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The Hindu
18 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
BJP MLC appears before police in Kalaburagi
BJP MLC N. Ravikumar appeared before the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Kalaburagi on Monday in connection with an FIR registered against him for his recent offensive remarks against Deputy Commissioner B. Fauzia Tarrannum. During the Kalaburagi Chalo rally in the city on May 24, Mr. Ravikumar made derogatory remarks against the IAS officer stating that 'she might have come from Pakistan' and his remarks created an outrage. Following his comments, an FIR was lodged at the Station Bazaar Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with charges under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act based on a complaint filed by Kalaburagi Samudaya president Dattatraya Ikkalaki. On May 29, the High Court of Karnataka took suo motu cognisance and directed Mr. Ravikumar to tender an apology to Ms. Tarannum and also ordered him to appear before the Kalaburagi Police on Monday in connection with the case. However, Mr. Ravikumar who made himself available for investigation clarified that the remarks were unintentional and a slip of tongue. BJP leaders, including MLC Shashil G. Namoshi, the former district BJP president (rural unit) Shivaraj Patil Raddewadagi, and party workers accompanied Mr. Ravikumar to the Assistant Commissioner of Police's office. However, the police, who had set up barricades, stopped them from entering the police station.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
CPI(M) stages protest in Kalaburagi against BJP MLC's Remarks on Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum
Activists of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) held a demonstration in Kalaburagi today, strongly condemning BJP MLC N. Ravikumar for his recent derogatory remarks directed at Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum. The protest, led by CPI(M) district secretary K. Neela, concluded with the submission of a memorandum, addressed to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. to the Deputy Commissioner's office. The CPI(M) alleged that the BJP is deliberately fostering communal hatred across Karnataka, citing Ravikumar's statement during the party's recent 'Kalaburagi Chalo' rally, in which he reportedly likened the Deputy Commissioner to someone from Pakistan. The party described the comment as both communal and misogynistic, asserting that it targeted a public servant solely based on her identity as a Muslim woman. 'Fouzia Taranum is an officer of merit. She is recognised by the Union government for her effective handling of the electoral process. Labelling such an individual as foreign-born is not only deeply offensive but also an attack on the secular ethos and unity of the nation. The BJP is attempting to provoke public sentiment against the Muslim community by using such inflammatory language,' K. Neela said during the agitation. The protestors expressed grave concern over the BJP's refusal to condemn or take disciplinary action against those making such statements. 'It is a part of a broader ideological attempt to impose a regressive Manuwadi worldview on society. Such views aim to undermine the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution and revive caste-based social hierarchies through the backdoor,' an agitating activist said. In another agitation, Congress party's women's wing took out a protest procession from district Congress party office to the Jagat Circle in the city demanding Mr. Ravikumar's resignation from the Legislative Council membership. They also blocked the main road at Jagat Circle for a half-an-hour as a token of their agitation against the BJP MLC. 'N. Ravikumar's remarks should not be brushed aside as a momentary lapse. We demand his expulsion from the Legislative Council. The silence maintained by the BJP leadership in the wake of such divisive statements poses a serious threat to India's democratic and secular framework,' Renuka Singe, district president of Congress party's women's wing said
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Karnataka to act against BJP leader for 'Pakistan' remark on IAS officer
The Karnataka government will initiate legal action against BJP MLC N Ravikumar for his controversial statement against Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Tuesday. Ravikumar's remark, which questioned whether the senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer was 'from Pakistan', has sparked widespread condemnation across political and bureaucratic circles. 'Since morning, more than half a dozen IAS officers have met me. They are all in a very agitated mood. The law will take its course. The government will take action,' Shivakumar said. 'I want the BJP president, the Opposition leaders and the central ministers to react to it.' Ravikumar made the remark on May 24 during the BJP's 'Kalaburagi Chalo' campaign, stating: 'I don't know whether the Kalaburagi DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here. Looking at your applause, it seems like the DC has indeed come from Pakistan.' It was seen as a repeat of the Madhya Pradesh incident where a minister's remarks on Colonel Sofia Qureshi triggered widespread backlash. Following the incident, the Kalaburagi police registered a case against Ravikumar on Tuesday. In response to widespread criticism, Ravikumar expressed remorse for his 'inadvertent' comments directed at Taranum. 'It was a slip of the tongue and I made these intemperate remarks inadvertently. I express my regret. I have withdrawn these remarks. I hold the officer in high esteem and I have no complaints whatsoever about her professional competency and integrity,' the BJP leader said. IAS Association, ministers condemn 'communal' comment Despite the apology, the remark has continued to draw criticism. The IAS Association condemned the statement on X, saying: 'Civil servants uphold the Constitution with unwavering dedication. Such personal attacks undermine the integrity of public service and are wholly unacceptable.' The association called for an unconditional apology. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described the BJP MLC's comments as 'intolerable' and accused him of attempting to sow social discord. Minister Priyank Kharge, in a Facebook post, described the comments as 'highly objectionable and communal'. 'To question the nationality of a respected civil servant is not only shameful but dangerous,' Kharge stated. 'What kind of patriotism allows you to abuse your own officers? People who speak like this about fellow citizens—can they even be called Indians?' Kalaburagi DC Fouzia Taranum refrains from responding
