Union Minister Prahlad Joshi has strongly criticized the Karnataka Congress government, accusing it of diverting attention from key scandals by making actor Darshan’s jail photo viral. The ministers’ remarks come in the wake of a viral photo of actor Darshan, reportedly taken inside the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, where the actor has been held in connection with the brutal murder of fellow actor Renukaswamy.
Addressing the media on Friday at Hubbali, Joshi said, “The Congress government is deliberately playing a drama by leaking Darshan’s jail photo to divert attention from its own failures. The state government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is attempting to shift the spotlight away from its alleged mismanagement of the MUDA and Valmiki issues.
“It is shameful that the Congress government leaked the confidential court documents related to Darshan’s case,” Joshi declared, expressing outrage at the government’s actions. He accused the Congress government of using the actor’s case as a smokescreen.
The MUDA (Mysore Urban Development Authority) and Valmiki scams have sparked widespread controversy, with allegations of corruption and mismanagement by Congress leaders within the state’s administration.
He further questioned the Congress’ handling of the Covid scam investigation, accusing the party of fabricating claims to cover up its own misdeeds. “We have exposed Congress’ involvement in theft, but to shift the blame, they are now pretending it’s a Covid scam. After over a year in power, why is the investigation into the Covid scam being brought up now?” Joshi asked.
Joshi accused the Congress of delaying the release of key reports to protect its own interests, referencing the 2021-22 Public Accounts Committee report. “Why wasn’t the report released earlier? This is an attempt to shift the blame and avoid accountability,” he remarked.
Joshi also reiterated that former Health Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar had no fears about investigations. “Sudhakar, as well as leaders like Vijayendra and Ashok, have openly invited probes, showing that they have nothing to hide,” Joshi said, reinforcing that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders were transparent in their conduct.
He further added that the Congress’ scandals, including the infamous MUDA scam, were a continuous source of concern and that the government was using every tool at its disposal to shield itself from scrutiny.
On a separate note, Prahlad Joshi addressed the ongoing Mahadayi river dispute, expressing his support for the state government’s efforts to resolve the issue with the central government. “If the state government sends a delegation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Mahadayi issue, it will be welcomed,” he said, noting that the Centre was ready to extend its support. Joshi assured that discussions would be held with Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to address the state’s concerns over the water-sharing dispute.
Meanwhile, Renukaswamy’s father, Kashinathaiah Shivana Goudru, has expressed deep sorrow and shock over the alleged preferential treatment Darshan is receiving while in custody. In a heart-wrenching statement, Goudru claimed that Darshan was enjoying “royal hospitality” behind bars, with access to coffee and cigarettes, a privilege far from the reality faced by ordinary prisoners.
Breaking down in tears, Goudru lamented the injustice, saying, “My son is dead, and here Darshan is living in comfort like he’s in a resort. This is not justice.” He called on the CM and Home Minister to take immediate action and even suggested that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a fair inquiry. “Darshan should be treated like any other prisoner, not given special treatment,” Goudru implored, urging authorities to intervene.
The revelations surrounding Darshan’s treatment in jail have fuelled public anger, with many questioning the integrity of the legal process. The family of the deceased has called for swift action, highlighting the stark disparity in how justice is being meted out.
