A scandal involving the alleged sex crimes of Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of former Indian prime minister Deve Gowda, has put the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at risk of losing an electoral majority in a key state. Revanna, a member of the Janata Dal (Secular) Party, is accused of raping and sexually assaulting hundreds of women, with videos surfacing during the ongoing national elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had campaigned for Revanna, but the BJP has distanced itself from him and claims no prior knowledge of his crimes. The controversy has caused significant damage to the JD(S) and the BJP’s reputation.

The scandal has the potential to affect the electoral outcomes in the state of Karnataka, where voting is yet to take place. In 2019, the BJP won 25 out of 28 parliamentary seats in the state, but the Congress Party triumphed in state elections last year. If the BJP loses a significant number of seats in Karnataka, it could jeopardize their chances of securing a majority in the state, making it more difficult for Modi to remain prime minister.

The scandal has become an existential crisis for the JD(S), which has historically benefited from the reputation of its founder Deve Gowda. Revanna’s implication in the scandal has caused immense damage to the party’s image and may have long-term consequences. The JD(S) has already suspended Revanna from the party, but the damage has already been done.

While the BJP and JD(S) face the consequences of the scandal, the Congress party’s government in Karnataka has introduced measures to empower and protect women, such as providing free bus rides for women taking up factory jobs. This contrast could sway voters and impact the electoral outcomes in the remaining polls. However, analysts note that past data may not be indicative of current trends, and the BJP still has a strong base of support in Karnataka due to voters’ preference for a strong national leader like Modi.

The scandal has prompted criticism of the BJP’s decision to form an alliance with the JD(S) for the national elections. Questions have been raised about the party’s judgment and whether it was wise to associate with a regional party facing such a scandal. The scandal has tarnished the BJP’s commitment to women’s empowerment, an important aspect of its political messaging.