Bengaluru: The BJP is actively maneuvering through a political storm in Karnataka, as it strives to distance itself from allegations of sexual harassment against JDS lawmaker Prajwal Revanna, an NDA candidate from Hassan parliamentary constituency.
Senior BJP leaders have reiterated that the responsibility for candidate selection in allied seats rests with the respective party, aiming to shield the BJP from any repercussions arising from the controversy.
“The BJP is not accountable for selecting candidates or vouching for their character if they come from an alliance partner. The alliance is formed for electoral objectives, but the decision-making authority for candidate selection lies with the party contesting from the respective seat. Once seat-sharing arrangements are finalized, the responsibility shifts to the concerned party,” BJP National General Secretary Radha Mohan Das Agrawal said.
This stance comes amidst accusations from the Congress, which alleges that the BJP was aware of the allegations against Prajwal but failed to intervene.
Karnataka Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar further escalated the matter, implicating prominent BJP leaders in the controversy. However, the BJP has maintained its position, asserting that the matter is under investigation by the state government.
“The Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi are attempting to politicise the matter. However, they should clarify whether they dictate the selection of candidates for their alliance partners. If they claim responsibility for selecting candidates for the INDI parties (INDIA bloc), they should openly admit it,” Agarwal, who is Karnataka BJP’s election incharge, countered.
Internal divisions within the JDS have added complexity to the situation, with some leaders within the party expressing discontent over Prajwal’s candidacy. Nonetheless, the BJP remains steadfast, expressing confidence that the controversy will not significantly impact their electoral prospects.
As the second phase of elections approaches, the BJP faces the challenge of managing this controversy while focusing on campaign efforts. With key battlegrounds against the Congress in various constituencies, the BJP is under pressure to drive this situation strategically while maintaining its electoral momentum.
UNI
