Prajwal Revanna, the Janata Dal (Secular) Member of Parliament from Hassan, embroiled in a serious sexual harassment scandal, addressed the public through a video message on Monday. Facing accusations from multiple women, Revanna has pledged to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on May 31 and fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Revanna, who is the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, found himself at the center of a major controversy after allegedly fleeing India on April 27, a day after voting concluded in his Lok Sabha constituency. In his video statement, he apologized to his grandfather, JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda, his uncle HD Kumaraswamy, his father HD Revanna, party workers, and the general public. He clarified that his trip to Germany was pre-planned and assured that he would present himself before the SIT before 10 am on May 31 to respond to the charges.
Revanna expressed that he only became aware of the allegations against him through YouTube and news channels several days after his departure. He vehemently denied the accusations, suggesting that Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders were attempting to tarnish his and his family’s reputation, which had led to his distress and depression. He lamented the public condemnation he faced, despite his lawyer’s request for a seven-day grace period from the court.
The scandal had significant repercussions within the JD(S) and the Gowda family. On May 25, HD Deve Gowda issued a stern ultimatum to Prajwal, demanding his return to India to confront the legal challenges head-on. This move was widely interpreted as an effort by the former Prime Minister to protect his own image, as well as that of his family and party, which had suffered considerable damage due to the scandal. Gowda emphasized the importance of regaining public trust, a sentiment rooted in his extensive political career spanning over six decades.
Gowda’s statement underscored the gravity of the situation: “The law will take care of accusations against him, but not listening to the family (to return) will ensure his total isolation.” This reflects the tightrope walk between familial loyalty and legal accountability that the Gowda family must navigate.
In a related response, Prajwal’s uncle, former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, expressed relief following the release of the video. He revealed that the family and party members had consistently urged Prajwal to return and respect the wishes of their supporters. Kumaraswamy reiterated that the SIT investigation would ultimately uncover the truth behind the allegations, signaling the family’s conditional support contingent upon Prajwal’s compliance with legal processes.
The controversy surrounding Prajwal’s diplomatic passport further complicated matters. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that it was processing a request to cancel Prajwal’s diplomatic passport, following a back-and-forth between state and central authorities. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted that his ministry received the request to impound Prajwal’s passport on May 21, despite claims by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that he had communicated the need for this action 15 days earlier. This bureaucratic tussle highlights the challenges of intergovernmental coordination in high-profile legal cases.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s reaction underscored the broader implications of the scandal: “These incidents have not only shocked the conscience of the people of the state of Karnataka but also caused nationwide concern.” He further criticized Prajwal’s decision to contest the elections, labeling it shameful in light of the allegations.
As the investigation unfolds, Prajwal Revanna’s promise to cooperate with the SIT marks a critical juncture in this high-stakes saga. The political and personal ramifications for the Gowda family, JD(S), and Karnataka’s political landscape remain significant. The public and party workers alike will closely watch the developments, as they hold broader implications for accountability and integrity in public life.