FIR against BJP MP Pratap Simha for remarks against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

The complaint leading to the FIR specifically focuses on Simha’s derogatory remark against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations in Hunsur town on Tuesday. A day after the FIR was filed, the case has now been transferred to Hunsur Town Police Station.

This move by the police adds another layer to the ongoing issues involving the BJP MP, who has been embroiled in various controversies, raising questions about his conduct and its impact on the political geography in BJP’s Mysuru cadre.

Also Read: BJP MP Pratap Simha defends brother, deems wood-smuggling allegations a ‘Congress conspiracy’

FIR registered against Pratap Simha

In the complaint, Vijaykumar alleged, “Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, while taking part in Hanuman Jayanthi celebrations at Hunsur town, has referred to CM Siddaramaiah as ‘Somari Sidda’ (lethargic Siddaramaiah) in a singular.”

FIR filed against @BJP4India MP @mepratap for his comments against CM @siddaramaiah while speaking to media on Tuesday.

FIR under sections IPC 504 & 153. pic.twitter.com/kshONufwqz

— Anusha Ravi Sood (@anusharavi10) December 27, 2023

“He also levelled false allegations on the Chief Minister that Siddaramaiah works towards instigating vengeance between the religions. Constant efforts are being made to develop communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims,” he said.

“Pratap Simha’s statements aimed at disturbing peace and tranquility between Hindus and Muslims. Hence, an action has to be taken against Mysuru MP,” Vijayakumar urged in his complaint.

Enraged Congress workers also staged demonstration against BJP MP Pratap Simha over reportedly making derogatory remarks against the Chief Minister in Mysuru on Tuesday night. The party workers withdrew protest only after the Devaraja Police assured of registering an FIR against Simha.

The police have booked Mysuru MP under Indian Penal Code Sections 504 (insult intended to provoke breach of peace) and 153 (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, place of birth and residence).

The Devaraja Police Inspector told South First, “It is a bailable offence. We have registered an FIR against the Mysuru MP and transferred the case to Hunsur Town Police Station as the said incident was reported in the same town on 26 December.”

Also Read: Parliament security breach: BJP MP Pratap Simha breaks silence, says people will decide if he is ‘traitor’

What did Simha say against Siddaramaiah

After taking part in Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, Pratap Simha told reporters, “There are 28 MPs in Karnataka. None of them will be targeted but why only a Mysuru MP is being aimed?”

“Should I also sit like ‘somari Sidda’ (lethargic Siddaramaiah), without carrying out any development works and provoke people on the (basis of) religions? I have done politics in development,” Simha sharply criticised the Chief Minister.

Listing development works carried out in the Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha segment, MP Pratap Simha said, “I have done the Bengaluru-Mysuru National Highway, now doing the highway between Mysuru to Madikeri. I have also brought crores of grants for the implementation of drinking water scheme Jal Jeevan Mission in Hunsur and Periyapatna talukas.”

ನಾನೂ ಇವರಂತೆಯೇ ಸೋಮಾರಿ ಸಿದ್ದನಂತೆ ಕುಳಿತುಕೊಂಡು, ಜಾತಿ ಜಾತಿ ಎತ್ತಿಕಟ್ಟುವ ರಾಜಕಾರಣ ಮಾಡಬೇಕಿತ್ತಾ? ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ರಾಕಾರಣ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದೇ ತಪ್ಪಾ? ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ 28 ಎಂಪಿಗಳಿದ್ದಾರೆ, ಯಾಕೆ ಮೈಸೂರು ಎಂಪಿಯನ್ನೇ ಟಾರ್ಗೆಟ್ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ? pic.twitter.com/hfOEooDD1J

— Pratap Simha (@mepratap) December 26, 2023

“I have also ensured commission and zero penalty for illegal tobacco growers. I will also get the license in the coming days. Were the Congress able to do all these works? They couldn’t do it,” Simha said and added that he also brought an airport to the city, is developing the railway station, added 10 new trains and a software technology park as well.

Continuing his tirade against Siddaramaiah, Simha said, “I have never lived like them by making business. My intention is to make good for the people. When I was a mere journalist and did not have any background, people of Mysuru and Kodagu have ensured my victory.”

“I worked for them as a brother and son. They are not able to tolerate this. Hence, they are continuously attacking me,” added the Mysuru MP.

It may also be noted that Pratap Simha’s brother Vikram Simha was alleged of illegally felling over hundred scheduled trees and smuggling wood in Belur taluka of Hassan district. However, Simha defended his brother, reasoning that there was no mention of his name in the FIR.