Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly supporting the use of derogatory language against women. His remarks followed the arrest of BJP MLC CT Ravi, who is accused of making inappropriate comments about Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar during a legislative session.
Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said, “They (BJP) are supporting the use of derogatory language towards women. If it is false that C.T. Ravi used vulgar language, why was he arrested? Women do not usually file false complaints on such matters. Using such language is a crime.”
Background of the Incident
CT Ravi was arrested after an FIR was filed based on a complaint by Lakshmi Hebbalkar, who alleged that Ravi made derogatory remarks towards her. Addressing the incident, Hebbalkar shared, “CT Ravi called Rahul Gandhi a drug addict during the Assembly session. In response, I remarked, ‘Even you have been in accidents—does that make you a murderer?'”
Hebbalkar expressed distress over the incident and noted that such behavior is unacceptable in a democratic setup.
BJP Protests Ravi’s Arrest
Earlier in the day, BJP members staged a protest at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park, condemning Ravi’s arrest and alleging political vendetta by the Congress government.
CT Ravi, in turn, filed a counter-complaint at the Khanapura police station in Belagavi, accusing Congress leaders, including Lakshmi Hebbalkar, DK Shivakumar, and others, of attempting to harm him. Ravi alleged he was brought to the police station without being informed of the charges. “They’re not registering my complaint; they’re not even filing a zero FIR. If something happens to me, the Congress government must take responsibility,” he said.
Siddaramaiah’s Defense of the Arrest
Defending the police action, CM Siddaramaiah clarified that Ravi was taken to Khanapura for his safety. “People might have protested against him, which is why he was removed from the city,” the Chief Minister explained.
Legislative Council Suspension
CT Ravi has been suspended from the Karnataka Legislative Council following the incident. Minister Hebbalkar declined to comment on his suspension but emphasized the seriousness of the allegations.
The incident has intensified political tensions in Karnataka, with both Congress and BJP trading accusations over the matter.