The Hassan Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka, identified for its wealthy political historical past and the dominance of the influential Gowda household, is as soon as once more on the forefront of political intrigue. This time, the competition guarantees to be a showdown between Janata Dal (Secular)’s Prajwal Revanna and Congress candidate Shreyas M. Patel. Hassan has lengthy been a bastion of the (JD(S), sometimes called the ‘Republic of JDS’, because of the unwavering assist of the Vokkaliga neighborhood for the Gowda household. Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda’s legacy looms giant over the constituency, together with his household persevering with to wield vital affect.
Gowda vs Gowda In Hassan Lok Sabha Seat
The Gowda household’s grip on Hassan started in 1985 when G. Puttaswamy Gowda, contesting as an impartial candidate, challenged Deve Gowda. This rivalry has spanned generations, together with within the 2019 elections the place Deve Gowda’s grandson, Prajwal Revanna, claimed victory. Because the JD(S) candidate, Prajwal secured 676,606 votes in 2019, with BJP’s A. Manju trailing behind at 535,382 votes.
Within the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, 31-year-old Shreyas M. Patel, the grandson of late Minister G. Puttaswamy Gowda, is difficult Prajwal Revanna. Patel narrowly misplaced the Holenarsipur Meeting seat to Prajwal’s father, H.D. Revanna, by 3,152 votes final yr. His formidable problem to the senior JD(S) chief is seen as a key think about his choice because the Congress candidate, The Hindu reported.
The political feud between the Gowda and Puttaswamy Gowda households is ready to proceed with this Lok Sabha election. Traditionally, Puttaswamy Gowda had a number of electoral face-offs in opposition to Deve Gowda, defeating him within the 1989 Meeting election and the 1999 Lok Sabha election. The rivalry prolonged via the years, with Puttaswamy Gowda’s daughter-in-law, S.G. Anupama, contesting in opposition to Revanna within the 2008 and 2013 Meeting elections, albeit unsuccessfully, as per The Hindu.
ALSO READ | Lok Sabha Polls: Triangular Battle In Karnataka’s Shimoga The place Yediyurappa, Bangarappa Scions Lock Horns
Rape And Sexual Abuse Allegations Towards Prajwal Revanna
Prajwal Revanna’s political profession has been marred by controversy. Final yr, the Karnataka Excessive Courtroom disqualified him because the Hassan MP on account of discrepancies in his asset declaration. Extra not too long ago, he has confronted severe allegations of sexual abuse. Prajwal, alongside together with his father H.D. Revanna, has been accused in a number of circumstances, resulting in his suspension from the JD(S).
Prajwal is accused of sexually harassing a 47-year-old former maid. In line with PTI, he’s listed as accused quantity two, whereas his father and native MLA, H D Revanna, is the first accused. Prajwal has been to date named in three circumstances of sexual assault. There are additionally rape expenses in opposition to him.
The allegations have considerably impacted the political panorama. Prajwal was arrested on Might 31 upon his return from Berlin, Germany almost a month after he fled amid these accusations. The Congress has seized upon this controversy, criticising the BJP for its alliance with JD(S) regardless of the intense expenses in opposition to Prajwal claiming prior information.
It have to be famous that the destiny of the Hassan seat was already sealed earlier than the scandal broke out as polling on this seat came about on April 26.
Regardless of the Congress being in energy in Karnataka, its presence in Hassan stays weak, holding solely two of the eight Meeting constituencies throughout the Lok Sabha seat. The JD(S) dominates with six seats, whereas the BJP holds two.
In line with the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Hassan Lok Sabha seat noticed a voter turnout of 77.68%.