Karnataka BJP MLC CT Ravi Arrested For Alleged Derogatory Remarks Against Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar

BJP MLC CT Ravi was arrested following allegations by Karnataka Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, who accused him of making derogatory remarks against her during a session in the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, Belgaum. The incident reportedly occurred during a protest in the Legislative Council over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on Ambedkar.

A political controversy erupted on Thursday, December 19, following a heated session in the Karnataka Legislative Council. Congress leaders accused BJP MLC CT Ravi of using derogatory language against Lakshmi Hebbalkar. The incident, which occurred after Zero Hour, has sparked outrage and drawn sharp criticism from Congress leaders.

Hebbalkar accused Ravi of referring to her as a "prostitute" following the conclusion of Thursday's session. Accompanied by fellow Congress members, she filed a formal complaint with Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, urging immediate action against him.

The alleged remarks were made during a commotion in the Council over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statement on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament. Congress MLCs, protesting against Shah's remarks, created a ruckus in the House, prompting an exchange of words between members of the two parties.

CT Ravi-Laxmi Hebbalkar

Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar lodged a complaint with the Hirebagewadi police station, accusing CT Ravi of using a highly derogatory term during the session. Following this, the Belagavi police registered an FIR against Ravi under sections related to sexual harassment and insulting the modesty of a woman.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, and other senior Congress leaders, including Law Minister H.K. Patil, met with Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti to demand immediate action against Ravi. Congress MLC Nagaraj Yadav alleged that Ravi repeatedly used offensive language, triggering widespread condemnation.

While the BJP has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, the Congress has called for strict disciplinary measures against Ravi, emphasizing the need to uphold decorum and respect in the Legislative Council.