Karnataka BJP MLC N Ravikumar has been booked under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for remarks made during a political rally in Kalaburagi. The incident took place on 24 May during a BJP protest against the alleged mistreatment of Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy.
While addressing the protest gathering, Ravikumar questioned the nationality of Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, 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.”
According to PTI, Narayanaswamy was reportedly confined to a government guest house in Chittapur, Kalaburagi, by Congress supporters, following his alleged comparison of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge to a “dog” during the Tiranga Yatra on 21 May.
Following the comment, a complaint was lodged by a private individual at the Station Bazaar police station. An FIR was subsequently filed under the Atrocities Act. Ravikumar is also accused of making derogatory comments against senior police officials, including Additional Superintendent of Police Mahesh Meghannavar, Deputy Superintendent of Police Shankargouda Patil, and Circle Police Inspector Chandrashekar.
Kalaburagi police have confirmed that the FIR includes relevant sections under the Atrocities Act, and an investigation is ongoing.Reacting to the controversy, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge described the remark as “highly distasteful” and criticised the language used by BJP leaders. Meanwhile, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said he was unaware of the remark and would verify the details.
The IAS Officers Association has condemned Ravikumar’s statement and called for an unconditional apology. It also urged authorities to take legal action under applicable provisions.
This incident follows a recent controversy involving Madhya Pradesh BJP Minister Vijay Shah, who faced legal and political backlash for remarks about Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a key figure in India’s Operation Sindoor. Shah had stated that the Prime Minister had sent a “sister from the same community” as Pakistanis to respond to the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam. His comments drew reprimands from both the Madhya Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court.
