(Left) Umar Khalid (Right) KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad
BENGALURU: BJP MLC CT Ravi has launched a sharp attack on KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad over his description of Umar Khalid as a “nationalist”, accusing the Congress leader of insulting patriots and making a statement that, according to him, reflected an “anti-national mindset”.
Reacting to Hariprasad’s remarks at the BJP office in Malleshwaram, Ravi said he had considered Hariprasad a political opponent but was shocked by what he described as an attempt to portray a controversial political figure as a nationalist.
“I thought B.K. Hariprasad was a political opponent. I did not know that he was anti-national,” Ravi said, questioning the basis for calling Khalid a nationalist.
Ravi referred to slogans allegedly associated with Khalid and asked which nation he represented. He claimed that Hariprasad’s statement indicated that the Congress was pursuing a politics aimed at dividing the country. Ravi alleged that the remarks were not merely a political comment but an insult to those who had fought and sacrificed for the country.
The BJP leader also drew a comparison with terrorists, saying that if individuals such as Ajmal Kasab or members of banned militant organisations were described as martyrs, it would invite widespread condemnation. He said Hariprasad’s statement could similarly expose the Congress to ridicule.
Ravi accused Hariprasad of making the remark under the influence of vote-bank politics. He said such statements would ultimately damage the Congress itself and questioned whether Hariprasad’s position represented the official stand of the party.
“Is this Rahul Gandhi’s statement? Is this Sonia Gandhi’s statement? Is this Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement? Is this the Congress party’s statement? Clarify it,” Ravi demanded.
He further attacked the Congress slogan of “Bharat Jodo”, saying that Hariprasad’s remarks amounted to the opposite. “Your statement is not Bharat Jodo, but Bharat Todo,” Ravi said, alleging that the Congress leadership should clarify its position.
Ravi’s remarks came a day after Hariprasad criticised the ABVP over its opposition to the proposed screening of a documentary on Umar Khalid at the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru.
Hariprasad had said Khalid was a nationalist and questioned the ABVP’s right and moral authority to comment on him. He also criticised Nathuram Godse and alleged that the ABVP revered him, describing Godse as anti-national and a terrorist.
The controversy followed the postponement of the documentary “Prisoner No. 626710 Is Present”, directed by Lalit Vachani. The screening had been organised by the Committee for Law and Society at the National Law School of India University.
The programme, scheduled for September 14 at 7 pm, was also expected to include discussions on pre-trial detention, bail, dissent, imprisonment for political reasons and the relationship between criminal law and democratic freedoms. The organising committee said the event had been postponed due to security concerns after opposition to the screening.
Ravi criticised Hariprasad for what he described as selective standards in judging nationalism and accused the Congress of adopting different positions depending on political circumstances. He said those who fought for the country should not be equated with individuals facing serious allegations relating to national security.
The BJP MLC also linked the controversy to the ongoing political dispute over remarks made by T. Narasipura Police Inspector Dhananjay in connection with Ganesh festival celebrations. Responding to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s defence of the inspector, Ravi alleged that the Congress government would have taken immediate action if similar remarks had been made against another religious community.
Ravi alleged that the government was more sensitive to statements concerning minorities while failing to respond adequately when Hindu devotees were allegedly insulted. He said the controversy demonstrated what he termed the Congress government’s “mindset” towards religious communities.
The remarks have added another layer to the continuing political confrontation between the Congress and BJP in Karnataka over nationalism, religious identity, freedom of expression and law and order.
Umar Khalid was arrested in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The case also involves several other accused, including Sharjeel Imam. The allegations against the accused are matters before the courts, and their legal guilt has not been established merely by the charges or arrests.
The latest exchange between Hariprasad and Ravi is therefore likely to intensify the political debate surrounding the postponed documentary screening. While the Congress has questioned the ABVP’s opposition and defended the right to discuss Khalid, the BJP has accused the Congress of glorifying a person facing serious legal allegations.
Ravi insisted that Hariprasad should clarify whether his remarks represented his personal view or the official position of the Congress leadership. The BJP leader maintained that political differences should not come at the cost of what he described as respect for national unity and those who had sacrificed their lives for the country.
