Porn Scandal: Tainted Savadi Confident of Big Victory in Elections
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, Feb 18: Disgraced Karnataka minister, Laxman Savadi, who had to forgo his ministerial berth for having watched porn video clip on mobile phone when assembly was in session, is crestfallen at the sudden turn of his destiny. In an interview with Times of India, he expressed his confidence of coming out clean in the eyes of the people.
About the impact of this incident on his political future, Savadi said he had offered to resign from his assembly seat at the first instance itself, but was urged not to resign, and allow the investigators to come out with what had happened that day. He stressed that he continues to enjoy immense popularity in Belgaum district, and is confident of winning elections with a considerable margin.
Elaborating on the development that day, Savadi said he had returned to the legislative assembly that day from the council, as he was to give reply to a query raised by a legislator. He said after getting seated, he asked minister, Krishna Palemar, about the controversy over rave party in St Mary’s Island near Udupi.
"Palemar handed over to me his mobile phone, explaining that what had happened at St Mary’s Island was insignificant when compared with the video clip in his phone. The video showed a girl dancer being raped and beheaded by a few youth, and hanging of these five youth who had committed this crime in public. I was reading an order on onion prices handed over to me, and watching the video in between. I came to know about the controversy created by my action only after I returned to my quarters at night," he explained.
To a question whether he is repentant about his mistake, Savadi answered in the negative. He said he had committed no crime, and was hurt by the fact that the visual media, which widely publicized his action, failed to mention that the clip was a documentary film recorded in an Islamic country. He felt this would have vindicated his action, duly asserting that he firmly believes in leading a life of high principles.
About the widespread belief that he and his cabinet colleagues had committed a crime in the assembly by their above action, he asserted that it was a documentary, not a porn film. He insisted that he will show the clip to the people of his constituency to enable them to judge for themselves.
Savadi agrees that he is a follower and loyalist of former chief minister Yeddyurappa, and felt this incident will have some effect on his leader. “My leader will be worried about this development. But our mutual relationship will be as cordial as ever, as I have not committed a crime,” he added. On the conspiracy angle, he said that there are naturally people who cannot digest him being loyal to a particular leader.
On the reaction of his family and friends relating to the incident, Savadi agreed that he and his close ones have gone through shock and pain and are yet to completely come out of them.
Bolt from the 'Blue':