Karnataka BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar Denies Remarks Against Chief Secretary Amid Protest Row.
BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar has strongly denied making derogatory remarks against Karnataka Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, following a police complaint filed by Congress workers over comments allegedly made during a protest at the Vidhana Soudha.
The controversy stems from a BJP demonstration on June 30, held in front of the Gandhi statue, to protest the eviction of Dalit families in Kadugodi by the Forest Department. During the protest, Ravi Kumar was allegedly heard saying, “The Chief Secretary works at night for the state government and all day for the Chief Minister,”—a comment that drew criticism and was widely perceived as sarcastic.
Responding to the backlash, Ravi Kumar issued a statement on Thursday, calling the allegations “baseless and defamatory.” “I was shocked to see media reports and visuals claiming I insulted the Chief Secretary. I have made no such statement. These reports are completely misleading,” he said.
He clarified that he was in Hyderabad on official work at the time and did not make any media statements during the protest. “I neither addressed the press nor made any remarks against the Chief Secretary. I only stated that she was unavailable as she was busy with government work,” he added.
Despite the clarification, the incident has sparked concern within the bureaucracy. The Karnataka IAS Officers’ Association reportedly met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and sought action against Ravi Kumar, stating that senior civil servants must be treated with respect, irrespective of political disagreements.
Neither the Chief Minister’s Office nor the Chief Secretary has issued a public statement on the matter so far.
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