Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the sexual assault accusations against now-suspended JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna, expressing unequivocal condemnation and urging swift action. In an interview with a TV channel, PM Modi asserted, “It is a law and order issue. If such an incident took place in Bengal, then the Bengal Government would be responsible. If it happened in Gujarat, then the Gujarat Government is responsible… if it happened in Karnataka, then the Karnataka Government is responsible to take action.”
Reaffirming his commitment to zero tolerance for such offences, PM Modi stressed the importance of imposing stringent punishment using all available legal measures. “As far as Modi is concerned, as far as BJP is concerned, as far as our Constitution is concerned, I am of the clear view that there should be zero tolerance for such people,” he asserted.
Prajwal Revanna, grandson of JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda and Hassan MP, faces allegations of sexually assaulting multiple women, with videos of the incidents surfacing after the first phase of polling in the state. His father, HD Revanna, Holenarasipur MLA, was also implicated and subsequently arrested on charges of kidnapping one of the victims.
Despite Prajwal’s suspension from the party pending conviction, reports suggest he remains abroad, allegedly in Germany on a diplomatic passport. Meanwhile, his father maintains their innocence, labelling the accusations as politically motivated. Notably, JD(S) and BJP have formed an alliance in Karnataka for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing the multitude of incriminating videos against Revanna, PM Modi raised suspicions about their timing, suggesting a political motive behind their release. He indicated that the footage likely dates back to when JD(S) was allied with Congress, insinuating a deliberate ploy to sway electoral outcomes.
Highlighting the need to ensure justice for the victims, PM Modi highlighted the imperative of apprehending the accused and subjecting him to due process. “My issue is that any culprit should not be spared. This should stop in our country. We should bring him back and strict action should be taken against him. There should be no ifs and buts,” concluded PM Modi.
