JD(S) Loses Hassan Stronghold After 20 Years Amid Scandal
In a significant political shift, JD(S) has lost its stronghold in Hassan for the first time in two decades. Prajwal Revanna, the sitting MP and grandson of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, was defeated by Congress candidate Shreyas M Patil by a margin of 43,738 votes. Prajwal, currently under arrest over multiple sexual assault allegations, had fled the country after the election. The distribution of pen drives containing sex videos allegedly recorded by Prajwal is believed to have influenced the election outcome.
JD(S) leaders are attributing the defeat to anti-incumbency and the popularity of Congress government schemes, rather than the scandal involving Prajwal. Despite the controversy, the JD(S) president in Hassan, S Devegowda, suggested that state government initiatives played a more significant role in their loss. Shreyas M Patil, the victorious Congress candidate, emphasized the shift in local political dynamics, declaring that Hassan would no longer be a JD(S) bastion and promising future electoral successes for Congress.
This election marks a notable change in Hassan’s political landscape, traditionally dominated by the JD(S). Prajwal’s defeat by more than 40,000 votes contrasts starkly with his previous victory margin of 1.41 lakh votes in 2019. As JD(S) grapples with this unexpected loss, internal reflections and strategic adjustments are anticipated in the coming days.
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
