'BJP can't stay with those who commit atrocities against women': Shah seeks harshest punishment in Revanna case

Hubballi: Charging that the Congress government in the state allowed Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna allegedly involved in sex videos and abuse of women to 'flee', Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said those, who commit such acts (sexual abuse of women), should be given the harshest punishment and there should be no delay in it.

Shah was addressing a public gathering in Hubballi on Wednesday evening, campaigning for BJP candidate Pralhad Joshi.

"BJP cannot be with anybody who commits atrocity on women. We may be alliance partners, but our stand is clear. Those who commit such acts should be given the harshest punishment without making any delay," he said.

Accusing the state government of not taking action in this case purposely till the completion of polling of Lok Sabha elections in the Vokkaliga belt, Shah said the Congress government played politics even in this terrible crime and allowed him (Prajwal) to flee. "The government is yours and steps have to be taken by you. Tell the truth if you (Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar) have courage. Because of you, those who committed heinous crimes fled," he said.

He also said Congress leaders thought they could corner the BJP using this case, as the BJP has an alliance with the JD(S).

'Drought memorandum came late'

Commenting on the delay in providing drought compensation to Karnataka under the NDRF, Shah said the memorandum to the Centre was sent late and it came thrice. By the time the third memorandum came, the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls had come, and therefore, the drought compensation came late.

He said the chief minister is doing politics over drought. There is an internal fight between the CM and the DyCM. The DyCM is trying to make the CM step down, while the CM wants to remain in that post. They are telling lies about drought compensation and are blaming the BJP, he charged.

Countering the Congress government's allegation of the Centre doing injustice to the state in the allocation of funds, Shah said the UPA government had given Rs 1.42 lakh crore to Karnataka in 10 years, while the Modi government provided Rs 4.98 lakh crore in 10 years, along with spending huge amount for infrastructure, roads, railway and airport development.

Shah also mentioned MCA student Neha Hiremath's murder case and criticised the Congress government for 'personal reasons' remarks. "If you can't ensure the safety of women, leave it and we will make Karnataka safe," he said.

Mentioning the incidents of 'pro-Pakistan slogans' on Vidhana Soudha premises, setting ablaze Congress MLA's house and SDPI's 'support' for Congress in Kerala, Shah said the Congress is putting Karnataka in danger through appeasement politics, and it cannot bring development.