Karnataka Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar's Reaction to Supporters' Disruptive Behavior Deemed Unacceptable by Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru, Dec 21 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has commented on the alleged controversy regarding derogatory statements made in the Legislative Council by BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, asserting that Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar's reaction and the hooliganism of her supporters are entirely unacceptable.

Kumaraswamy further questioned on Friday whether democracy is on the verge of collapse in Karnataka.

“When even opposition leaders are unsafe, what value does holding anyone's portrait in the legislature have? The alleged assault on MLC Shri C.T. Ravi in the corridors of Suvarna Soudha is unequivocally condemnable,” Kumaraswamy emphasized.

“If C.T. Ravi used inappropriate or vulgar language towards the Honorable Minister, I do not condone his actions. However, the response of the Minister and the hooliganism of her supporters are entirely unacceptable,” he pointed out.

There exists a law under Dr. Ambedkar's Constitution for every issue, and the Chairman of the House has already provided a ruling on this matter. Nevertheless, the subsequent events, including the disrespect shown towards the Chairman and the disgraceful conduct, are shocking,” he noted.

It is also troubling that certain individuals within the government are escalating this incident for their own agendas, he remarked.

When members of the Panchamasali community protested outside Suvarna Vidhana Soudha demanding reservation, the Congress government displayed its so-called bravery by ordering a lathi charge. The brutality faced by the protesters that day was beyond description. They were stopped at the gates and assaulted severely, Kumaraswamy recounted.

But now, how were these hooligans able to breach Suvarna Soudha? Did the same police who restrained protesters fail to act here? Or did they deliberately allow these thugs in? Or is there a conspiracy being orchestrated by the government? Or perhaps some unseen forces were involved? Kumaraswamy questioned in reference to the attack on C.T. Ravi inside the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.

When hooligans pursue legislators through the Assembly corridors, attempting murder, assaulting marshals, and exhibiting criminal behavior, it is evident they possess considerable backing,” Kumaraswamy challenged.

“Footage broadcasted shows the personal assistant of the Honorable Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar trying to breach the iron gates in the corridors, engaging in acts of violence. These images are sufficient proof that the state is no longer in safe hands, and they have strong support from ‘bande’,” he stated.

The Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is referred to as ‘bande’ (boulder) in the state.

The hooligans who invaded Suvarna Soudha must be swiftly apprehended and charged under anti-social laws. They pose a threat to public order and should be permanently barred from both Suvarna Soudha and Vidhana Soudha, he demanded.

“The police are accountable for this entire incident. If you transported C.T. Ravi around in a police vehicle all night, whose orders were followed? Who is the leader of these hooligans? You know the truth, and you must disclose it,” Kumaraswamy implored the police.

The controversy ignited during a heated discussion in the Legislative Council on Thursday when Ravi allegedly labeled Congress MP Rahul Gandhi as a “drug addict.” Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar retaliated by branding Ravi a “murderer.” In reaction, Ravi reportedly used an obscene term against Hebbalkar, heightening the tensions. Ravi was taken into custody on Thursday evening.

C.T. Ravi's arrest and the resulting controversy have ignited a political tempest in Karnataka, highlighting the escalating tensions between the BJP and Congress in the state. However, the Karnataka High Court ordered Ravi's release on Friday.