#MeToo allegations now against former MLA from Bhatkal

Bhatkal 22 October 2018: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) As the nation is gripped with the infamous #MeToo movement, and allegations against prominent personalities from Film Industry, Journalists and politicians. The #MeToo allegations have now been labelled against Ex- Bhatkal MLA Shivanand Naik and former Karnataka CM Sadanand Gowda, by a party worker. In a facebook post BJP's former state Mahila Morcha's secretary Madhuri Mudhol, alleged that Ex-Minister Shivanand Naik and Former CM Sadanand Gowda had sexually harassed her. She has alleged that both the politicians who are believed to be close to the party high command used to time and again call her and asking her to meet them in private hotel rooms. The post which was later deleted from Madhuri's profile had also alleged that Shivanand Naik had tried to place a bundle of currency notes in her vanity bag to make a deal. Madhuri cited reasons that media has over-hyped her statement and has carried extensive and unnecessary reporting of the matter, for deleting the post. Both the ministers however denied any such allegations. Sadanand Gowda while speaking media added "People know who I am and what I do, these allegations are baseless and my party and supporters know that". Shivanand Naik, added that he never met the woman and denied any links with her. "I don't know her, neither I remember meeting her anytime, as I am forerunner for the party ticket for next elections this is a conspiracy to malign my political image" Naik added. Although both the ministers have denied their involvement and have laid down the allegations labelled against them, it will be interesting to see if the party high-command trust their senior campaigners or they will do away with them amidst the controversy and will opt for new faces in their place in upcoming general elections. As earlier this month mounting pressure on Junior Minister in MEA and senior journalist MJ Akbar had led to his resignation from the post, will this mean similar fate of events for these to pro-campaigners of saffron party? Only time has the answer. (Bhatkallys News Bureau/ Ismail Zaorez)