“Don’t test my patience” HD Deve Gowda issues ‘stern warning’ to grandson Prajwal Revanna
Bengaluru: Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has issued a “stern warning” to his grandson Prajwal Revanna, who is currently accused in a sex scandal and is reportedly absconding from India. In a letter shared on his X handle, Gowda expressed his anguish and called for Prajwal to surrender to the authorities immediately.
Gowda shared the emotional and personal turmoil he and his family have endured since the scandal broke. "It took me some time to recover from the shock and pain Prajwal has inflicted on me, my entire family, my colleagues, friends, and party workers," he said. Gowda reiterated his stance on the matter, stating unequivocally that if found guilty, Prajwal should face the harshest punishment under the law. This sentiment has been echoed by his son and former Karnataka Chief Minister, H.D. Kumaraswamy.
Acknowledging the harsh criticisms directed at him and his family in recent weeks, Gowda chose not to retaliate or seek to silence his detractors. "People have used the harshest words against me and my family. I am aware of it. I do not wish to stop them or criticize them. I will not try to argue that they should have waited until all the facts were known," he stated.
Gowda addressed the public skepticism regarding his knowledge of Prajwal's activities and movements, including his alleged foreign trip. "I also cannot convince people that I was unaware of Prajwal's activities, that I have no desire to shield him, or that I was not aware of his foreign trip. I believe in answering to my conscience and to God, who knows the truth," he asserted.
Choosing not to delve into what he described as political conspiracies, exaggerations, provocations, and falsehoods that have emerged in recent weeks, Gowda expressed his faith that those spreading such misinformation would eventually face divine justice. "I am very sure people who have done it will have to answer to God and pay for it heavily one day. I place my truth and my burdens at the feet of the Lord," he said.
The core of Gowda's message, however, was his direct warning to Prajwal. "At this juncture, I can do only one thing. I can issue a stern warning to Prajwal and ask him to return from wherever he is and surrender before the police. He should subject himself to the legal process. This is not an appeal; it is a warning," Gowda declared. He stressed the consequences of not heeding this warning, highlighting the potential for total isolation from the family. "If he does not heed this warning, he will have to face my anger and the anger of all his family members. The law will take care of the accusations against him, but not listening to the family will ensure his total isolation. If he has any respect left for me, he has to return immediately."
Gowda also emphasized his commitment to ensuring a fair investigation, free from any interference by him or his family. "I wish to make it clear that I will ensure there will be no interference in the inquiry against him from me or my family members. There is no emotion in this regard in my mind whatsoever, only the cause of justice for those who have suffered as a result of his alleged actions and misdeeds," he said.
"It is of utmost importance to me to earn back the trust of the people. They have stood by me for over sixty years of my political life, and I am deeply indebted to them. As long as I am alive, I will never let them down," he concluded.
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Waqf Bill anti-secular, will snatch rights of Muslims: Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday described the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as “anti-secular”, claiming that it would snatch the rights of Muslims.
Banerjee, speaking in the assembly, also said the Centre did not consult with states over the matter.
“The bill is anti-federal and anti-secular; it is a deliberate attempt to malign a particular section. It will snatch the rights of Muslims... The Centre did not consult with us on the Waqf Bill,” she said.
The chief minister added that “if any religion was attacked”, she would wholeheartedly condemn it.
Opposition parties have stridently criticised the amendments proposed by the bill in the existing Waqf Act, alleging that they violate the religious rights of Muslims.
The ruling BJP has asserted that the amendments will bring transparency in the functioning of the Waqf boards and make them accountable.
A parliamentary committee has been constituted to scrutinise the contentious bill.
