Rashmika Controversy Intensifies: Karnataka Congress MLAs Split Over Remarks Against Actress

Bengaluru, March 4 (NationPress) A remark made by Congress MLA Ravikumar Ganiga labeling Rashmika Mandanna as "arrogant" and "ungrateful" has ignited a significant uproar in Karnataka. His fellow MLA and Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, A.S. Ponnanna, defended the actress's right to decide where she wishes to go, asserting that she holds equal entitlement as Ganiga.

The dispute arose after the actress, along with several other Kannada film stars, chose not to attend the inauguration of the international film festival in Bengaluru.

Ganiga criticized the actress, stating, "Rashmika Mandanna began her career in the Kannada film industry with the movie 'Kirik Party'. Last year, she was invited to the international film festival, but she claimed that her residence is in Hyderabad and she is unaware of Karnataka's significance. Furthermore, she mentioned that she lacks the time to participate in the festival."

MLA Ravikumar, a fervent supporter of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, expressed his discontent with the actress’s comments.

Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar took a stance against the film industry, emphasizing that it cannot thrive without the backing of the government and the populace.

Notably, on Tuesday, responding to remarks from his colleague, A.S. Ponnanna addressed the media at Vidhana Soudha, stating, "We reside in a constitutional democracy, where individual freedom is a fundamental right. Rashmika Mandanna has as much right as MLA Ravikumar Ganiga to choose her engagements."

On the language used against her, MLA Ponnanna remarked, "I too believe that the language was possibly inappropriate. Rashmika Mandanna is entitled to participate in any event, whether state-sponsored or not; it’s her prerogative. No one should interfere with her decisions."

Both MLA Ponnanna and actress Rashmika Mandanna originate from the Kodagu region and share the Kodava community.

Meanwhile, in response to the ongoing controversy, Ganiga confirmed in Bengaluru on Tuesday that he stands by his remarks. "I can present the official invitation sent to Rashmika for last year’s international film festival to the media."

"This is our challenge," he emphasized, countering claims that Rashmika was never invited to the function.

MLA Gowda added, "Let’s cease this display of arrogance. We don’t criticize actresses Anushka Shetty and Shilpa Shetty for not initiating their careers here. They fought hard and found success in the Telugu and Bollywood industries while also acting in Kannada films."

"What we intend to express is that Rashmika Mandanna utilized the Kannada audience as a launching pad, only to exhibit arrogance subsequently. This statement reflects her attitude, not my personal view—it echoes the sentiments of the Kannada people," he articulated.

He further conveyed, "Why would I single out Rashmika Mandanna? What do I have to gain from this? I am not organizing a film festival in Mandya. We invited her on behalf of six crore Kannada people, yet she declined, claiming she was busy. She should reconsider her stance."

Ravikumar serves the Mandya Assembly constituency.

"This land facilitated her career—she should show it respect," he added.

In light of the backlash he received for his comments about film artists, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar stated, "Let them criticize. I made the statement to provoke a response. I am aware of my contributions, and those who have benefited from my assistance know it too. This concerns the state, our land, and our interests. It’s about your language. Did we organize the international film festival solely for our benefit? It was intended to promote their films."

Shivakumar further articulated, "If film artists do not attend to champion their own films, should we be held accountable for that as well? Some oversights may have occurred, and some individuals might not have received invitations. However, fundamentally, it was their event, and their attendance was essential, correct? No one is exempt from criticism."

"We can exist without films. They require the government and the community to advocate for their films," Shivakumar asserted.

Senior film producer and director Rajendra Singh Babu responded to Shivakumar’s comments, stating, "The Mekedatu project is vital for providing drinking water to Bengaluru. There are proper ways to invite artists. Deputy CM Shivakumar should have considered maintaining cordial relations with the film industry. We have our own chambers and associations, and senior artists would certainly attend if invited."

"The Kannada film industry has never turned its back on the language or the state’s interests. It has consistently supported the state’s causes. Artists should have attended the international film festival out of their own volition rather than waiting for an invitation," Rajendra Singh Babu noted.

He further insisted, "Will Shivakumar be the Chief Minister for 50 years? This is political. After five years, another government will take charge. He should not speak like a dictator—his communication should be more polished."

"If we face threats regarding our ability to produce films here, we can relocate to Uttar Pradesh, where they offer a ₹5 crore subsidy. In Jammu and Kashmir, a ₹6 crore subsidy is available. We do not require any support from the Karnataka government. We are creators, and we can create anywhere. Shivakumar should retract his statements," he insisted.

"Karnataka does not belong to anyone’s family. Shivakumar has misused his platform," he criticized.