YEARENDER: Political Turmoil in Karnataka Fueled by Scandals

Bengaluru, Dec 30 (NationPress) The political landscape in Karnataka has been significantly impacted by a series of scams and scandals in 2024. High-profile incidents involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the family of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, and former CM B.S. Yediyurappa have kept the political atmosphere charged.

The already tense political environment has escalated due to the controversial remarks made by BJP MLC C.T. Ravi and Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar.

As the year drew to a close, the Congress faced allegations of an egg attack directed at BJP MLA N. Munirathna Naidu in Bengaluru, suggesting that the confrontational climate may persist into the upcoming year.

The Opposition, including BJP and JD(S), gained traction with claims of irregularities associated with CM Siddaramaiah linked to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

Following their success in the Lok Sabha elections, both the BJP and JD(S) mounted a vigorous campaign against CM Siddaramaiah. A significant foot march led by BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra from Bengaluru to CM Siddaramaiah's hometown in Mysuru highlighted their efforts.

Currently, investigations by the Karnataka Lokayukta and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are underway, with CM Siddaramaiah named as the primary accused, followed by his wife and brother-in-law. Notably, CM Siddaramaiah is the first Chief Minister in Karnataka history to participate in a Lokayukta investigation as an accused.

Adding to the government's challenges, the Tribal Welfare Development Board case, allegedly involving the misappropriation of funds intended for tribal welfare, led to the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra.

Despite the Opposition blaming Siddaramaiah, who oversees the finance portfolio, the Chief Minister has firmly rejected any wrongdoing.

The recent outcry over the chanting of 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans within the Vidhana Soudha premises by supporters celebrating Rajya Sabha Member Syed Naseer Hussain's victory garnered national attention.

The BJP publicly released photographs of individuals implicated in the case, further embarrassing the ruling party.

A shocking incident involving the brutal murder of college student Neha Hiremath by her former lover Fayaz Kondikoppa rocked the state just prior to the Lok Sabha elections. The Opposition and the victim's family alleged it was a case of love jihad.

However, both the CM and Home Minister G. Parameshwara asserted it was merely a failed relationship. Although they expressed regret to the victim's family under mounting pressure, the police’s charge sheet later dismissed the love jihad narrative.

Recently, the Waqf row emerged as a contentious issue in Karnataka, with the BJP alleging that thousands of acres of land owned by farmers and Hindu religious institutions were claimed by the Waqf Board. This situation threatened to escalate into a communal crisis.

In response, the state government quickly initiated damage control by announcing the withdrawal of notices issued to farmers, clarifying that similar notices were also issued during the BJP's tenure, and assuring that temple properties would remain untouched.

Amid the controversies, the Congress emerged victorious in bypolls for three Assembly constituencies, asserting that the results indicated public disapproval of the BJP regarding the Waqf row.

However, the BJP and JD(S) were also embroiled in their own scandals. The most significant being the arrest of Prajwal Revanna, former JD(S) MP and grandson of H.D. Deve Gowda, in a sexual assault and video scandal.

The emergence of explicit video footage purportedly involving Prajwal triggered uproar within the state's political arena and beyond. He was arrested on May 30 at Bengaluru International Airport in connection with this scandal, facing allegations of repeatedly assaulting women, including party associates and a maid.

Charges also include secretly recording intimate encounters and blackmailing the victims.

Following Prajwal's arrest, his father, JD(S) MLA H.D. Revanna, was also implicated in a kidnapping case related to the sex video scandal.

Prajwal's mother, Bhavani Revanna, managed to secure bail from the highest court, providing her some relief.

Subsequently, JD(S) MLC Suraj Revanna, Prajwal's brother, was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a male JD(S) party worker, adding further distress to the Deve Gowda family.

Another scandal engulfing the Opposition involved former CM and BJP leader Yediyurappa, who faced charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) as well as multiple sections of the IPC.

The allegations arose from an incident where the complainant visited Yediyurappa seeking assistance regarding a sexual assault on her 17-year-old daughter. It is claimed that Yediyurappa took the victim to a private room and assaulted her. The charge sheet states that the girl resisted and left the room, following which Yediyurappa declined to provide help.

Yediyurappa has vehemently denied the charges, indicating his readiness to face any legal action.

In a further setback for Yediyurappa, a report by the commission led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha implicated him and former Health Ministers B. Sriramulu and K. Sudhakar in the alleged misuse of funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state government has established a Cabinet subcommittee, led by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, to review the findings and determine subsequent actions.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticized Justice D'Cunha's report, labeling him a political agent. However, after a complaint from the Congress to the Governor, Joshi extended an apology to Justice D'Cunha.

An FIR has now been lodged concerning the COVID scam in Karnataka.

The latest twist in this political saga involves the derogatory remarks made by BJP MLC C.T. Ravi and Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar, which has sparked significant political drama as the year concludes. This ongoing situation is expected to continue into the next year.

Meanwhile, Deputy CM Shivakumar has proclaimed that the Congress is poised for a victory in the 2028 elections, while the BJP and JD(S) accuse the ruling party of engaging in appeasement politics.

Political analysts suggest that the stage is set for more political theatrics in 2025.