Is Jail a Familiar Territory for BJP MLC Ravi Amid Ganesh Visarjan Violence?

Bengaluru, Sep 11 (NationPress) In light of an FIR filed for an alleged incendiary speech linked to the recent Ganesh Visarjan violence, BJP MLC C.T. Ravi remarked on Thursday that FIRs, arrests, and incarceration are not unfamiliar to him.

"I have entered politics for Hindus and the nation. I will confront a hundred such FIRs," he asserted.

While addressing the media in Chikkamagaluru, Ravi, a former BJP national general secretary, noted, "An FIR is not new to me. My first FIR was filed when I was just 14 years old, as a minor. Thus, police cases and FIRs are not foreign to me. I cannot refrain from expressing the truth. In Maddur, I indicated that every action has a reaction from us. There is a limit to our patience. I stand firm in my declarations."

"If our Ganesh procession is met with stone-pelting, petrol bombs, or 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans, tolerating such behavior is out of the question. The citizens of Maddur took to the streets to demonstrate that their patience has been exhausted," Ravi emphasized.

"Our legal team will manage the case appropriately. I harbor no fear. Arrest and jail are familiar territories for me. I have persevered through struggles. I wish to convey to those who filed the police case against me that you initiated a suo motu case. The police are tasked with upholding the law. Do you not hold any responsibility?" Ravi queried.

He further highlighted, "From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., the use of loudspeakers is prohibited. Let this start from Maddur. If anyone employs loudspeakers before 6 a.m., file an FIR and prove your impartiality. The police must demonstrate that they are adhering to the court's ruling and are committed to the law."

"The police file FIRs against me solely for warning about the repercussions of their actions. I have no fear. I am in politics for the benefit of Hindus and the nation. You can file a hundred FIRs — I will address them all," Ravi added.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded to the situation by stating that the police will act based on legal principles. Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar remarked, "I am unaware of his speech. However, his words, demeanor, and language reflect his upbringing. The public is also well-acquainted with him."

Home Minister G. Parameshwara declared, "The FIR was lodged due to a provocative speech. The police will take appropriate action in this matter."

Earlier, BJP MLA C.T. Ravi sparked controversy while addressing a crowd at the Ganesh immersion event in Maddur on Wednesday, stating, "We did not spare Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali, and you are insignificant. The blood of Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda (freedom fighters) flows within us. If you challenge us, we will dismantle you. We will ensure your heads are off your bodies."

He further made a contentious statement: "If you love Pakistan, feel free to pack your bags and leave. We possess the capability to bury those who throw stones. While Islam originated 1,600 years ago, Hinduism has thrived for tens of thousands of years. Young children are spitting on the Ganesh procession. Consider the toxic seeds being sown in their minds."

C.T. Ravi also mentioned, "Even when they are a mere 5 percent, they are already extending their influence. If they reach 50 percent, how will our children and grandchildren survive? They will fracture society."

It is important to note that on Sunday night, an incident involving stone pelting occurred in Maddur during the Ganesh Visarjan procession, resulting in injuries to six individuals, including children. Investigations revealed that the stone pelting originated from a mosque and was a premeditated act. The police have detained 22 individuals and are searching for seven additional suspects.