FIR Filed Against BJP MLA for Alleged Provocative Remarks in Udupi
Allegations Against BJP MLA in Udupi
On July 29, a public protest in Udupi, Karnataka, led to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna for allegedly making inflammatory and offensive remarks about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The police confirmed that the case was registered at the Udupi Town Police Station following a complaint from Ashok Kodavur, the president of the district Congress committee.
Kodavur accused Suvarna of making derogatory and inciting statements during the protest near the service bus stand in Udupi. According to the complaint, the MLA allegedly referred to Gandhi as a 'drug addict' with the intent to mislead the public and tarnish Gandhi's image. The complaint also mentioned that Suvarna invoked the Babri Masjid issue, warning that the Gandhi family's lineage could face similar consequences, raising concerns about potential communal tensions and violence.
The complainant further alleged that Suvarna used derogatory language against students participating in the protest regarding the NEET examination and attempted to incite BJP workers against Congress supporters. The police have registered the case under relevant sections of the law pertaining to inciting discord, rioting, criminal intimidation, and making statements that disturb public peace, and an investigation is underway.
In response to the incident, Dr. Manjunath Bhandari, the executive president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and a legislator, stated that the state government has taken the BJP MLA's comments seriously and will pursue legal action. Bhandari mentioned that Congress leadership plans to meet with the state's Home Minister, Priyank Kharge, to demand a thorough investigation and appropriate action from the police.
He emphasized that targeting those raising their voices against the NEET issue with insults, hate speech, and threats reflects the BJP's mindset towards students. In a democracy, political differences should not be met with threats. Bhandari also criticized the BJP legislators who remained silent during the protest, suggesting that their inaction implied tacit approval of the remarks made.
Congress has obtained video recordings of the incident and plans to submit them to the investigating authorities. It is noteworthy that the BJP organized protests in Udupi in light of the political controversy surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to medical courses.