A photo from the files shows a demonstration relating to the claims of sexual abuse leveled against Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, in Bengaluru.
Given that some people living around these parts are of the view that Prajwal Revanna’s opportunity to be elected as a young member for Parliament without any sweat and then have an open door to power made him a wrong doer in crimes he is now facing charges on, The Hindu gathered myriad opinions from many people within the district.
Recently, allegations have been made against Mr. Revanna, aged 34 years that over several years he sexually assaulted multiple women. These accusations are being investigated by a special investigation squad created by Karnataka state government.
It is argued by activists, party politicians, writers and laymen who have walked with this political graph for ages about H.D Deve Gowda’s family, they see their young legislator as someone who did not do much apart from what would have passed for an elected representative of persons. They also say that he never bothered about any ongoing construction projects or other types of developmental initiatives within his constituency.
On May 18, 2024, writers and activists staged a protest in Hassan demanding for the arrest of Prajwal Revanna, MP. Activists, party workers, authors and locals argue that this MP never cared about ongoing infrastructure projects or development works in his own constituency.
“They have supported Deve Gowda in every way; then suddenly at the last minute he nominated his own grandson who was only 28, Prajwal Revanna to contest the Lok Sabha elections in 2019. What had he done for the constituency? Had he ever mingled with people there? He won on account of his grandfather’s name that had acquired fame over years,” commented T.R. Vijay Kumar of Madiga Dandora Horata Samiti which is based in Holenarasipur and is also President of Hassan district.
He grew up amid parents who were influential without anyone questioning them. “The family had the backing of masses besides dominance by caste as well as holding political power. The consequence of combining mass backing and political clout against him brought him down to nothingness. He did not understand what it meant to be elected into position. Otherwise, he could not have got himself involved into whatever is allegedly being attributed to him,” added R.P.Venkateshamurthy who is a social worker and an experienced journalist in Hassan.
H.D.Deve Gowda has been through many ups and downs during his political career. It was difficult for him to be elected.” However much effort he put into being elected president, his grandson did not do anything like it at all since it was easy for someone similar to him on good terms with whom he was nominated when the time reached. For example as soon as some one gets elected they are given unquestionable power”.
H.D. Deve Gowda is featured in a file photo with his wife Chennamma, grandson Prajwal Revanna, daughter-in-law Bhavani Revanna and son H.D. Revanna casts his vote in Holenarasipur.
“In almost all wedding invitations of the taluk names of all six members are included such as H.D. Deve Gowda, (wife) Chennamma, (son) Revanna, (daughter-in-law), Bhavani ,(grandson) Prajwal and (grandson) Suraj,” Holenarasipur resident Raju S said reflecting on the hold that the family has over the region.
Prajwal Revanna was known for misusing his father’s position and power before he even became a member of parliament. “Why did he remain in his grandfather’s official residence at Hassan after being elected as an MP? He was not short of places to spend time in; neither did his family suffer from lack of money to spend. The family never sat down with him to remind him that he had certain responsibilities since he also happens to be a Member of Parliament,” Mr Venkateshamurthy said.
“The behavior of his parents — H.D. Revanna and Bhavani Revanna — has been very arrogant every time they have faced opposition,” confided one JD(S) supporter who requested anonymity. Earlier this year she treated rudely a two-wheeler rider following a minor accident at K.R.Nagar taluk. She didn’t mind about her injuries but how much might cost her car damage amounting too much money; likewise HD has been openly disrespectful toward many high-ranking officers during their meetings thus their way they act besides behave publicly could certainly rub off on the boy making him feel untouchable.”
Several other JD(S) workers, who spoke to The Hindu on condition that their names should not be disclosed in this report, expressed similar thoughts concerning the allegations against the MP from Hassan.
The gravity of his grandson’s offense should be understood by the former PM, according to Venkateshamurthy. “Deve Gowda has to appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to revoke his diplomatic passport and bring him back to India,” he said.
