Controversy Erupts Over BJP Leader's Remarks on Karnataka Deputy Commissioner
A complaint has been filed against BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar for his controversial remarks about Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Taranum, alleging she acted on behalf of the Congress party. Following public outcry, he retracted his statement, claiming it was a slip of the tongue. Taranum, a respected IAS officer recognized for her public service, has received accolades for her work in managing voter lists for the upcoming elections. This incident has sparked significant debate about political tensions in Karnataka, with the IAS officers' association voicing support for Taranum. Read on to learn more about this unfolding controversy.
May 28, 2025, 12:25 IST
Complaint Filed Against BJP MLC for Alleged Remarks
A complaint has been lodged against N Ravi Kumar, a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, regarding his alleged derogatory comments about Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Taranum of Kalaburagi. Following the backlash, he expressed regret and retracted his statement, attributing it to a slip of the tongue. The association of IAS officers has rallied in support of Taranum. Ravi Kumar had accused the IAS officer of acting on behalf of the Congress party and reportedly remarked, "It seems she has come from Pakistan."
Who is Fauzia Taranum?
- Fauzia Taranum is an IAS officer from the 2015 batch, currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Kalaburagi in Karnataka.
- She has been recognized for her exemplary public service, particularly for her outstanding work in managing the voter list during the 2024 elections, for which she is set to receive the Best Electoral Practices Award from the President of India in January 2025.
- Initially selected for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 2011, she aspired to join the IAS and achieved this goal in 2014.
- Her dedication to public service has been further acknowledged through initiatives like promoting Kalaburagi roti as a brand and reintroducing millet as a staple food in the region, earning her an award for excellence in governance.
- Fauzia Taranum was honored with the award for adopting best electoral practices for the year 2024-25. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award on the eve of the 76th Republic Day during National Voter's Day celebrations at the Macshaw Center Auditorium in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukbir Singh Sandhu.