The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday, 27 July issued a sharp warning to the state's Congress government, holding it accountable for any law and order breakdown following the move by Karnataka Police to serve a notice on BJP MLC C.T. Ravi in connection with a hate speech case linked to the NEET paper leak protests. The warning came amid high drama outside Ravi's residence in Chikkamagaluru, where police had arrived to direct him to appear for questioning.

BJP's Warning and Key Statements

State BJP president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, addressing reporters in Bengaluru, alleged that the police were acting on the instructions of Congress leaders rather than independently. 'If arrests are made at the direction of Congress leaders and law and order deteriorates, the government will have to take responsibility. What action was taken when 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans were allegedly raised? If action is being taken now, the government must be prepared to face the consequences. No issue should be treated lightly,' Vijayendra said.

Vijayendra also claimed that the police had not merely gone to serve a notice on Ravi but had, in fact, intended to arrest him. He confirmed he had spoken both to C.T. Ravi and to DG and IGP M.A. Saleem regarding the matter.

BJP Leaders Condemn Police Action

Karkala MLA and former minister V. Sunil Kumar strongly condemned the police action, accusing the Congress government of suppressing dissent. 'I strongly condemn the action of the state police in going to issue a notice to former minister C.T. Ravi. Even after the Karnataka High Court itself expressed concern over the functioning of the police, officers in uniform continue to act as agents of the ruling government and suppress dissenting voices,' Sunil Kumar said.

Addressing Home Minister Priyank Kharge directly, Sunil Kumar added: 'Any malicious action initiated against C.T. Ravi will not be tolerated. Priyank Kharge, the right to freedom of expression that you enjoy also belongs to Ravi.' He further alleged that the state government was misusing police machinery, saying: 'When asked to arrest criminals, you instead deploy your IPS officers to scrutinise Facebook posts and speeches.' He also warned: 'Power is not permanent for anyone. The countdown to your government's downfall has already begun.'

The Hate Speech Case Against CT Ravi

The controversy stems from remarks allegedly made by C.T. Ravi during a protest march organised by the Youth for Nation organisation in Chikkamagaluru against the NEET paper leak issue. According to the FIR, Ravi allegedly stated: 'What is the connection between a mulla and the NEET examination? A mulla, who is completely illiterate, comes and participates in a NEET protest.'

The Chikkamagaluru Town Police registered the FIR under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following directions from the Principal Civil Judge and Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court in Chikkamagaluru. The complaint was filed by Mudassir Pasha, president of Jamia Masjid in Chikkamagaluru.

Muslim Federation Demands Immediate Arrest

Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Muslim Federation demanded Ravi's immediate arrest over his alleged provocative remarks. In a statement, the Federation accused BJP leaders of attempting to communalise the NEET controversy and termed Ravi's comments 'inappropriate and undignified.'

Broader Political Fallout

The case has intensified a political confrontation between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Karnataka, with both sides trading accusations over freedom of expression, communal harmony, and the role of police in politically sensitive cases. This comes amid an already charged atmosphere around the NEET paper leak protests that have roiled the country. The next few days will be critical in determining whether the standoff in Chikkamagaluru escalates further or is resolved through legal channels.