BJP leader's ‘Pakistani' remark against Kalaburagi DC sparks widespread condemnation
N. Ravikumar, BJP MLC, is facing intense criticism from civil society organisations, political leaders, and public associations following his controversial remarks questioning whether Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Fouzia Taranum was 'from Pakistan' during a recent party rally in the city.
In a strongly worded statement, the Karnataka State Committee of the Akhil Bharatiya Janawadi Mahila Sanghatan condemned Mr. Ravikumar's comments as 'irresponsible and inflammatory'. The statement, signed by organisation president Meenakshi Bali, vice-president K. Neela, and general secretary Devi, called for a public apology from the BJP leader.
'This tendency among BJP leaders to target officials based on their caste and religion is deeply ingrained in the party's ideology,' the statement said. It further demanded that the BJP take disciplinary action against Mr. Ravikumar and cultivate a culture of respect towards women serving the nation. The group also recalled a previous instance in which another BJP leader had allegedly referred to Col. Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated Army officer, as a 'terrorist's sister'.
In a related development, a delegation of Muslim women submitted a memorandum to Kalaburagi Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa demanding legal action against Mr. Ravikumar. They described his remarks as 'driven by hatred and prejudice' and urged authorities to ensure institutional protection and public support for officers who are being targeted based on religion.
'This is not an isolated incident. Earlier, Col. Qureshi was similarly targeted. Now, it is IAS officer Ms. Taranum. This points to a disturbing pattern of repeated humiliation of qualified, dedicated Muslim women officers in public discourse,' the memorandum stated.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge sharply criticised Mr. Ravikumar's remarks in a Facebook post. Describing the comments as 'highly objectionable and communal', Mr. Priyank accused the BJP of consistently invoking Pakistan to vilify both public servants and political rivals.
'BJP leaders seem unable to function without mentioning Pakistan; it appears they even dream of it,' Mr. Priyank wrote.
He noted that Ms. Taranum is a meritorious officer of the Indian Administrative Service, who was recently honoured by President Droupadi Murmu for her exemplary conduct as an election officer.
'She did not gain her post through political flattery or allegiance, but through sincere public service,' he remarked, drawing a pointed contrast with what he implied were politically motivated appointments within the BJP.
Mr. Priyank further criticised Mr. Ravikumar for attempting to undermine the integrity of a senior bureaucrat, saying such remarks reflect a 'lack of basic common sense'. He linked the incident to a broader pattern of communal polarisation citing a past instance where BJP leader Vijay Shah referred to Col. Qureshi as a 'terrorist's sister' owing to her religion.
'The BJP's arrogance and communal mindset, where officials and soldiers are vilified based on their faith, will not be tolerated. The public will respond to such bigotry,' he warned.
The Karnataka State Government Employees' Association also condemned Mr. Ravikumar's remarks. In a statement issued on Tuesday, district president Basavaraj Balundagi said such irresponsible statements contribute to the harassment of honest officers.
Echoing this sentiment, Basavaraj Ingin, State president of the Tur Growers' Association, also criticised the comments. 'Such remarks are not only unacceptable but utterly condemnable,' he said.
Speaking to The Hindu over the phone, Mr. Ingin added: 'I know Ms. Taranum personally. She is an honest and hardworking officer who listens attentively to people's problems. When we approached her regarding red gram growers' grievances, she responded promptly and took action.'
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