Belagavi – The political climate in Karnataka has become increasingly heated amid the controversy surrounding BJP MLC C.T. Ravi and Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, following alleged obscene remarks made during a recent session of the Legislative Council. The row first erupted on December 19, during a heated debate when C.T. Ravi reportedly referred to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi as a “drug addict.” Minister Hebbalkar’s immediate response involved labeling Ravi as a 'murderer' and she has since vowed to take significant action against him.
The issue escalated when Minister Hebbalkar released a video purportedly containing derogatory language used by Ravi against her on the Legislative floor. "I will never forgive him for the offence," she stated emphatically during a press conference. Laxmi went on to express her intentions to lodge formal complaints with both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, seeking to bring serious attention to the matter.
"There is no question of forgiving C.T. Ravi. I will not rest until he is punished," she asserted, demanding the Chief Minister and the Legislative Council chairman investigate the incident thoroughly. She declared her pursuit of justice not only as a political move but as a personal mission to defend the dignity of women within public service.
Despite the seriousness of the accusations, the Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman, Basavaraj Horatti, described the issue as a “closed chapter,” insisting it fell outside their jurisdiction, claiming the alleged incident occurred after the House was adjourned. He stated, “There is no audio-visual recording of the alleged incident.” Minister Hebbalkar counters this, maintaining the incident occurred within the legislative session and was well-witnessed by other members present.
Following the incident, police arrested C.T. Ravi on December 19, only to see him released the next day after obtaining relief from the High Court. This sequence of events has led to accusations of political bias and misconduct toward law enforcement. Ravi has claimed improper treatment under police custody, alleging he was paraded around during the night without necessity.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara, meanwhile, announced the investigation of the matter would now be handled by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), bringing another layer of complexity to the political drama. He pointed out the need for clarity since there were contrasting accounts of the incident. “Some are claiming he has used the derogatory word, some are maintaining he has not used it. Against this backdrop, to ascertain the facts of the case, I have ordered the CID probe,” he explained.
While the situation appears tangled, the ramifications are significant, not only for the individuals involved but also for the political parties represented. The derogatory remarks and the subsequent backlash have drawn widespread attention and criticism, particularly concerning the treatment of women within Karnataka’s political environment.
Ravi, reacting to Minister Hebbalkar’s plans to escalate the issue, retorted, "If BJP members are Dhritharashtras, why complain?" This statement reflects the rising tensions and accusations of politically motivated actions on both sides, complicates the narrative, and highlights the friction within Karnataka’s political framework.
Meanwhile, the Belagavi City Police are also involved, with the Commissioner stating legal opinions were being sought before they decided on their course of action. He confirmed they have registered cases against 10 unidentified individuals for allegedly assaulting Ravi during the protests following the incident, illustrating how public sentiment and political actions are interlinked.
The episode raises questions about political accountability and the integrity of legislative practices, with many observers urging for transparency and upholding conduct standards within political institutions. Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar’s commitment to seeking justice reflects broader societal frustrations over gender-based disrespect and the political narratives surrounding it.
The controversy continues to evolve, with public and media scrutiny increasing as more details emerge. Lawmakers and citizens alike are calling for clarity, justice, and accountability as the story progresses. The fallout from this incident highlights not only individual conflicts but also the ethical dilemmas facing policymakers and the importance of protecting public trust.
It remains to be seen how the investigation conducted by the CID will play out and if it will change the current narrative or lead to substantial reforms within the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The repercussions of this incident will surely shape the future discussions around gender equality and ethics within Indian politics.
