An FIR has been registered against BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar by the Karnataka Police at the Station Bazaar police station in Kalaburagi, following his controversial remarks against District Collector Fauzia Tarannum during the BJP’s protest rally on May 24.
🗣️ The Controversial Statement
While addressing the ‘Kalaburagi Chalo’ protest march, Ravi Kumar accused the district administration of functioning under the influence of the Congress-led government. In a widely condemned statement, he said:
“The Kalaburagi DC office has also lost its independence. The DC madam is also listening to what they (Congress) say. I don’t know whether the DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here.”
The remarks triggered outrage from civil society and progressive groups, calling them “insulting” and “communal” in nature, and demanding strict legal action.
👮 FIR and Legal Action
The Station Bazaar police initiated action under appropriate legal provisions. The FIR adds a legal dimension to a matter that has already become politically explosive.
🧑💼 Who is Fauzia Tarannum?
Fauzia Tarannum, a senior IAS officer, currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kalaburagi. Though non-political, her role as the administrative head has been dragged into political tensions, particularly after BJP’s protest against Congress Minister Priyank Kharge.
⚖️ Political Reactions
🗨️ Sharan Prakash Patil, Congress Minister:
“This is a deliberate attempt to provoke and communalise the atmosphere. Such statements against an officer performing her duties are unacceptable.”
⚠️ Context: The Priyank Kharge Incident
The BJP’s protest stemmed from a May 21 incident in Chittapur — Priyank Kharge’s assembly constituency — where Congress workers allegedly surrounded a guest house where Leader of the Opposition Chalavadi Narayanswamy was staying. The BJP demanded Kharge’s resignation.
🔥 Escalating Political Tensions
This incident further intensifies the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress in Kalaburagi, raising questions over:
- Administrative neutrality
- Political accountability
- The tone of public discourse