Karnataka MLC Ravikumar apologises for 'Pakistani' jibe at IAS officer

Facing severe criticism from all quarters following his “Pakistani” jibe at an IAS officer, BJP MLC N Ravikumar told The Federal Karnataka on Tuesday (May 27) that he regretted the remarks made against the IAS officer, adding that the Congress should not politicise the issue.

Ravikumar also challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to issue a public apology for his earlier “insults” to IAS and IPS officers.

“I regret the careless remark made against an officer. I apologize. But I also challenge Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to apologize publicly for previously insulting IAS and IPS officers in public,” said Ravikumar.

Also Read: BJP MLC Ravikumar booked for ‘Pak’ remark against Kalaburagi IAS officer

Reason behind furore

His comments in the wake of his controversial remark on May 24 against Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Fauzia Tarannum during a protest organised by the BJP in Kalaburagi. He accused DC Fauzia Tarannum of working under the direction of the Congress.

“I don’t know whether the Kalaburagi DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer from here. Based on the applause she's receiving, she seems like she’s come straight from Pakistan,” said Ravikumar.

Following his remarks, not only was an FIR lodged against Ravikumar, but the leadership of the ruling Congress in Karnataka came down hard on him.

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Shivakumar slams Ravikumar

Demanding a response from senior state BJP leaders over the MLC’s remarks, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said legal action was inevitable in the case.

“The government is taking the matter seriously. Legal action is unavoidable. The Kalaburagi DC is a national-level officer serving the country with dignity. The Karnataka government stands firmly behind her. Is this how the BJP treats women officers? BJP leaders, including Opposition Leader R Ashoka, state president BY Vijayendra, and Union ministers must respond to this issue,” said Shivakumar.

He also said several IAS officers have approached him regarding the matter and it will be looked into from a legal standpoint.

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Flak from other Congress ministers

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge also took a swipe at Ravikumar in a social media post, saying, “It seems unless BJP leaders mention Pakistan, they can’t digest their food. Maybe they even dream of Pakistan at night.”

Condemning the BJP MLC’s remark, Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil said “even schoolchildren” would not speak like this. “It’s unfortunate that such a derogatory comment was made against an IAS officer. Even schoolchildren don’t speak like this. People like him are unfit for public life,” said Patil.

(The story was originally published in The Federal Karnataka)