Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP for supporting party leader CT Ravi, who faces allegations of using derogatory language against Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar.
Siddaramaiah questioned the BJP’s stance, stating, “They are supporting the use of derogatory language towards girls. If it is false that CT Ravi used vulgar language, why was he arrested? Women do not normally file false complaints in such cases. This is a crime.” He further explained that Ravi was moved to Khanapura for his safety to prevent potential protests against him.
Deputy CM Shivakumar’s Remarks
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accused CT Ravi of being a “serial abuser” and cited past instances of offensive language. “This is not the first time C.T. Ravi has foul-mouthed someone. In the past, he referred to Siddaramaiah as ‘Sidramulla Khan.’ Is this the culture of Chikkamagaluru, or is it BJP’s culture?”
Shivakumar detailed the incident in the assembly, claiming Ravi insulted Hebbalkar repeatedly. “During a discussion on Union Home Minister’s remarks about BR Ambedkar, CT Ravi called Rahul Gandhi a ‘drug addict.’ When Minister Hebbalkar defended her leader, he called her ‘prostitute’ multiple times—12 times, to be precise,” Shivakumar alleged, promising to provide evidence.
He criticized the assembly Speaker for not addressing the issue, saying, “The Speaker must protect everyone in the House, irrespective of party lines. This incident should have been investigated.”
Reactions from Other Leaders
Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy condemned the incident, labeling it a threat to democracy. He stated on X, “If CT Ravi used obscene words against the Honorable Minister, his actions are indefensible. However, the Minister’s response and the hooliganism of her supporters are also unacceptable.” Kumaraswamy called for strict action against all parties involved.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai accused the Congress government of misusing police powers, stating, “The Karnataka government is misusing the police force. Arresting CT Ravi immediately after a complaint and treating him this way is unjust.”
Legal Proceedings
Earlier in the day, the Fifth JMFC Court in Belagavi directed CT Ravi to appear before the Special Court for People’s Representatives in Bengaluru. The Hirebagewadi police sought a transit warrant, which the court granted, allowing them to take Ravi into custody as part of the legal process.
The case will proceed at the Special Court in Bengaluru, marking another chapter in the escalating political tension between Congress and BJP in Karnataka.