BJP senior leader and Legislative Council member CT Ravi was taken into custody by Khanapur police and removed from Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi after an FIR was filed against him for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Karnataka Women and Child Welfare Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar.
The controversy arose when Hebbalkar accused CT Ravi of using an “obscene word” during an exchange in which Ravi allegedly called Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a “drug addict.”
Following the incident, Congress Legislative Council members filed a formal complaint with Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, demanding action against Ravi. Based on Hebbalkar’s complaint, an FIR was lodged at the Hirebagewadi Police Station in Belagavi, leading to Ravi’s detention.
CT Ravi Denies Allegations
Reacting to the FIR, CT Ravi refuted the accusations and called them baseless.
“It is the habit of the Congress to make false allegations. They did it against Home Minister Amit Shah, and now they are doing the same to me,” Ravi told media.
Protests and Political Reactions
Earlier in the day, Congress workers staged a protest outside the Karnataka Legislative Council, condemning Ravi’s alleged remarks. Holding posters of the BJP leader, the protesters raised slogans demanding strict action against him.
The incident took place amid a Congress-led protest in the Vidhan Parishad against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks on Dr. BR Ambedkar.
Congress leaders have urged Chairman Basavaraj Horatti to suspend and arrest CT Ravi for allegedly using inappropriate language against Minister Hebbalkar.
Chief Minister’s Statement
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly condemned Ravi’s alleged remarks, calling them a “criminal offence” and equating them to sexual assault.
“He has used very filthy words for Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. This is a criminal offence… She has gone to the police station, and police will take action as per law,” CM Siddaramaiah said while addressing the media.