Did Congress MLC File a Complaint Against BJP Leader Over Pakistan Remarks?

Bengaluru, June 2 (NationPress) A group of Karnataka Congress MLCs, spearheaded by Legislative Council Chief Whip Saleem Ahmad, convened with Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti on Monday to lodge a formal complaint against BJP MLC N. Ravikumar.

The grievance pertains to Ravikumar's inflammatory statements regarding Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, and the group is advocating for disciplinary measures.

The representatives emphasized that, apart from legal proceedings, the Council Chairman should officially denounce these remarks and initiate disciplinary steps against Ravikumar, adhering to the regulations governing public representatives. They asserted that civil servants in the state should be able to perform their duties without apprehension, and that decisive action must be taken to uphold Karnataka as a bastion of secular and inclusive values.

The petition articulated, "The group expresses significant concern and condemns the statement made by BJP MLC Ravikumar during the politically charged 'Kalaburagi Chalo' protest on May 24."

It further cited Ravikumar's statement: "The office of the Deputy Commissioner in Kalaburagi has forfeited its independence. The DC madam is also yielding to them. I am uncertain whether the DC hails from Pakistan or is an IAS officer from here."

The petition asserted that Ravikumar’s remarks, made publicly, are disrespectful to civil servants, and are both communal and defamatory. It accused Ravikumar of targeting Fouzia Taranum with a communal narrative, deliberately invoking her national and religious identities.

The petition contended that this is not just a slight to an officer but a blatant assault on secular values, equality, and Constitutional principles. It characterized the statement as extremely provocative and damaging to her dignity, highlighting that Fouzia Taranum is a distinguished officer who has received accolades from the President of India for her service.

Moreover, the petition claimed that BJP MLC Ravikumar breached Articles 14, 15, 21, and 51A (e) and (J) of the Constitution. It also asserted that Ravikumar's implication that Fouzia Taranum is associated with a foreign nation constitutes criminal defamation under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

The petition concluded that these statements are designed to incite and disrupt public harmony, falling squarely within the realm of hate speech.

Additionally, it was noted that Karnataka police have filed a criminal case against MLC Ravikumar under Sections 197 (insulting public servants), 224 (intentional insult aimed at provoking a breach of peace), 299 (using words intended to offend religious sentiments), 302 (statements causing public unrest), 351 (instilling fear among public servants), and 353 (obstructing public servants from executing their duties or using criminal force).

Furthermore, the group demanded action against the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, for making derogatory remarks about Minister for RDPR, IT and BT, Priyank Kharge.