Gundu Rao flays BJP for double standards on Pocso case against Yediyurappa

Bengaluru: Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao Tuesday criticised BJP for its "double standards", pointing out that it has not penalised former chief minister BS Yediyurappa, who is facing a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) case, while the BJP-led Union govt withheld a national film award for choreographer Jani Master, who is also embroiled in a Pocso.
Rao lauded the Centre saying anyone "who is facing an investigation or inquiry for sexual harassment or molestation should not be honoured".
But he pointed out that BJP has not applied the same standards to Yediyurappa, currently a member of BJP's parliamentary board and central election committee.
"An FIR was filed, the CID investigated the case, and a trial is set to begin," Rao said. "Why is BJP not taking action against Yediyurappa, especially considering the serious charge of sexual harassment of a 17-year-old girl?"
Rao said a chargesheet has already been filed against Yediyurappa and questioned why BJP has not removed him from his position in the central committee. "The least BJP should have done is to remove him from his post in the central committee," he said. "Why are they keeping him? He is facing a Lokayukta inquiry for corruption, and now he's facing a Pocso trial. When someone is facing such serious allegations, especially concerning women, why is BJP acting inconsistently?" Rao asked.