Vendetta allegations fly as BJP, Congress lock horns over NBW against Yediyurappa

BENGALURU: Governing Congress and opposition BJP traded barbs after a non-bailable warrant was issued against former chief minister and BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case filed three months ago.
BJP condemned the warrant, calling it retaliation by Congress for its defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. However, home minister Parameshwara refuted BJP’s claims, pointing out the necessity for due process.He said the warrant stemmed from a complaint filed against Yediyurappa, and that legal proceedings were devoid of political influence.
Parameshwara said it was imperative for Yediyurappa to promptly address the allegations and that it would be “good” if Yediyurappa returned and appeared before sleuths handling the investigation. “If not, the law will take its course,” he said.
‘Ploy to divert attention’
Union minister Pralhad Joshi alleged in a social media post that the warrant was a “ploy” to divert attention from governance failures. Joshi claimed BJP’s “landslide” victory had left Congress “reeling”, prompting it to resort to “vindictive” tactics against Yediyurappa.
CT Ravi, now MLC, long seen as a Yediyurappa detractor, also defended the former CM, pointing out his cooperation with the investigation. Ravi criticised Congress for “exploiting” the situation to settle political scores, insinuating that their actions were driven by resentment over the Lok Sabha defeat in Karnataka.
“Home minister Parameshwara personally alleged that the complainant in the case had previously filed 50-odd cases against several high profile people. He said “She is mentally…” Why is the govt then going after Yediyurappa,” Ravi asked.
BJP Karnataka had posted on its X handle, “Congress, resentful towards BJP, is now attempting to arrest our respected leader BS Yediyurap pa, based on a complaint from a mentally unstable woman. This comes after Rahul Gandhi faced court proceedings for spreading misinformation against BJP in Karnataka.”
‘BJP indulges in vendetta’
Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumarsaid it was BJP who engaged in tactics of vendetta politics. He questioned BJP’s motives in involving Rahul in a defamation case in Karnataka and accused the saffron party of manipulating the narrative for political gain.
In Hubballi, industries minister MB Patil, said the courts were acting as per law. “The govt has nothing to do with it. Pocso cases are serious. The court will take a call,” he said.
HD Kumaraswamy, who was given a rousing reception on his arrival in Bengaluru, his first visit since taking over as Union minister, said: “After having tried to finish off our family [Prajwal Revanna case], you [Con gress] are trying to finish off Yediyurappa’s family. I warn you, nobody can stop Congress from being destroyed in Karnataka in the coming days. The complaint was made in Feb. What were you doing for three months?”