Mysuru, 25 Jan

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday asserted that the arrest of JD(S) MLA HD Revanna was carried out strictly in accordance with the law and without any government interference, while strongly dismissing claims by the JD(S) that it would return to power and seek political revenge.

Revanna, a former minister and son of former Prime Minister HD DeveGowda, was arrested for allegedly abducting a woman who had accused his son, former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, of rape. Responding to allegations of political vendetta, Siddaramaiah said, “Not only Revanna’s case. We don’t interfere in any case,” adding that the Congress government had given a free hand to the police to investigate and file charges based on complaints.

Rejecting claims that officials were given gifts to “fix” the case, the Chief Minister said, “All these charges are false. Who will give gift?” He also said the police team probing the Prajwal Revanna case was rewarded for professional work, and dismissed JD(S) allegations as political rhetoric.

Calling the JD(S) a “spent force”, Siddaramaiah said the party, with just 17 MLAs, had no ability to cross the halfway mark of 112 seats. “I wonder how 17 JD(S) MLAs can form a government,” he said, questioning whether the BJP would ever allow JD(S) to lead a government even within the NDA. He added that the Congress, which won 136 seats and now has 140 members, would return to power in the 2028 Assembly elections, with the leadership decision to be taken by the party high command.

On governance, Siddaramaiah said budget preparations would begin from 2 February, and highlighted State’s positive response at the World Economic Forum in Davos, citing skilled manpower and investment potential.

Responding to questions on Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s conduct during the 22 January joint session, Siddaramaiah said Article 163 mandated the Governor to read the government-prepared address. He also said the State had written to the Centre seeking inclusion of Karnataka’s tableau in the Republic Day parade, rejecting BJP claims to the contrary.