India, Aug. 4 -- Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday dismissed allegations that the BJP had maintained silence on the conviction of former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna in a rape case, asserting that the party has consistently stood for legal accountability, regardless of political affiliations.

Responding to claims made by Congress leaders that the BJP was avoiding comment due to its alliance with the JD(S), Joshi told reporters, "Where have we kept silent? And why should we? I have already spoken on this. If someone commits a crime, action must be taken, that's the BJP's clear position."

Joshi stressed that India's legal system is functioning independently and that court decisions must be respected. "The court has examined the case and ...