Shell-shocked Karnataka BJP leaders went on the defensive when two Cabinet ministers in the D.V. Sadananda Gowda government were caught on camera watching a pornographic clip on their mobiles in the state Assembly.
State party president K.S. Eshwarappa told this newspaper that he had already brought this matter to the notice of the party national leaders.
“I saw this on one of the TV channels. I have not spoken to these two ministers. We, state leaders will discuss the matter and take a decision what action should be taken,” Mr Eshwarappa said.
BJP state speaker K.G. Bopaiah too made a similar statement. “I do not want to react now. I will enquire into the incident and take a decision.”
Highly-placed sources in the party told this newspaper that the party is likely to ask all the three ministers, including Mr Krishna Palemar, to resign from their cabinet posts.
“The party does not want to carry the baggage of such actions of ministers. So, we may obtain their resignation before the commencement of the session on Wednesday,” sources added.
The BJP state government has been rocked by scandals since it took office in May 2008, with the eloping and suicide of Padmapriya, who had an alleged liaison with Udupi BJP MLA Raghupathy Bhat, and the alleged rape of his friend’s wife by BJP MLA from Shimoga, Haratalu Halappa in 2010.
Staunch followers of former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa camp, and both Lingayats, Mr C.C. Patil represents Naragund constituency, where the first farmers’ uprising took place in the early 80’s, while Mr Savadi represents Athani constituency in Belagum district. Both were formerly in the Janata Dal (S) and joined the BJP in 2004.
Mr Palemar has, however, denied the handset belongs to him, although sources close to him confirmed it was his phone.
Mr Patil too said that the clipping was of the rave party on St. Mary’s island off the coastal town of Udupi which had been discussed in the house.
Mr Patil told this newspaper, “Wrong message should not go to the people. We tried to see the rave party clipping. I might have watched for three-to-four seconds. Then, I tried to switch off my mobile. I do not know what happened later. But, I would like to ask you-why should we watch blue films sitting inside the House? We do not have a habit of watching blue films. We will explain this on the floor of the House.”