BJP leader’s ‘Pakistani’ remark against Kalaburagi DC sparks widespread condemnation

N. Ravikumar, BJP MLC, is facing intense criticism from civil society organisations, political leaders, and public associations following his controversial remarks questioning whether Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Fouzia Taranum was “from Pakistan” during a recent party rally in the city.

N. Ravikumar, BJP MLC, is facing intense criticism from civil society organisations, political leaders, and public associations following his controversial remarks questioning whether Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Fouzia Taranum was “from Pakistan” during a recent party rally in the city.

In a strongly worded statement, the Karnataka State Committee of the Akhil Bharatiya Janawadi Mahila Sanghatan condemned Mr. Ravikumar’s comments as “irresponsible and inflammatory”. The statement, signed by organisation president Meenakshi Bali, vice-president K. Neela, and general secretary Devi, called for a public apology from the BJP leader.

“This tendency among BJP leaders to target officials based on their caste and religion is deeply ingrained in the party’s ideology,” the statement said. It further demanded that the BJP take disciplinary action against Mr. Ravikumar and cultivate a culture of respect towards women serving the nation. The group also recalled a previous instance in which another BJP leader had allegedly referred to Col. Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated Army officer, as a “terrorist’s sister”.

In a related development, a delegation of Muslim women submitted a memorandum to Kalaburagi Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa demanding legal action against Mr. Ravikumar. They described his remarks as “driven by hatred and prejudice” and urged authorities to ensure institutional protection and public support for officers who are being targeted based on religion.

“This is not an isolated incident. Earlier, Col. Qureshi was similarly targeted. Now, it is IAS officer Ms. Taranum. This points to a disturbing pattern of repeated humiliation of qualified, dedicated Muslim women officers in public discourse,” the memorandum stated.

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge sharply criticised Mr. Ravikumar’s remarks in a Facebook post. Describing the comments as “highly objectionable and communal”, Mr. Priyank accused the BJP of consistently invoking Pakistan to vilify both public servants and political rivals.

“BJP leaders seem unable to function without mentioning Pakistan; it appears they even dream of it,” Mr. Priyank wrote.