In an act that has drawn widespread condemnation, police booked cases against over 100 BJP workers who staged a protest in Chikkamagaluru against the arrest of former minister and MLC CT Ravi. In response to the protests, the police have registered multiple FIRs against the workers, led by BJP district president Devaraj Shetty and Youth Morcha district president Santosh. Five cases have been filed at the Basavanahalli police station and three more at the city police station.
The workers are accused of forcibly closing shops without permission, setting fire to bikes and tyres, obstructing road traffic, disturbing public peace, and causing inconvenience to citizens during their demonstrations. In a controversial move, police initiated a suo motu case against the BJP workers involved in the protests.
The backdrop for this turmoil began on December 19 afternoon when the Legislative Council sessions reached a boiling point, filled with heated arguments between the ruling party and the opposition. During this uproar, Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar branded BJP MLC C.T. Ravi as a “murderer,” which led to retaliation from Ravi, who allegedly aimed vulgarities at the minister.
Following this exchange, Lakshmi Hebbalkar filed a complaint at the police station, resulting in the police arresting C.T. Ravi around 6 PM the same day. Reports indicate that the police delayed transporting him from one location to another, causing significant time wastage.
In the wake of Ravi’s arrest, BJP workers and supporters launched an impromptu protest in Chikkamagaluru on Friday, leading to allegations that their actions disrupted public order and peace.
Currently, the High Court has granted conditional relief to C.T. Ravi. However, while he was being taken to Bengaluru, the court intervened, ordering the immediate release of Ravi, further fueling discontent among BJP leaders who have expressed their outrage against the government.
The arrest of C.T. Ravi and the subsequent FIRs against BJP workers have raised serious concerns about police overreach and the suppression of dissent. Political observers and citizens question the legitimacy of police actions, emphasising the right to protest and voice dissent in a democratic society.
Critics argue that the police response was disproportionate and a blatant attempt to silence political opposition. The situation has triggered discussions about freedom of expression and the role of law enforcement in political conflicts.
As the BJP continues to rally around C.T. Ravi, party leaders are calling for an investigation into the police actions and are vowing to take a stand against what they describe as unjust treatment of their members. The events in Chikkamagaluru serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in Indian politics, where protests and arrests frequently make headlines, raising essential questions about civil rights and the relationship between the government and opposition parties.
Vijayendra accused of threat to Democracy
In a sharp rebuke to the Congress-led Karnataka government’s authoritarian actions, the Karnataka High Court has intervened to uphold democratic principles, ordering the release of BJP leader and MLA CT Ravi. This decision shines as a beacon of Democracy in the face of alleged police overreach and political vendetta.
State unit BJP president B Y Vijayendra alleged that the Congress government’s misuse of police force to detain an elected representative without adhering to due process raises serious questions about its commitment to democratic values and the rule of law. The arrest of CT Ravi, reportedly executed in contravention of established legal procedures, has sparked widespread condemnation, drawing parallels to the oppressive tactics reminiscent of an emergency-era authoritarian regime he added.
“ರಾಜ್ಯ ಉಚ್ಛ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ದಬ್ಬಾಳಿಕೆಗೆ ಮಂಗಳಾರತಿ ಎತ್ತಿದೆ.
ಪ್ರಜಾಪ್ರಭುತ್ವ ಗೆದ್ದಿದೆ,
ಶಾಸಕ ಶ್ರೀ @CTRavi_BJP ಅವರ
ಬಿಡುಗಡೆಗೆ ಆದೇಶ ಹೊರಟಿದೆ"
ಜನಪ್ರತಿನಿಧಿಗಳು ಎಂಬುದನ್ನೂ ಲೆಕ್ಕಿಸದೇ ನೀತಿ-ನಿಯಮಗಳನ್ನು ಮೀರಿ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಬಲ ಬಳಸಿಕೊಂಡು, ಸರ್ವಾಧಿಕಾರಿ ಆಡಳಿತ ನೆನಪಿಸುವ ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್… pic.twitter.com/HFjhQBy5Pf— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) December 20, 2024
By arresting C.T. Ravi without just cause, the Congress government has revived memories of emergency-era suppression. This heavy-handed approach not only undermines Democracy but also sets a dangerous precedent of using state machinery for political intimidation.
The High Court’s decision to release C.T. Ravi is a resounding affirmation of constitutional safeguards and the judiciary’s role as a guardian of Democracy. It has sent a clear message that no government is above the law and that misuse of power will not go unchecked, Vijayendra added.
Reacting to the events, BJP leaders have vowed to continue their fight against the Congress government’s alleged corruption, authoritarianism, and abuse of power. “We welcome the High Court’s judgment and stand firmly with C.T. Ravi. Our struggle to uphold Democracy and expose the misdeeds of this government will not cease,” said a BJP spokesperson.
The BJP has also commended the media for highlighting this incident, ensuring that the nation notes the Congress government’s actions. It urged the public to remain vigilant against attempts to undermine democratic institutions and freedoms.
The Karnataka High Court’s intervention serves as a reminder of the resilience of India’s democratic framework. However, this incident also underscores the pressing need for accountability in governance and the importance of upholding the principles of Democracy at all levels.
CT Ravi’s Colleague Questions Legitimacy of Allegations Against Him
“We are right next to MLC C.T. Ravi. How could a person who is far away, like Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, hear anything?” questioned Hemalatha Nayak, another member of the Legislative Council, while speaking to reporters.
In her remarks, she dismissed the views expressed by Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar regarding Ravi’s conduct, stating, “If Ravi had said something inappropriate, we would not support that. We do not tolerate derogatory remarks towards women. However, it seems like this was all orchestrated. It raises questions about how someone nearby could not have heard it while someone from a distance could. This appears to be a premeditated act. The allegations against him are false, and it is a political conspiracy.”
Further commenting on the situation, she alluded to threats made against Ravi, stating, “‘Your dead body will go to Chikkamagaluru…’ Is this what the ministers are saying to C.T. Ravi? What did the judge say in response to this?”
Hemalatha expressed her long-standing view of Ravi, stating, “I have known C.T. Ravi for the past 30 years. When greeted, he responds appropriately without any negativity. The false claims made by Hebbalkar must carry consequences. Whether they have filed a complaint is a separate matter, but how can an attack be planned right inside the Suvarna Soudha? Who allowed goons into that area?” She emphasised that C.T. Ravi, being from ABVP, is a cultured individual, and such baseless allegations against him will not be tolerated.
Call for Action Against Assailants
In a related incident, Gali Janardhan Reddy, the legislator from Gangavati, expressed outrage at the attempted murder of C.T. Ravi within the Suvarna Soudha premises in Belagavi. “Those responsible for the assault must be arrested first. Instead of apprehending C.T. Ravi, the police are treating him like a militant. What kind of justice is this?” he lamented.
Speaking with reporters, Reddy asserted that “C.T. Ravi is a cultured politician, and it is improbable for words like that to come from his mouth. The presiding officers have stated that there is no record of such comments.” He condemned the charges levelled against Ravi as false. He criticised the police for apprehending him and subjecting him to harassment, including driving him around in a police van throughout the night, resulting in injuries to his head.
Reddy emphasised that attempts on Ravi’s life and violence within the assembly should be prioritised for investigation. “Instead of focusing on those who plotted to attack him at the Vidhan Soudha, arresting MLC C.T. Ravi is a grave injustice,” he declared, calling on law enforcement to take appropriate action against those who have perpetrated violence.
