not to celebrate his birthday and requested well-wishers and party workers to wish him from afar.
“I don’t want to comment on the court proceedings regarding Revanna. Prajwal Revanna has gone abroad. Kumaraswamy, on behalf of our family, has stated that it is the government’s duty to take action in accordance with the law,” Gowda said. Addressing reporters, the former PM added, “There are several people connected to these sexual abuse cases. I don’t want to mention anyone’s names. Kumaraswamy has stated that those involved should face action, and the affected women should get justice and compensation.”
“There is no objection from us to taking action against Prajwal. But people have come to know the facts about the allegations made against Revanna, how the case has been created. In one case, he has been granted bail, and in another, the judgment is expected soon… I don’t want to comment on it,” Gowda concurred with Kumaraswamy’s statement that if found guilty, no one should be spared.
Prajwal (33) is facing charges of multiple instances of sexually abusing women, sparking a political storm with the ruling Congress and BJP-JD(S) engaged in a slugfest. Prajwal reportedly left for Germany on April 27 and is still at large. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued to bring him back. He was the BJP-JD(S) alliance’s joint candidate from the Hassan Lok Sabha segment, which went to polls on April 26.
Meanwhile, Gowda’s 66-year-old son, Revanna, has been granted interim anticipatory bail in a sexual harassment case in which his son Prajwal is also an accused.
Asked if there was a conspiracy to defame and politically scuttle his family, Gowda said, “It is true… considering all that has happened, several people are involved. I won’t mention names. Kumaraswamy will address what action needs to be taken.”
Responding to allegations by BJP leader and advocate G Devaraje Gowda that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is behind the circulation of explicit videos involving Prajwal, Gowda said Kumaraswamy would respond to these claims.
“We have seen in the media what Devaraje Gowda has said. Kumaraswamy, as the party’s state President, has been actively responding to all this. He will speak. I won’t at this point. I had campaigned for the Lok Sabha polls. On June 4, after the results are announced, I will meet with you (media),” he added. Gowda also appealed to media persons campaigning near his house to end it and appealed to their owners.