Video of BJP MLA calling for Prajwal Revanna defeat sparks storm

HASSAN/MYSURU: A leaked video purportedly showing

BJP MLA Preetham Gowda

asking a gathering of political workers in Hassan, including Congress leader Narayana Gowda, to work for the defeat of JD(S)-Congress candidate

Prajwal Revanna

has set off a storm in the constituency on Monday.


In the video, Gowda, whose house was attacked by JD(S) workers two months ago, is apparently heard saying JD(S) members in Hassan will have to be subservient to Prajwal if he is elected from the segment.

Narayana Gowda, vice-president of Hassan District Congress Committee, is seated next to the BJP MLA in the video, which a participant seated in the second row recorded on his smartphone.

In the video, the BJP MLA appears to encourage Congress workers to convince JD(S) members to work against Prajwal. “Take JD(S) workers into confidence and explain to them how they will be cornered if Prajwal is elected,” Gowda appears to say in the video.

In Mysuru, angry JD(S) men heckled leaders of the party and refused to work with the Congress at a joint rally by leaders of the two parties in Hunsur on Monday.

The rally was held at a neutral venue, and not at the offices of either of the two parties, in Hunsur — the constituency of state party chief H Vishwanath.

Some JD(S) workers questioned the election alliance with the Congress and told district minister GT Devegowda that they could not work with the coalition partner. The minister and Vishwanath were forced to placate the JD(S) workers.

Vishwanath said the Congress was the senior alliance partner with 80 MLAs and had accommodated the JD(S) and made HD Kumaraswamy the chief minister. It was imperative for secular forces to unite against the BJP, he said.