Minister Hebbalkar Challenges CT Ravi to Take an Oath Before Dharmastahala Deity
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Belagavi, Dec 24 (NationPress) Karnataka Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar challenged BJP MLC C. T. Ravi on Tuesday to take an oath before Lord Manjunatheshwara in Dharmasthala that he had not used a derogatory term against her during the Legislative Council session.
During a press interaction in Belagavi, Minister Hebbalkar stated, “Let Ravi come to Dharmasthala. Let him swear before the god there that he had not used the word.”
“I entered politics after a lot of struggle. I did not build my political career by invoking the name of god and inciting conflict in society. C. T. Ravi, if you truly believe in god, come to Dharmasthala. I will be there with my family, and you must bring yours too to pledge before the god and assert that you did not use the word in the council,” she added.
“Ravi must declare before the god that he has not insulted a woman. I will be there with my family,” she emphasized.
“This is not a challenge; I do not seek a response from him. I do not desire an answer from someone with a malicious mindset. However, Ravi and the BJP leaders are misleading their supporters and followers,” she accused.
“Do you have a strong belief in God? Dharmasthala is very close to your hometown. The entire nation respects Dharmasthala. You (Ravi) must swear on God Manjunatha. If you possess any morals, you will call me and come,” Minister Hebbalkar stated.
The controversy began on December 19 during a tense discussion 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 triggered intense reactions, leading Minister Hebbalkar to label Ravi a “murderer.” Reports indicate that Ravi responded with an obscene comment directed at Hebbalkar.
The alleged remark resulted in Ravi's arrest for using derogatory language against Hebbalkar, but he was released following a directive from the High Court.
The Congress government has forwarded the case to the specialized unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), despite Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti stating that the matter is now closed and police involvement is unwelcome.
It is widely believed that anyone who lies before Lord Manjunatheshwara in Dharmasthala will face dire consequences.
