The Indian political arena is in turmoil as a staggering cache of nearly 3000 videos allegedly showing sexual abuse has come to light, casting a shadow over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ally, Prajwal Revanna. The controversy has erupted amidst the fervor of the nation’s general elections, challenging the incumbent government’s moral compass.
Prajwal Revanna, a member of the Janata Dal (Secular) party and grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, stands accused of filming himself in acts of sexual misconduct with multiple women. The videos, allegedly leaked by Revanna’s ex-driver, have cast a shadow over the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) coalition efforts in Karnataka.
Revanna has refuted the accusations, asserting that the videos are fabricated. Following his suspension from the party, he has reportedly sought refuge in Germany. The BJP, which had been relying on the Janata Dal (Secular) for a coalition majority in Karnataka, now faces a severe test of its political strategy.
The opposition, led by the Indian National Congress, has seized upon the controversy, launching a fierce critique of Modi and his party. Social media has been ablaze with comments from rival politicians, and protests have erupted in various cities, including Hubballi, Hassan, and Bengaluru.
With the election process underway and results expected on June 4, the nation’s attention is fixated on the unfolding drama. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress General Secretary, expressed her dismay, questioning Modi’s silence on the matter.
The BJP has been accused by Congress of prior knowledge of the videos, a claim that has historical roots in a 2023 warning by a Karnataka BJP leader about nominating Revanna as a candidate.
The Deve Gowda family has denied any foreknowledge of the allegations, with the patriarch calling for action if any misconduct is proven. Alka Lamba, head of the Congress Party’s women’s wing, stated that the scandal has deeply disturbed the country’s conscience.
A police investigation has been initiated by the Congress-led state government, while the BJP’s chief Karnataka spokesman, S Prakash, has condemned the depicted actions and criticized the politicization of the issue, affirming the party’s commitment to women’s dignity.