BENGALURU: In yet more embarrassment for the Siddaramaiah government, which is already dealing with fresh accusations of rape against former Excise Minister, H.Y. Meti, by the woman in the sex tape that cost him his position, a video footage of senior Congress leader, T.P. Ramesh, pulling at party MLC, Veena Achaiah’s right hand and trying to rub it at a public function in Madikeri on August 15 has gone viral.
The BJP, which was quick to take note of the incident, demanded action against Mr Ramesh. Its spokesperson, Malavika Avinash, made it clear he should not be allowed to get away with such behavior, but the Congress leader himself claimed during a television show that that there was nothing sexual about his actions and his intention was not to misbehave with Ms Achaiah.
"We are from the same district and I see her like my sister. The video is being shared to defame me," he declared. Contrary to his claims, Achaiah told T.V. channels in Madikeri that she was saddened by his behaviour.
"We were discussing a health camp in Dharmasthala a few days ago when he suddenly took my hand and said that I had lost weight. I felt uncomfortable and pushed his hand away," she recounted, adding despite Mr Ramesh’s apology, she intended to approach the Congress high command on how to proceed. "I have not filed any complaint of harassment yet. The party has treated me with great respect. This incident is shocking," she said.
Meanwhile, KPCC working president, Dinesh Gundu Rao, said the party might not pursue the case as Mr Ramesh had apologised. "But if she complains to the party, we will certainly take action," he added.
As for the Meti case, Mr Gundo Rao admitted it was a serious issue. "The lady should have gone to the CID to give a statement," he maintained. The CM however, claimed that “vested interests” were trying to revive the Meti case after CID gave him a clean chit.
