Karnataka BJP leader N Ravikumar stirs controversy by calling IAS officer 'Pakistani', police case filed
Bengaluru/IBNS: A major political controversy erupted in Karnataka after the BJP's Member of Legislative Council N Ravikumar made a communal remark against Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, who is a Muslim IAS officer.
During a BJP protest in front of her office, Ravikumar had questioned whether the officer had come "from Pakistan".
The remark sparked outrage, and a police case was lodged.
The comment was made during a BJP protest against the alleged mistreatment of the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy.
On May 21, Narayanaswamy was reportedly confined inside a government guest house by Congress supporters during his visit to Chittapur.
The move was seen as a backlash by Congress workers following Narayanaswamy's controversial comment in which he compared Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge to a dog.
Amid the protest, Ravikumar had said, "I don't know whether the Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here. Looking at your applause, it seems like the DC has indeed come from Pakistan".
The remark drew instant criticism for its communal tone and content that was seen as an attack on a civil servant's identity.
Priyank Kharge, who is also the son of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, condemned the statement, calling it "highly distasteful" and reflective of a dangerous mindset.
"This is the kind of speech BJP leaders are making across the country. Attacking a respected officer like this is unacceptable. People who speak this way about their fellow citizens - can we even call them true Indians?" he asked.
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