Bengaluru: On his 92nd birthday, JD patriarch H D Deve Gowda broke his silence regarding the sexual abuse charges against his grandson, MP Prajwal Revanna, stating he has no objection to legal action if found guilty. Gowda also addressed the accusations against his son, JD MLA H D Revanna, claiming the charges were fabricated but refraining from further comments as the matter is sub judice.
Gowda emphasized his decision to forgo birthday celebrations, asking well-wishers and party workers to send their regards from afar. “I don’t want to comment on the ongoing court cases against Revanna. Prajwal Revanna has gone abroad, and Kumaraswamy has stated that it is the government’s duty to act according to the law,” Gowda remarked. Speaking to reporters, the former Prime Minister said, “Those involved should face legal action, and the affected women deserve justice and compensation.”
The scandal involving Prajwal Revanna, accused of multiple instances of sexual abuse, has sparked a political uproar, with the ruling Congress and BJP-JD engaged in a contentious exchange. Prajwal reportedly left for Germany on April 27 and remains at large. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued to facilitate his return. Prajwal was the joint BJP-JD candidate from the Hassan Lok Sabha segment, which held elections on April 26.
Gowda’s 66-year-old son, Revanna, a former minister, has received interim anticipatory bail in a sexual harassment case also involving Prajwal. When asked about a possible conspiracy to politically damage his family, Gowda acknowledged, “It is true… many people are involved, but I won’t name anyone. Kumaraswamy will address the actions needed.”
Responding to allegations by BJP leader and advocate G Devaraje Gowda that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar circulated explicit videos of Prajwal Revanna, Gowda said, “Kumaraswamy will respond to all of this. I will address these issues after the Lok Sabha poll results on June 4.” He concluded by appealing to media personnel to cease camping near his residence, extending the request to their employers as well.
