In a fiery outburst targeting the roots of communal conflict in Karnataka’s coastal belt, BJP MLC C.T. Ravi accused the Congress government of indulging in vote bank politics while remaining silent on the growing influence of religious radicalism. Speaking to reporters, he argued that the true cause of violence in Dakshina Kannada lies not just in sporadic incidents but in deeper ideological poison being spread through certain religious texts.
“If the government truly wants peace, let it begin by banning books that sow hatred,” Ravi said, stating unequivocally that religious scriptures which label others as ‘infidels’ are at the heart of global terrorism and communal hatred.
While communal killings have somewhat declined in the region, Ravi emphasised that cosmetic policing and administrative actions cannot resolve the deeply embedded conflict. “This is a disease. Unless its root cause is removed, it will keep spreading,” he warned.
‘Ban hate literature, not cow protectors’
Ravi linked the violence in the region to what he called a “network of illegalities and deceit”—ranging from cow slaughter and theft to ‘love jihad’ and forced conversions. These, he claimed, are being financed by revenue from narcotics, illegal sand mining, and underground businesses.
“It’s not difficult for the police to stop cow slaughter or cow theft. What’s lacking is willpower. What’s worse is equating cow thieves with those who try to stop such acts. That is moral perversion,” he said.
He condemned police high-handedness and selective enforcement, citing an incident where a senior police officer visited the house of an elderly man allegedly associated with Hindutva groups to pacify tensions. “Is this the message we want to send?” he questioned.
Ravi defended the Bajrang Dal, often accused of vigilantism and communal incitement, calling it a “nationalist organisation” and asserting it never speaks against other religions. “It only says patriotism comes first,” he declared.
Hate begins in texts, not streets
In a controversial remark, Ravi went on to accuse religious scriptures of being breeding grounds for communal intolerance. “Terrorism is born in the lines of those books which divide people as believers and infidels,” he said. “Even spiritual leaders have been killed in the name of god. Until such divisive ideology is eliminated, peace is a mirage.”
He urged for a national conversation on the content of religious texts that inspire radicalism and called upon Congress to rise above vote-bank compulsions. “The Congress should stop playing the minority card and act like a responsible ruling party,” he said.
Suhas Shetty row and Congress hypocrisy
Ravi took a dig at the Congress party’s attempt to label Suhas Shetty as rowdy. “His grandfather Bhaira Shetty was a Congress loyalist who even travelled to Delhi after Indira Gandhi’s assassination. His uncle was close to senior Congress leader Ramanath Rai. Yet today, for political convenience, they are branded as criminals.”
Highlighting a past incident, Ravi recalled that constable Naveen Naik shot a cattle thief named Kabir in self-defence after Kabir allegedly rammed a police vehicle. “But the Congress government jailed the policeman and rewarded Kabir’s family with ₹10 lakh. That’s their justice,” he said.
He criticised the Congress’s silence and the lack of clarity from the police regarding the recent murder of Abdul Rahman. “We hear it was due to personal reasons, but the police should state facts clearly,” he demanded.
Pakistan Zindabad slogan and questionable appointments
a stinging remark, Ravi accused Congress-backed leader MLA Nasir Hussain of raising “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans after winning an election. “An FIR has been filed, and he’s refusing to cooperate in the investigation. Yet this is the man Congress appointed to head an investigation commission. What credibility can his report have?”
He suggested that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister might have personal interests in the RCB franchise, hinting at secret investments. “RCB is not even a Karnataka team. Its owners aren’t Kannadigas. Then why this extravaganza?” he questioned.
He sarcastically remarked that the police commissioner had likely organised the victory parade solely to curry favour with the CM and DCM by arranging selfies for their family members.
