The KPCC filed a complaint with Vidhana Soudha police, accusing N Ravi Kumar and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy of using “unparliamentary and indecent language” against a senior woman bureaucrat in police presence
Published Jul 03, 2025 | 5:45 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 03, 2025 | 7:25 PM
BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar draws flak for derogatory remark against Karnataka chief secretary
Synopsis: BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar has sparked outrage after making a derogatory remark against Karnataka Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh during a protest near Vidhana Soudha on 1 July. Caught on camera, his comment—”The Chief Secretary works at night for the government and all day for the CM”—drew sharp criticism from political leaders and civil society, prompting demands for action.
BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar has come under sharp criticism after making a derogatory remark against Karnataka Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh during a protest near Vidhana Soudha.
His comment, delivered with a smirk—”The Chief Secretary works at night for the state government and all day for the CM”—was caught on camera and quickly drew backlash from political circles and civil society.
The remark was made on 1 July while Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, was seen speaking to a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) near the Gandhi statue, where BJP leaders had gathered for a planned protest.
In response, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) filed a formal complaint with the Vidhana Soudha police, accusing both N Ravi Kumar and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy of using “unparliamentary and indecent language” against a senior woman bureaucrat in the presence of police officers.
The complaint, signed by KPCC General Secretary S. Manohar, demanded the immediate registration of a case against Ravi Kumar and a full investigation into the incident.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, when asked about the complaint, reiterated the government’s stand on dignity and equality before the law.
“Law is equal for all. Even if someone insults you (referring to a reporter) or hurts your dignity, this government will protect your self-respect,” he said.
A separate complaint is also being prepared for submission to Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti. The Congress party plans to demand disciplinary action against Ravi Kumar, with the complaint to be formally handed over under the leadership of Salim Ahmed, Chief Whip of the Congress in the Council.
This is not the first time Ravi Kumar has sparked outrage with his comments about government officials.
Just five weeks ago, during the BJP’s ‘Kalaburagi Chalo’ rally, he publicly questioned the nationality of Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Tarannum, stating, “I don’t know whether the IAS officer is from Pakistan or from here.”
The remark was widely condemned as offensive and xenophobic, prompting strong reactions across social media and from civil society.
The IAS Officers’ Association, Karnataka, has condemned Ravi Kumar’s remarks, terming them as “vulgar, defamatory, and a direct affront to the dignity of her office and the larger civil service.”
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday, the Association said, “The Chief Secretary holds the highest civil office in Karnataka and is a widely respected officer known for her integrity, commitment, and distinguished public service.”
It also objected to the MLC’s repeated use of abusive language, stating, “The recurrence of such behaviour reflects a disturbing pattern of targeting and vilifying officers in public service.”
Alongside demanding a public and unconditional apology from Ravi Kumar, the Association urged the government to take immediate legal action under the relevant provisions of law.
It also called for a formal resolution of censure in the Legislative Council.
“Civil servants must be allowed to discharge their duties without fear, insult, or political intimidation. We urge the Government to uphold institutional dignity and take prompt and exemplary action in this regard,” the Association said.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Nolan Patrick Pinto)
