Won't let BJP turn Karnataka into lab of hatred, misgovernance: Rahul Gandhi
Bengaluru, Oct 23: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said his party will not allow Karnataka to be turned into a laboratory for the BJP's experiments with hatred and misgovernance.
The leader was optimistic that his party will unleash Karnataka's true potential through the path of love, peace and harmony.
"The Congress party will not allow this garden of peace to be turned into a laboratory for the BJP's experiments with hatred and misgovernance," he said in a statement, after winding up his Karnataka leg of Bharat Jodo Yatra and entered Telangana on Sunday.
"Through the untiring efforts of our state leaders, drawing on the rich cultures of Karnataka and the support of crores of Kannadigas, that day will soon come when we will unleash Karnataka's true potential through the path of love, peace and harmony," he added.
While thanking the people for their outpouring of support throughout his journey in Karnataka, Gandhi said he saw the potential of its people being crippled.
Farmers growing crops from every region are struggling to support their families due to rising costs, uncertain yields and fluctuating prices, the Wayanad MP said.
The youth are unable to find opportunities that meet their aspirations despite repeated attempts, Gandhi said, adding, small entrepreneurs are closing down with inadequate or no support and a market that is tilted heavily in favour of a few big players.
"MGNREGA workers, women, weavers and many others are staring at shrinking incomes. Disadvantaged sections of the society and minorities face a rising tide of hatred and violence. The languages, the diverse cultures and the history of the state are being distorted and decimated," the former Congress president alleged.
He accused the BJP in Karnataka of going against the teachings of 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara, the founder of Lingayat sect.
He said Guru Basavanna had taught "Do not steal, do not kill, do not lie, do not be angry, do not be intolerant of others" but the BJP has done exactly the opposite of his teachings in Karnataka.
"The state that once spearheaded India's growth story is now known for the '40 per cent Commission' government that exemplifies the BJP's model of suit, boot, loot Sarkar," Gandhi charged.
Corruption, according to him, is at an unprecedented scale where people have to pay for jobs, contracts and public services.
"There is nothing that is not up for sale for the BJP in Karnataka. The erosion of social harmony and the public sector is paralysing economic progress and hitting the poor and vulnerable the hardest," the Congress leader said.
Gandhi, who started the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu on September 7, entered Karnataka on September 30. After travelling across the state for 24 days, he entered Telangana via Mahabubnagar on Sunday.
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No objection to action against grandson if he is found guilty: Deve Gowda on sexual abuse case
Bengaluru (PTI): JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda, who turned 92 on Saturday, broke his silence over the sexual abuse charges levelled against his grandson and MP Prajwal Revanna and said he has no objection to the action taken against him if found guilty.
However, he said the cases against his son and JD(S) MLA H D Revanna, who is facing charges of sexual harassment and kidnap of a woman, were "created", but refrained from commenting further, as the matter was subjudice.
Recently, Gowda had announced his decision not to celebrate his birthday and requested well wishers and party workers to wish him from wherever they are.
"... I don't want to comment on things that are going on in the court regarding Revanna. Prajwal Revanna has gone abroad, regarding that Kumaraswamy (Gowda's other son and state JD(S) chief) has on behalf of our family said it is the duty of the government to take action in accordance with the law of the land," Gowda said.
Addressing reporters here, the former PM said, "There are several people connected to this (sexual abuse cases), I don't want to take anyone's names. Kumaraswamy has said that those who are involved in this matter, action should be taken against all of them, and the affected women should get justice and compensation."
"There is no objection from us for taking action against Prajwal. But people have come to know (facts) about the allegations made against Revanna, how the case has been created. In one case he has got the bail, in another case there is judgment day-after-tomorrow...I don't want to comment on it," he said as he concurred with Kumaraswamy's statement that if found guilty no one should be spared.
Prajwal (33) is facing charges of multiple instances of sexually abusing women. The scandal has raised a political storm with the ruling Congress and BJP-JD(S) engaged in a slugfest.
Prajwal reportedly left for Germany on April 27 and is still at large. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued against him, in an effort to bring him back.
He was BJP-JD(S) alliance's joint candidate from Hassan Lok Sabha segment, which went to polls on April 26.
Meanwhile, Gowda's 66-year-old son, Revanna, a former Minister, has got interim anticipatory bail from a court here, in a sexual harassment case, in which his son Prajwal is also an accused.
Asked whether there was a conspiracy to defame and scuttle his family politically, Gowda said, "It is true... over all what all has happened, several people are involved, I won't take names. Kumaraswamy will say on what action to be taken."
Responding to a query on BJP leader and advocate G Devaraje Gowda's allegations that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is behind the circulation of pen drive containing explicit videos involving Prajwal Revanna, Gowda said, Kumaraswamy will respond to all of this.
"We have seen in the media as to what Devaraje Gowda has said. Kumaraswamy has been reacting to all this actively as the party's state President, he will speak, I won't at this point. I had campaigned for Lok Sabha polls, on June 4 after Lok Sabha polls results are announced, I will meet you (media)," he added.
Gowda also appealed to media persons campaign near his house to end it. "I also appeal to your owners."
