Karnataka Minister Questions Validity of Allegations Made by Women
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Bengaluru, December 23 (NationPress) - M.B. Patil, the Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries, stood in defense of Laxmi Hebbalkar, the Minister for Women and Child Welfare, amidst the ongoing controversy with BJP MLC C.T. Ravi. Patil asked, Can a woman make such allegations purely out of imagination? He underscored that the issue could be settled if Ravi were to issue a public apology.
While addressing the media in Bengaluru, Patil stated, No woman can level such accusations based solely on imagination. He criticized the BJP for their frequent lectures on Indian culture, questioning whether this is truly reflective of their values. Provocation may be one matter, but using derogatory language is completely unacceptable.
Patil strongly defended Minister Hebbalkar against claims from BJP leaders suggesting that the allegations were fabricated. He also condemned the BJP’s assertion that police had threatened C.T. Ravi with an encounter to quiet the controversy. Everything will be resolved if C.T. Ravi tenders a public apology, Patil insisted.
In response to allegations of police misconduct towards Ravi, Patil indicated that Home Minister G. Parameshwara would make a formal statement about the situation.
C.T. Ravi, addressing the growing controversy, maintained that he had never resorted to personal attacks against his opponents, asserting that his critiques were purely ideological and political. After being released following a Karnataka High Court order, he encouraged the public to inquire about his reputation in Chikkamagaluru, his hometown.
Ravi also suggested that people should investigate Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in Ramanagara. He claimed that the Chairman of the Legislative Council had verified that there was no audio or video proof of him using the alleged derogatory term. He accused the government of fabricating charges and treating him like a terrorist.
This incident began last Thursday during a heated session in the Karnataka Legislative Council, where C.T. Ravi allegedly labeled Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as a drug addict. This remark triggered intense backlash, leading Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar to call Ravi a murderer. In retaliation, Ravi reportedly made an obscene comment directed at Hebbalkar.
The incident culminated in Ravi's arrest for allegedly using derogatory language against Hebbalkar. However, following a directive from the High Court, he was released, resulting in further political turmoil.
