Why Did K'taka MLA Compare Woman SP to a Pet Dog?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- FIR filed against MLA for derogatory remarks.
- Comments highlight disrespect towards women in politics.
- Public backlash emphasizes need for decorum.
- Importance of accountability in political discourse.
- Related controversies reflect ongoing challenges in gender equality.
Davanagere (Karnataka), Sep 3 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police have initiated an FIR against BJP MLA B.P. Harish from Harihara for his derogatory remarks towards Superintendent of Police (SP) Uma Prashanth, stating she behaves like a pet dog to Congress leaders in the Davanagere district.
The FIR was lodged at the KTJ Nagar police station in Davanagere city following a complaint from SP Uma Prashanth. The police have charged the BJP MLA under Sections 132, 351(2), and 79.
During an event hosted by the Reporters’ Guild in Davanagere city on Tuesday, MLA Harish commented, “As an MLA, I notice that when the SP sees me at functions, she often makes a displeased expression. Conversely, she eagerly waits at the gates for members of the Shamanur family, behaving like a Pomeranian dog of their household.”
Shamanur Shivashankarappa, a well-known Congress leader, serves as an MLA, while his son, S.S. Mallikarjun, is the Minister for Mines, Geology, and Horticulture, and Mallikarjun’s wife, Prabha Mallikarjun, serves as a representative for the Davanagere Lok Sabha constituency.
MLA Harish further stated, “When I attended an event in Harihara town, the SP disregarded me, turned her gaze away, and sat on the platform without any acknowledgment. At Gandhi Bhavan grounds, under the blistering sun, the SP waited for MP Prabha Mallikarjun’s arrival.”
“During an event at a Convent in Harihara, children were made to wait for one-and-a-half hours for MP Prabha Mallikarjun. I decided to leave. Had the SP been present, she would have had to endure the sun for 1.5 hours. Why this inequality? I am an MLA, and she is a Lok Sabha member. We are both representatives of the people,” he remarked.
“The SP may believe that aligning herself with the affluent and influential is beneficial. However, this situation is only temporary,” BJP MLA Harish added.
It is noteworthy that veteran Congress MLA R.V. Deshpande also sparked controversy recently when he replied to a female reporter's question about the absence of a maternity hospital in Joida taluk of Karwar district. He responded, “By the time of your delivery, we will have it ready.” Even after the reporter clarified that she had surpassed that stage, Deshpande was seen chuckling and walking away.
Both incidents have drawn significant public backlash for their inappropriate comments directed at women in prominent positions.