BJP MLC finally apologizes for sharing porn photos in WhatsApp group

Belagavi, May 3: BJP leader and MLC Mahantesh Kavatagimath who posted pornographic photographs on a WhatsApp group meant to share information between government officers and the media, on Wednesday apologized for his shameless act.

The BJP leader had posted dozens of objectionable nude photos on WhatsApp group called 'Belagavi Media Force’ in spite of the presence of several prominent government officers, senior police officers and media persons in the group.

"The content was posted accidentally when my phone hanged while switching off, I guess. At that time I was travelling by flight. I apologise for the incident, it was not intentional," he told reporters.

"Why would I share porn in a group with senior politicians, government officials and journalists?" he said. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, however, refused to comment on the incident saying, "I am not aware of it."

To a query, Kavatagimath said there will be no political fallout because of this incident, as he had already apologised.

Congress spokesperson Brijesh Kalappa said it could be an unintentional act of Kavatagimath, but watching porn in public places has "been in the DNA of BJP leaders".

"It could be an unintentional act, but it is in the very DNA of BJP leaders - DNA of watching porn. BJP should add one more 'P' so that it reads Bharatiya Janata Porn Party," he said.

The list is long, Kalappa said, adding that three BJP ministers were caught watching pornography in the Assembly during the party's rule in Karnataka. In 2012, C C Patil, Lakshmana Savadi and Krishna Palemar, were caught while allegedly watching pornography in the Assembly, which forced them to tender resignations after the BJP central leadership asked them to quit.

Kavatagimath, around 4.20 pm yesterday, posted over 56 PDF files that comprised over 50 pictures of nude women from his official mobile phone. Sharing objectionable contents on social media platforms is a serious offence and violation of cyber laws. Even as the group members noticed the obnoxious postings, there was brisk activity in the group. Admins of the WhatsApp group started quitting from the group, senior officials remained tightlipped, while women officers who were embarrassed, left with serious remarks condemning the postings.

Most of the group members were stunned and expressed shock. Kavatagimath, who even failed to regret the postings, was removed from the group by the group admin. The MLC was not available for comments as he had switched off his mobile phone.

Also Read: Karnataka BJP MLC Mahantesh posts porn photos on media WhatsApp group