The controversy surrounding the “Pakistani tongue” remark made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC C.T. Ravi continued, causing disruptions in the Karnataka Legislative Council. Despite demands for an apology from MLC Ravi by Congress members, he remained absent from the Assembly House. The State Legislative Council Chairman stated that proceedings would proceed until the BJP MLC arrived.
The heated exchanges between the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP and JD(S) members ensued due to this development. Karnataka Minister N.S. Boseraju introduced a resolution seeking action over the controversial remark by BJP MLC Ravi. The resolution suggested suspending Ravi until the end of the Assembly session.
State Legislative Council Chairman Horatti mentioned that a decision regarding BJP MLC Ravi’s absence would be made after consulting with him. Amid strong protests by Congress members, he declared that House proceedings would continue until the BJP MLC arrived. “If BJP MLC C.T. Ravi does not express regret, I will take a decision,” Horatti stated.
Despite repeated requests, BJP MLC Ravi refused to express regret for his controversial remark, leading to the adjournment of House proceedings. The remark was made in response to a statement by Congress MLC Naseer Ahmed, who had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “deshdrohi” (anti-national). Congress members demanded an apology from BJP MLC Ravi after Naseer Ahmed expressed regret for his statement.
Minister Boseraju, upon the resumption of House proceedings, urged BJP MLC Ravi to comply with the Chair’s directive and apologize for his remark. Congress leaders emphasized the importance of respecting the Chair’s orders and upholding the traditions of the Legislative Council. The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council stated that the issue had concluded and that further discussion was unnecessary.
Responding to these remarks, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil emphasized the importance of following the Assembly Speaker’s advice. He highlighted the need for MLC Ravi to apologize, considering Naseer Ahmed’s apology as a necessary step for the House’s functioning. Minister Boseraju reiterated the demand for an apology from MLC Ravi, while BJP MLC D.S. Arun suggested dropping the matter.
Congress MLC Saleem Ahmed called for the expulsion of BJP MLC Ravi if he did not express regret for his remark, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
