JD(S) to suspend Prajwal Revanna
Kumaraswamy says no question of defending Prajwal Revanna
Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy revealed on Monday that the JD(S) has opted to suspend Prajwal Revanna, the party’s candidate for the Lok Sabha polls in the ongoing elections, due to allegations of sexual abuse against several women.
Kumaraswamy clarified that the decision to suspend Prajwal had been already made and would be formally recommended at the core committee meeting in Hubballi on Tuesday. He asserted that neither he nor JD(S) National President, H D Deve Gowda, were previously aware of the issue.
He affirmed the party’s commitment to accountability, stating that if the charges against Prajwal were proven true, appropriate legal action would be taken.
JD(S) MLA H D Revanna, father of Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, stated they are open to investigation regarding allegations and will face legal action if charges are proven. He suggested political motives behind the accusations and confirmed Prajwal’s cooperation with the probe when required.
Over 3,000 video clips allegedly showing Prajwal abusing women led to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the government. A case of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation was also filed against both at Holenarasipur police station.
“We are here, we will face it legally... Some four or five years (old) thing they have got it now and booking case...I will not react to this issue, as the case has been given to SIT and their investigation should not be hindered,” H D Revanna told reporters.
The police believe Prajwal has left the country post-elections on April 26. H D Revanna indicated that Prajwal was unaware of the FIR and SIT formation and will return for the investigation.
Questioned about Prajwal’s whereabouts, H D Revanna said: “Normally he had to go (without saying where), and he has gone. Did he know they will file an FIR and constitute an SIT? He will come when called for investigation.”
Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy, who is also the state JD(S) chief, strongly objected to