BJP's Karnataka Delegation Urges Governor to Intervene in Derogatory Remarks Investigation
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Bengaluru, Dec 25 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP delegation has called upon Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to take action in the investigation concerning derogatory remarks made by BJP MLC C.T. Ravi and Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, insisting on a judicial inquiry.
During their meeting at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening, the delegation was led by Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, along with former CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai, and other prominent BJP figures including Chalavadi Narayanaswamy.
Post-meeting, R. Ashoka informed reporters, "We discussed with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot the police's excessive force against BJP MLC C.T. Ravi. We elaborated on how Ravi was arrested, mistreated, deprived of food, and taken to undisclosed locations."
C.T. Ravi, hailing from the Maoist-affected region of Chikkamagaluru, has faced threats from Islamic extremists.
R. Ashoka stated, "Historically, previous administrations have provided him with a gunman for protection. Yet, the police's decision to transport Ravi to a quarry or sugarcane field raises significant doubts about their intentions."
He continued, "Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has already commented on this. The police officer's claim that BJP MLC Ravi was moved to a sugarcane field for security reasons implies that police stations in the state are unsafe, a point that this government has failed to address."
"We have conveyed our concerns to the Governor, labeling this government as a buffoon regime. C.T. Ravi deserves adequate protection, and a fair investigation is essential. While I was present at the police station, I witnessed the Police Commissioner receiving numerous calls, raising questions about who was contacting him—possibly the CM or Deputy CM? Transparency is vital for the case investigation," Ashoka remarked.
He emphasized, "We demand a judicial inquiry in light of these facts. We urged the Governor, as the guardian of the Constitution, to recognize that if an MLC like C.T. Ravi can be subjected to such treatment, what does this imply for ordinary citizens? We have requested the Governor to send a clear message."
"This case should set a precedent, assuring the public that the Governor will act decisively in such matters. This incident marks a shameful episode for the government of Karnataka," Ashoka stated while criticizing the Congress administration.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara also questioned the circumstances surrounding C.T. Ravi's situation, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah justified the police's actions based on security concerns.
R. Ashoka condemned the Congress government, stating, "This is a clownish government. No administration has ever been so poorly managed in the past."
He alleged that police stations have effectively become Congress party offices in Karnataka, expressing doubts about the impartiality of police inquiries.
"Whether investigations are carried out by the police, the CID, or any other body, the outcome remains the same. The police have not fulfilled their responsibilities. Thus, we are insisting on a judicial inquiry," he stated.
He assured that the BJP would respect any conclusions drawn from a judicial inquiry.
The controversy initially surfaced on December 19 during a contentious session in the Karnataka Legislative Council.
C.T. Ravi allegedly branded Congress MP Rahul Gandhi as a "drug addict", sparking outrage, with Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar labeling Ravi a "murderer".
Ravi reportedly responded with a vulgar comment directed at Hebbalkar.
This incident led to Ravi's arrest for making derogatory remarks against Hebbalkar.
However, after a directive from the High Court, Ravi was released, adding to the political turmoil.
The Congress government has transferred the case to the specialized Criminal Investigation Department (CID), despite Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti dismissing the case as closed and denouncing police interference.
In parallel, Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar has challenged BJP MLC C.T. Ravi to take an oath before Lord Manjunatheshwara at the renowned Hindu pilgrimage site in Dharmasthala, regarding his alleged derogatory comments directed at her in the Legislative Council.