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
DKS vows action against BJP legislator Ravikumar over derogatory remarks against IAS officer
The state government would initiate legal proceedings against BJP MLC N Ravikumar for his 'communal and derogatory' remark against Kalaburagi deputy commissioner Fouzia Taranum, questioning whether she was from Pakistan, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said on Tuesday. Ravikumar had made the statement against the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in Kalaburagi on May 24, triggering widespread outrage across political and bureaucratic circles. 'Since morning, more than half a dozen IAS officers have met me. They are all in a very agitated mood. The law will take its course. The government will take action,' he said, adding that the BJP leadership must also break its silence on the matter. 'I want the BJP president, the Opposition leaders and the central ministers to react to it,' Shivakumar said. The controversial remark was made by Ravikumar during the BJP's 'Kalaburagi Chalo' campaign, where he said, 'I don't know whether the Kalaburagi DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here. Looking at your applause, it seems like the DC has indeed come from Pakistan.' His comment was in reference to a recent incident in Chittapur where Congress supporters allegedly prevented Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy from leaving a government guest house following his remarks comparing minister Priyank Kharge to a 'dog'. Following the backlash, Ravikumar described his words as an 'emotional outburst' and offered an apology. 'It was an emotional remark. I should not have said it. The BJP is a responsible central ruling party. It was not right on my part to make such a remark. I want to apologise for my remark,' he said. Despite the apology, the statement has sparked strong criticism. The IAS Association also took to social media to denounce the comment. 'Civil servants uphold the Constitution with unwavering dedication. Such personal attacks undermine the integrity of public service and are wholly unacceptable,' the association posted on X, demanding an unconditional apology and registration of a legal case. An FIR has also been registered against the MLC based on a complaint by a resident of Kalaburagi named Dattatreya. 'N Ravikumar has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 197 (which deals with the requirement of prior sanction for prosecuting public servants), 224 (pertaining to intentional insult or interruption to public servants during the discharge of their duties), 299 (related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder), and Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which addresses acts of hate speech and discrimination against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes,' said an officer in the know of the development. Minister Priyank Kharge reacted strongly, calling Ravikumar's remarks 'highly distasteful' and reflective of a 'deeply disturbing mindset' within the BJP ranks.'To question the nationality of a respected civil servant is not only shameful but dangerous,' Kharge said. 'What kind of patriotism allows you to abuse your own officers? People who speak like this about fellow citizens—can they even be called Indians?' Kharge also alleged that the BJP government had sidelined upright officers in the past for political reasons. 'The selection of DCs has become a politically influenced process,' he said adding that the constitutional role of civil servants should not be politicised. Deputy commissioner Fouzia Taranum, who is at the centre of the controversy, has not issued a public response. She was recently honoured with a Best Electoral Practices award for her role in voter education, election security, and inclusivity during the 2024 elections. This episode comes just days after a similar controversy in Madhya Pradesh, where a state minister faced flak for communal remarks about Colonel Sofiya Quereshi leading a national security mission against Pakistan.
India Gazette
7 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"It is to create enmity in society": Karnataka CM slams BJP MLC's 'Pakistan' remark
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 27 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday strongly condemned BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar for his 'Pakistani' remarks against Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Fauzia Tarannum, describing it as an attempt to 'create enmity' in society. The Chief Minister's statement comes in response to an FIR filed against Kumar, the chief whip of the opposition in the Legislative Council, following his comments, which have sparked outrage. 'Whatever BJP MLC Ravi Kumar said is not appropriate. This is a statement to create enmity. Nothing will happen to her (Kalaburagi DC Fauzia Tarannum), but it is to create enmity in society...I strongly condemn it,' Siddaramaiah stated. Earlier, the Karnataka police had registered an FIR against Kumar over his alleged remarks against the Kalaburagi DC during the BJP's protest rally on May 24. The FIR was registered at the Station Bazaar police station of Kalaburagi. Addressing a rally organised under the BJP's 'Kalaburagi Chalo' campaign, Ravi Kumar had questioned the independence of the District Collector and made a derogatory reference suggesting she might have 'come from Pakistan'. Kumar alleged that the district administration was functioning under the influence of the ruling Congress government. '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,' Ravi Kumar said. He triggered backlash from progressive groups and civil society organisations, who have demanded action against him for the 'insulting and communal' remarks. Fauzia Tarannum currently serves as the DC of Kalaburagi under the Congress-led state government. Her role as the administrative head of the district has come under the political spotlight amid heightened tensions. The protest led by the BJP was held to demand the removal of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge from the State Cabinet. The demand stems from a May 21 incident in Chittapur- Priyank Kharge's assembly constituency- where Congress workers allegedly laid siege to a guest house where Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanswamy, was staying. (ANI)
