Bandh in Chikkamagaluru
In response to the arrest of BJP Legislative Council member C.T. Ravi, a bandh has been declared in Chikkamagaluru city, garnering significant support from residents and businesses.
Shops and establishments remained closed across M.G. Road, I.G. Road, Market Road, Ratnagiri Road, and Basavanahalli Road as citizens actively joined the bandh. Despite the closure of commercial activities, vehicular traffic continued as usual, and schools, colleges, and government offices operated normally.
Early in the day, police began detaining protest leaders who had organised demonstrations against the arrest. To maintain public order and prevent any untoward incidents, there was a heavy police presence throughout the city. Authorities deployed additional police personnel near key locations, including the Congress office, C.T. Ravi’s residence, Hanumantappa Circle, and Azad Park Circle.
DIG of the Western Range Amit Singh and District Police Superintendent Vikram Amate conducted inspections in the city to supervise the security arrangements. As police attempted to detain those protesting outside C.T. Ravi’s residence, a verbal altercation occurred between police and BJP district president Devaraj Shetty, who insisted that peaceful protests should be allowed. He and other BJP leaders pressed for the rights of demonstrators to voice their dissent without interference.
The unfolding events underscore the heightened political tensions in Karnataka, as the arrest of C.T. Ravi has triggered widespread reactions and mobilisations within his support base.
Opposition leader R Ashok alleged Taliban Raj in state
Leader of opposition R Ashok alleged that Karnataka is currently witnessing a lawlessness reminiscent of a Taliban regime under the Congress government.
In a post, he said Chief Minister @siddaramaiah, if you cannot protect a council member in police custody, it indicates that rowdies and goons have hijacked your government, or that those in your government are rowdies and goons themselves.
The traitors who shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” inside Vidhana Soudha are roaming free without any legal action taken against them. Those who have justified these traitors and are spreading misleading news in the media continue to operate freely as ministers, enjoying their status.
The suspicious suicide case of Rudresh Yadavannavar, an assistant in the second division at the Belagavi Tahsildar office, raises questions about the involvement of Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar’s PA. What has happened to that investigation? How many arrests have been made?
This Congress government, filled with goons and rowdies, should feel ashamed. Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, when you imply that leaving C.T. Ravi alive is a blessing, what do your words mean? Are you suggesting that keeping someone alive is a virtue? Or are you indicating that your constituency resembles the Taliban? Are your supporters akin to Taliban members?
Do you even understand the message your careless words send to the lawless goons who take justice into their own hands?
Deputy Chief Minister @DKShivakumar, as a state president of a national party and potentially dreaming of becoming the Chief Minister, you must understand that those in responsible positions should not speak irresponsibly. Your statements reflect the current state of law and order in the state.
Remember, the people of the state are observing everything. Please conduct yourself in a manner befitting your position. At the very least, speak in a way that aligns with the responsibilities of your office during public discourse.
Legislative Council chairman denies allegation on Ravi
In a press conference held at his residence on December 20 in Hubballi, Basavaraj Horatti, the Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding BJP MLC C.T. Ravi’s alleged use of abusive language against Lakshmi Hebbalkar, the Minister for Women and Children Welfare. Horatti stated that while there is no audio recording of any derogatory comments made by Ravi, four witnesses have testified to hearing inappropriate language.
“There is no audio record of any offensive words used by C.T. Ravi. However, we have four witnesses who have claimed that offensive language was indeed used,” Horatti clarified, emphasising that they have received statements from both C.T. Ravi and Lakshmi Hebbalkar regarding the incident.
The Chairman further elaborated on the situation that unfolded during a session in the Assembly. He noted that after a question-and-answer session, Congress members initiated a protest against Union Minister Amit Shah, which escalated into chaos and forced the proceedings to be postponed. “It was during this turmoil that we received information about C.T. Ravi’s arrest at around 6 PM,” he said.
“I have spoken with both Lakshmi Hebbalkar and C.T. Ravi, suggesting that we should resolve this matter amicably. I expressed that I am disheartened by the events that have transpired, which C.T. Ravi has interpreted incorrectly,” Horatti remarked, highlighting the unusual nature of the incident. “This is the first time in my 45 years of political history that something like this has occurred. It feels as if there’s been a fundamental shift in how we conduct ourselves in such matters,” he added, expressing his dissatisfaction with the current situation.
Horatti reiterated his neutral stance: “I am not here to take sides. I have considered both viewpoints. The situation has escalated beyond control. What happens if we allow uncontrolled behaviour to take over? People are watching us.” He concluded with a call for legislators to amend their conduct, emphasising the importance of responsible behaviour among elected officials.
The remarks from Chairman Horatti not only shed light on the unfolding political drama but also underline the need for decorum and mutual respect within the Assembly, as the incident stirs up considerable public interest and concern.
Vice Chairman MK Pranesh Condemns C.T. Ravi’s Arrest, Warns of Implications
MK Pranesh, the Deputy Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, has strongly condemned the arrest of C.T. Ravi, labelling how he was taken into custody as politically motivated. During a media interaction in Chikkamagaluru, Pranesh expressed his outrage, stating, “If this behavior continues, I will propose a motion for a breach of privilege. I firmly condemn this treatment.”
Pranesh emphasised the need for an independent investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident, stating, “As a Deputy Chairman, I should not need to speak out like this, but the truth will come out if there is an investigation.” He reassured that the proceedings within the Council are monitored and recorded properly, reinforcing that any issues raised will be examined.
Addressing the situation, Pranesh remarked on the political climate, saying, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has made politically charged statements, which I also condemn. C.T. Ravi has been moved from one location to another every hour. If such actions persist, I will consider raising a breach of privilege.” His comments underscore his belief that the ongoing events are entirely politically motivated.
This statement comes in the wake of a heated session in the Legislative Council, where an exchange of words escalated between members of the ruling and opposition parties. Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar reportedly insulted C.T. Ravi during the proceedings, leading Ravi to respond with inappropriate language. Following these altercations, Hebbalkar filed a police complaint, which resulted in Ravi’s arrest shortly after.
Pranesh’s statements reflect a growing tension in the political landscape of Karnataka, highlighting concerns over due process and political interference in the law enforcement actions related to elected officials.
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