BJP is questioned by Laxmi Hebbalkar about its position on maintaining the coalition with JD(S)
Belagavi/Hubballi: The minister for women and child welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar, said that JD (S) MP Prajwal Revanna was being protected in the sex scandal case by the BJP leadership for political purposes. She asked the BJP leaders to make it clear where they stand on the controversy and if they want to stick with JD(S) in spite of the significant scandal that has come to light.
Hebbalkar described the incident as disgraceful for the nation and the state during a news conference held in Belagavi on Monday.
“I am receiving inquiries from both domestic and international sources,” she said.
Hebbalkar said that despite being fully informed of the controversy beforehand, the BJP leadership forged an alliance with JD(S) for political gain. She brought forward the fact that BJP state president BY Vijayendra was notified of the issue in writing by Hassan leader Devraj Gowda in December.
In addition, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been notified of the issue by former BJP MLAs Preetam Gowda and RT Ramaswamy.
From the age of 16 to 60, a number of women and girls have experienced MP Prajwal Revanna’s sexual harassment. This excludes SC/ST women, laborers, and maids, but includes police officers and anganwadi workers. PM Narendra Modi is discussing the safeguarding of Hindu women’s mangalasutras. Are these ladies not devout Hindus? How about the mangalasutras they wear? The PM needs to discuss it, Hebbalkar said.
As they protested after the death of Neha Hiremath in Hubballi, Hebbalkar encouraged the BJP to prove their dedication to the phrase “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” by campaigning against the harassment of these women in various taluks and districts, without exhibiting double standards. In addition, she urged opposition leader R Ashoka to address the controversy and provide the BJP’s political stance, rather than sidestepping the issue by stating that “JD(S) leaders will answer on it.” In a same vein, she requested HD Kumaraswamy clarify his position rather than only saying, “Whoever eats salt must drink water.”
Hebbalkar said that after having a detailed conversation about the matter with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the government turned the investigation over to the SIT. She gave her word that the identities of the women and girls who had complained to SIT would remain private. Hebbalkar also claimed that because Prajwal had left overseas, the Union should employ Interpol to bring him back.
According to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, NDA candidates in the state’s LS polls won’t suffer any consequences as a result of Prajwal Revanna’s case. Joshi pushed for the punishment of violators. Congress, in any case, is in charge of the state. Let them take legal action against violators,” he said.
