Will Amit Shah share stage with chargesheeted POCSO accused Yediyurappa?

Bengaluru

A politically sensitive question is gaining traction within Karnataka’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) circles: will Union Home Minister Amit Shah share the stage with Lingayat leader and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who is facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act?

The question arises in the backdrop of “Yediyurappa Utsava,” an event organised to commemorate 50 years of Yediyurappa’s political journey. Scheduled to be held in Chitradurga on May 9, the event has drawn significant attention not merely for its celebratory nature, but for the political and ethical implications surrounding the participation of top BJP leadership.

Under ordinary circumstances, the presence of Amit Shah alongside Yediyurappa would have been viewed as a show of strength and solidarity with one of the party’s tallest leaders in Karnataka. However, the situation has become complicated following criminal proceedings initiated against Yediyurappa in 2024.

On March 14, 2024, the Sadashivanagar police in Bengaluru registered a First Information Report against Yediyurappa, based on a complaint filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, alleging sexual assault. The case was subsequently transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a detailed probe.

Following its investigation, the CID filed a chargesheet invoking Section 8 of the POCSO Act, which pertains to sexual assault, along with Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code dealing with sexual harassment. The development marked a significant escalation in the case, bringing legal scrutiny to one of the BJP’s most influential figures in the state.

In November 2025, the Karnataka High Court declined to quash the proceedings against Yediyurappa, observing that the allegations warranted a full-fledged trial. The court’s decision came after taking into account a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report, which reportedly confirmed the authenticity of an audio-video recording of a conversation between the accused and the victim’s mother—considered a crucial piece of evidence in the case.

Subsequently, Yediyurappa approached the Supreme Court seeking relief. In December 2025, the apex court stayed the trial proceedings, providing temporary respite to the veteran leader. The matter is currently pending adjudication before the Supreme Court, with the victim’s brother also filing a petition seeking to vacate the stay and allow the trial to proceed.

Against this legal backdrop, Shah’s proposed participation in the Chitradurga event has triggered unease within sections of the BJP. Party insiders indicate that several leaders are wary of the optics of the Union Home Minister sharing the stage with a leader facing charges under a law meant to protect minors from sexual offences.

Sources within the party suggest that such an association could undermine the BJP’s public positioning on issues concerning women’s rights and safety. With the party frequently targeting the Opposition on matters related to women’s empowerment and legislative measures, including women’s reservation, any perceived inconsistency could invite criticism and damage its credibility.

“There is a growing feeling within certain sections of the party that Shah’s presence at the event may send a wrong signal to the public,” a senior BJP functionary, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated. “Given the seriousness of the allegations and the stage of the case, it may be prudent to exercise caution.”

Some leaders have also expressed concern that incomplete or selective briefings may have influenced Shah’s decision to attend the event. They argue that a more comprehensive understanding of the legal developments in the case is essential before making a final call.

As the date of the event approaches, it remains to be seen whether Amit Shah will go ahead with his participation or reconsider in light of the controversy. The decision is likely to carry not just political weight within Karnataka, but also broader implications for the BJP’s national image.