Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao's Wife Files Complaint Against BJP's Social Media Cell For Derogatory Remarks

The BJP’s official social media post questioned whether his claim stemmed from his Brahmin father, Gundu Rao, or his wife, Tabassum, a Muslim.

Tabassum further emphasised in her complaint that as a public figure's spouse, she should not be subjected to such communal insinuations.

Source : X

Tabassum Rao, wife of Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, filed a complaint on Friday with Karnataka State Women’s Commission, alleging defamatory comments made against her by the social media wing of the BJP's Karnataka unit. The complaint stems from a recent post on 'X' (formerly Twitter) which she claims made derogatory and communal references to her personal life.

The controversy began after Dinesh Gundu Rao, in a statement on October 2, suggested that Hindutva icon Vinayak Damodar Savarkar had consumed beef. In response, the BJP’s official social media post questioned whether his claim stemmed from his Brahmin father, Gundu Rao, or his wife, Tabassum, a Muslim. The post quickly drew widespread criticism for its communal tone.

Expressing her displeasure on 'X', Tabassum stated, "Filed a complaint with Karnataka Women's Commission against BJP for their continuous derogatory and communal statements against me, despite not being in active politics. Attacking a woman is petty. Women deserve respect, not abuse."

 

Filed a complaint with Karnataka Women's Commission against BJP for their continuous derogatory and communal statements against me, despite not being in active politics. Attacking a woman is petty. Women deserve respect, not abuse.@BJP4Karnataka @PMOIndia @INCKarnataka pic.twitter.com/eaJ7yd2DuR

— Tabu Rao (@TabbuRao) October 4, 2024

 

Tabassum further emphasised in her complaint that as a public figure's spouse, she should not be subjected to such communal insinuations. "As the wife of Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, I have been subjected to unwarranted attacks and communal references, simply because of my marriage and my Muslim faith." 

"As someone not involved in politics, I find it reprehensible that my personal life and community are being dragged into the political arena. It is unacceptable to target family members of politicians simply because of their relationship," the Minister's wife said, as per PTI, urging the Women’s Commission to take stringent action against those responsible for handling BJP's social media accounts.