Alleged slur, arbitrary arrest

The recent controversy surrounding BJP MLC C T Ravi and Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar has besmirched this image of propriety and threatens to tarnish the reputation of Karnataka’s legislature.

Karnataka has for long been regarded as a state where politicians, on the whole, maintain a certain amount of decorum. Compared to other states, local leaders have often been seen as more measured and restrained in their rhetoric. However, the recent controversy surrounding BJP MLC C T Ravi and Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar has besmirched this image of propriety and threatens to tarnish the reputation of the state’s legislature. The row stems from Hebbalkar’s allegation that Ravi used a derogatory term during a heated debate in the legislative council. While Ravi vehemently denies the allegation, Hebbalkar has cited multiple instances of alleged insults directed at her. Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti has ruled that the offensive word does not appear in the house records, but Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar insist that there is conclusive audio and video evidence proving the word was used. However, the police’s heavy-handed approach to Ravi’s subsequent arrest and the manner in which he was harassed suggests that they may have been influenced by political pressure. The High Court intervened swiftly, granting Ravi bail and castigating the police for not adhering to Supreme Court guidelines. The actions of the police and allegations that Ravi was allegedly attacked by Hebbalkar’s supporters while under their custody, need to be investigated.

The fact that the controversy erupted in the legislative council is particularly regrettable. As the upper house, the council, which is meant to be the chamber of experience, wisdom and maturity, should serve as an example for the lower house. Instead, this incident reveals a disturbing lack of respect for the decorum expected of lawmakers. Ravi, known for his intemperate remarks, has shown time and again that he struggles to maintain the kind of measured tone one would expect from a senior politician. Once seen as a promising leader within the BJP, Ravi’s political career has been on the decline and the latest controversy may only accelerate his downward trajectory.

If reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) confirm that Ravi used the offensive word, he should face the full force of law. There cannot be any excuse for such a lapse of judgement. As the custodian of the house, the Chairman bears the responsibility of a thorough and impartial inquiry. The issue is not only of party politics, but of the dignity of women and the sanctity of the legislature itself. Ultimately, politicians must understand the impact of their words and actions, and strive to rise above petty conflicts, focussing instead on issues that affect the state and its citizens.