From shocking sex scandals to high-profile scams and intense factional power struggles, Karnataka's political landscape in 2024 played out like a gripping thriller. The state's three dominant parties—Congress, BJP, and JD(S)—found themselves entangled in controversies, scandals, and unexpected alliances, keeping the political stage turbulent throughout the year.
Shocking Hassan Sex Scandal Hits JD(S)
The JD(S) faced a monumental crisis with the Hassan sex scandal involving its MP Prajwal Revanna. Allegations of sexual exploitation surfaced through pen drives containing incriminating videos, sending shockwaves across the nation. Revanna fled the country but was arrested on May 31 upon his return. The scandal not only embarrassed the JD(S) but also led to the party losing its stronghold in Hassan, a seat it had held since 1999.
Congress' Struggles with Scams and Infighting
The Congress, riding high after its 2023 Assembly poll victory, faced a series of setbacks. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s reputation as “Mr. Clean” was tarnished by allegations in the MUDA site-allotment scam, for which he is under court-ordered investigation. The Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited scam also led to the resignation and arrest of Minister B Nagendra.
Adding to the Congress' woes, the BJP spotlighted a controversial marking of farmers' lands as Waqf properties, further intensifying the political storm. However, the Congress bounced back by sweeping three critical by-elections in Channapatna, Shiggaon, and Sandur, silencing critics and bolstering support for its flagship guarantee schemes.
BJP-JD(S) Alliance: A Rocky Path
The BJP and JD(S), forced into an alliance after 16 years, saw relative success in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. While the BJP won 17 of the 25 seats it contested, the JD(S) secured two seats, enabling its state president H D Kumaraswamy to join the Modi 3.0 Cabinet.
However, the BJP faced its own internal strife, with factional tensions erupting after the appointment of B Y Vijayendra, son of B S Yediyurappa, as the state party president. MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal openly criticized Vijayendra’s leadership, earning a show-cause notice. Adding to the BJP’s troubles were sexual assault allegations against Yediyurappa and MLA Munirathna, which tarnished the party's image.
Power Tussle within Congress
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s ambitions for the top post grabbed headlines after a controversial interview where he hinted at an "agreement" for chief ministership. While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah denied such an arrangement, Shivakumar’s comments reignited debates about factionalism within the Congress.
Legislative Drama and Bitter Exchanges
The year ended with heated debates in the Belagavi session. The BJP cornered the Congress on the Waqf land issue, while Congress countered with statistical defenses. Tensions flared when Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar accused BJP leader C T Ravi of using derogatory language against her, leading to Ravi's arrest and subsequent bail.
Karnataka in 2024 was a year of intense political drama, marked by scandals, power struggles, and shifting alliances—offering a preview of the state's evolving political dynamics in the years to come.
Comments
Mr.Bajarangi,Mr.Modi declared 80%of cow vigilantes as hooligans.Hope you know his address so that you can go to his home if you have damm.
It is sad to read some of the above comments. There should not be such low level comments.
Every Hindus are not fake gow rakshakas and every muslims are not cow smugglers.
I request all brothers of DK and Udupi to respect each other and we should live peacefully in our beautiful land.
These cow protectors do not have ba**s.....
@kiran bajarangi nikh popunda maga
Kiran Bajrangi ..... I know that is your DNA... Not a surprise ... Barking dogs do not bite .... There is no need of my address,, Give your address I will come to your home, to make your job easy....
@ kiran bajarangii
u people are good for these type of work only,
naam patha dehta tho thu ayenga kya .. u wil come wen liquer enter ur stomach... dar pok thuu be
We can feel the frustration in Kiran bajarangi's comments. Calm Down Bajarangi. Before you attack Slaughter house please make sure that no one from your group work their as a KASAI.
Kiran Bajrangi,
Gidad ki jab maut aati hai to wo sheher ki taraf baghta hai. Bajrangi Kasai khane ki taraf.
All these self styled gau rakshaks are un employed, uncultured goons
And they always attack one person in a group of 30-50 people... bcos they actually dont have guts to attack in small numbers for fear of their life ...
Congress is in power. Yet they can't take action against cow terrors.??? They are only limited to issuing press release and petitions, then who is controlling the govt.administrations??? CongRSS or BJP..??
Kya hum bewakoof hain..??
Mr.SK pura naam patha bejo darr pok, will come to your home and beat u.
@ Kiran Bajarani Bhaijan,
What a JOKE. We would like to see you in Slaughter House. Sharan Pumpwel please bring your Ambulance not the ARMY to protect your Bajarangis. All the Best. Abb ayega real Maza
abey saaley me dikatha hoon kithna dum he bolke samne ake dekho kuthe.
Kiran Bajrangi......Pls go ahead ....all the BEST.....let us see, who is your real MATHA....
KIran thumare gaand me dum hai tho slaughter house ko attack karkre dikana. Your 10 people attack a single person.
thanks for the information ivan, Next time we will directly attack slaughter houses.
Ivan at his best, agree this is what happening in india,
mainly this bajrangis are eating 90% of beef in india,
all beef business contact should be given to bajrangdal, then they will be happy.
yahh rightly said MLA saab 'Cows ‘rescued’ by vigilantes in coastal Karnataka end up in slaughterhouses'
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