BJP MLC accused of using derogatory word against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar in Legislative Council

PTI, Dec 19, 2024, 6:14 PM IST

Karnataka BJP MLC C T Ravi is accused of using a derogatory word against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council on Thursday.

While Ravi on his part has denied the allegations as “false”, Congress leaders said Hebbalkar has complained to the Legislative Council Chairman on the matter.

According to Congress leaders, Ravi allegedly used the derogatory word several times against Hebbalkar during an altercation between them, after the House was adjourned for some time by Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, following an uproar over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on B R Ambedkar.

Speaking to reporters Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah said the incident happened after the Chairman adjourned the House, and that he was standing two rows behind Hebbalkar at that time.

There was a war of words between Hebbalkar and Ravi, and as she made certain comments against him, he used the derogatory word against her, he said, “I initially couldn’t believe that an MLC could use such a word and waited for confirmation. He could be heard using that word and walking out. Later Hebbalkar herself came and told a few of us about it, with pain.” “We have complained to the Chairman and sought his (Ravi) expulsion. The Chairman has assured action after verifying audio and video,” Yathindra, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son, said.

Meanwhile, some of the Hebbalkar’s supporters staged a protest against Ravi at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha primisis here and they were whisked away by the police.

Meanwhile, Ravi responding to a question on allegations that he used derogatory words against Hebbalkar, said, “Her allegations are false, let the audio and videos get verified, I will speak after that. I won’t say anything now. This is not the right time to answer this question. I’m not someone who will abuse someone personally. I have not abused her, I don’t know why she felt that way.” “I have not said anything to her….I have not made any personal comments against her, that she is claiming,” he added.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah speaking to reporters termed Ravi’s reported comments against Hebbalkar as “filthy” and said it amounts to criminal offence.

“He (Ravi) has used a very filthy word to Laxmi Hebbalkar, who is a Minister in my cabinet, and it amounts to criminal offence. She has complained to the Chairman and the police. Police will take action according to the law,” he said.

When told that Ravi has denied allegations, the CM said, “everyone is saying that he used the word ten times, I don’t know, I was not there in the Council. Council members came and told me Ravi has used a filthy word.

Laxmi Hebbalkar is pained, it is in a way sexual harassment against her.”