FIR Against BJP MLC N Ravikumar For His 'Kalaburagi DC From Pakistan' Remark

BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar faces an FIR for his controversial remark against Kalaburgi District Collector Fauzia Tarannum.

BJP MLC and Cihef Whip Of the Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Council, N Ravi Kumar has been booked by police for his controversial remark against Kalaburagi District Collector, Fauzia Tarannum. 

The FIR has been booked against the Bharatiya Janata Party MLC at Station Bazar police station in Kalaburgi for his remark made during a protest on May 24, reported ANI. 

Addressing a protest rally on May 24 under BJP's "Kalaburagi Chalo' campaign, Ravikumar alleged that the district administration was functioning under the influence of the ruling Congress government. 

'Kalaburagi DC From Pakistan'

His address sparked controversy after he questioned the independence of the District Collector and made a derogatory reference suggesting she might have "come from Pakistan." 

"The Kalaburagi DC office has also lost its independence. The DC madam is also listening to what they (Congress) say. I don't know whether the DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here," the BJP MLC said. 

Ravikumar drew backlash with his remark from progressive groups and civil society organisations, who demanded action against him for the "insulting and communal" remarks. 

Fauzia Tarannum is currently posted as the District Collector of Kalaburagi under the Congress-led government in Karnataka. 

While not being directly involved in the state politics, her role as the administrative head of the district has come under the political spotlight amid heightened tensions, as per the report.

BJP's Protest

The party had organised the said protest to demand the removal of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge from the state Cabinet. The demand stems from a May 21 incident in Kharge's Chittapur constituency. 

A Congress worker has been alleged to laying seige to a guest house where Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanswamy was staying. 

On Sunday, Congress leader and state minister Sharan Prakash Patil accused BJP leaders of unnecessarily provoking tensions and attempting to politicise the administration, in response to BJP MLC's allegation.