Bengaluru, Feb 4 (NationPress) In a heated session in the Legislative Council, BJP MLC C.T. Ravi stood firm on his controversial statement regarding a "Pakistani tongue" despite persistent demands from Congress members and multiple requests from the Chair.

The statement was a reaction to Congress MLC Naseer Ahmad, who labeled Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "desh drohi" (anti-national).

After extensive discussions failed to yield a resolution, the Council's proceedings were adjourned until Wednesday.

On Monday, during the debate on the Governor's address to the joint session, Congress MLC Naseer Ahmad had referred to Prime Minister Modi as a "desh drohi" in front of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

In response, C.T. Ravi asserted on Tuesday, “No Indian tongue would dare speak of the Prime Minister in such a manner. Such language must originate from Pakistan. An Indian would never utter such words against Prime Minister Modi. Mr. Chairman, it’s essential to investigate the origin of such remarks.”

After Naseer Ahmad expressed regret for his comments, Congress members demanded an apology from Ravi.

However, Ravi maintained, “I have clarified repeatedly that I did not use any unparliamentary language nor did I disrespect the dignity of the House. I did not mention any member’s name while making my statement. Calling the Prime Minister—who has been elected thrice with a clear majority—‘desh drohi’ is an insult to the entire nation.”

“The Prime Minister is not limited to one party; he represents all. My stance is clear: those who use such language against him do not belong here. If the Prime Minister is labeled anti-national, who then is a patriot? He can only be deemed a traitor by an adversary, not by this country,” he continued.

Ravi emphasized, “Regret is only meaningful if sincere. What did the Congress members propose? That if I retract my statement, they would rescind their comment about the Prime Minister. Is there any integrity in that? Are they standing by their statements against him?”

“I merely suggested a need to determine whether the remarks came from a Pakistani or an Indian tongue. I did not associate any opposition member with Pakistan. I do not engage in political discourse that betrays my principles. When I unfurled the BJP flag at my home in 1988, my father questioned my choice. He suggested joining former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda's party, but I chose the BJP grounded in ideology,” he added.

“Our ideology is rooted in patriotism. The Sangh has instilled in us the values of patriots such as Ashfaqulla Khan and Hamid Khan. I am not attacking any community. Those who chant ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ in the halls of Vidhana Soudha are Indian citizens, but they lack patriotism. True patriotism requires an emotional attachment to the nation,” he stated.

“Had that emotional bond existed, Pakistan would not have separated as a nation. I stand by my assertion that an Indian tongue would never declare the Prime Minister as anti-national,” he asserted.

Congress MLC Naseer Ahmad interjected, questioning if BJP leader Sambit Patra had previously labeled Rahul Gandhi anti-national, asking for proof of such claims.

Ravi responded that the discussion was limited to the House and that any statements made outside should not be addressed. “I have shown respect to every individual. Regretting something I haven't done would be a betrayal of my principles. I will not apologize,” he stated.

Labour Minister Santosh Lad noted that in the past, the current Prime Minister, during his time as Gujarat Chief Minister, had made harsh comments about former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi. “Let’s not delve into that. While Ravi is my friend, I disagree with his statement, and the Chairman should intervene,” he remarked.

Law Minister H.K. Patil remarked, “MLC Ravi had agreed to follow the Chair's decision. There is no specific provision for action, and the Chair has repeatedly requested your cooperation. This alone signifies a mistake has occurred. The Chair has made this request multiple times.”

Leader of the Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy stated, “We are willing to cooperate and have endured much. This is escalating into a tit-for-tat situation.”

Minister N. Bose Raju, who is also the floor leader, suggested that Ravi should respond and issue an apology. Given the ongoing deadlock, the House was adjourned until Wednesday.