Former Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) State President HD Kumaraswamy stirred controversy on Tuesday, alleging that the Congress government orchestrated the distribution of 25,000 pen drives containing videos purportedly depicting sexual assaults by his nephew and incumbent MP from Hassan, Prajwal Revanna, through police officers amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the state.Serious AllegationsKumaraswamy, addressing the media, asserted that the dissemination of these pen drives on April 21 extended beyond the confines of the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency, systematically targeting the Mandya and Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha seats as well.Election Interference ClaimsThe former CM further claimed that the circulation of over 25,000 pen drives aimed to undermine the prospects of JD(S) candidates in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, casting a shadow over the electoral process.Key ContendersWith Kumaraswamy contesting as the NDA candidate from Mandya and C.N. Manjunath, H.D. Deve Gowdas son-in-law, vying for the Bengaluru Rural seat on a BJP ticket, the political landscape is fraught with familial and party rivalries.Demand for JusticeAsserting his stance on the matter, Kumaraswamy emphasized the need for impartiality in pursuing justice, stating that those found guilty must face consequences without compromise.Police Complaint and Delayed ActionA police complaint has been lodged against a JD(S) polling agent for allegedly publicizing the contents of the pen drive, implicating four others. However, Kumaraswamy expressed dissatisfaction over the delayed response of the SIT in conducting a thorough investigation.Calls for ResignationMeanwhile, G.T. Deve Gowda, the JD(S) core committee chief, issued a stern warning, demanding the resignation or removal of Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar from the Cabinet. He threatened widespread protests across Karnataka if these demands are not met, citing doubts over the impartiality of the ongoing SIT probe.Demand for Judicial ProbeHighlighting concerns over the SITs neutrality, Deve Gowda called for a judicial inquiry into the matter, asserting that the governments reluctance to transfer the case to the CBI underscores suspicions surrounding Shivakumars involvement.The unfolding scandal and subsequent accusations have injected further volatility into Karnatakas political landscape, amplifying tensions and raising questions about electoral integrity and accountability within the states governance framework.
