Karnataka Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar accused BJP MLC CT Ravi of making derogatory remarks in the Suvarna Assembly Assembly. The incident allegedly took place during a protest in the Legislative Council against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement regarding Ambedkar.
Hebalka claimed Ravi called her a “whore” after Thursday’s meeting. Along with other MPs, she lodged a formal complaint with Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, demanding action.
Chairman Horati ordered a review of video and audio clips to verify the claims. However, the investigation faced challenges because the microphones were turned off after the adjournment and there was no stenographer on record at the time.
“Such language cannot be used to address women members in any civilized society. This language shows the mentality of the BJP towards women,” said Congress MLC BK Hariprasad, who reportedly witnessed the incident.
Congress MLC and Chief Minister Sidamaiah’s son Yasindra Sidamaiah said he heard Ravi use slurs against Hebbalkar. He claimed that Ravi repeatedly used the word “whore” to refer to Hebbalkar.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also condemned Ravi and said, “He used very dirty words against Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. This is a criminal offence. She has gone to the police station and the police will take action according to the law.”
Soon after the incident, Hebbalkar’s supporters intercepted Ravi’s car outside the Suvarnavidan Assembly in Belagavi, where the winter session of the Karnataka Assembly was being held.
On the other hand, BJP MLC CT Ravi has denied all the allegations. He called the claims baseless and accused Congress of fabricating them. “I did not make such a statement. Congress is known for making false accusations,” Ravi said.
He urged officials to review video and audio footage from the commission to verify the truth. “If the allegations are true, they will be recorded, if not, they will not,” he added. Ravi accused the Congress of trying to divert attention from discussions on North Karnataka issues.