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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday strongly condemned BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar for his "Pakistani" remarks against Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Fauzia Tarannum, describing it as an attempt to "create enmity" in society.
The Chief Minister's statement comes in response to an FIR filed against Kumar, the chief whip of the opposition in the Legislative Council, following his comments, which have sparked outrage. "Whatever BJP MLC Ravi Kumar said is not appropriate. This is a statement to create enmity. Nothing will happen to her (Kalaburagi DC Fauzia Tarannum), but it is to create enmity in society...I strongly condemn it," Siddaramaiah stated. Earlier, the Karnataka police had registered an FIR against Kumar over his alleged remarks against the Kalaburagi DC during the BJP's protest rally on May 24. The FIR was registered at the Station Bazaar police station of Kalaburagi. Addressing a rally organised under the BJP's 'Kalaburagi Chalo' campaign, Ravi Kumar had questioned the independence of the District Collector and made a derogatory reference suggesting she might have "come from Pakistan". Kumar alleged that the district administration was functioning under the influence of the ruling Congress government. "The Kalaburagi DC office has also lost its independence. The DC madam is also listening to what they (Congress) say. I don't know whether the DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here," Ravi Kumar said. He triggered backlash from progressive groups and civil society organisations, who have demanded action against him for the "insulting and communal" remarks. Fauzia Tarannum currently serves as the DC of Kalaburagi under the Congress-led state government. Her role as the administrative head of the district has come under the political spotlight amid heightened tensions. The protest led by the BJP was held to demand the removal of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge from the State Cabinet. The demand stems from a May 21 incident in Chittapur- Priyank Kharge's assembly constituency- where Congress workers allegedly laid siege to a guest house where Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanswamy, was staying. (ANI)
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