Bengaluru, July 27 — Karnataka unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday warned the state government that it would be held responsible if any deterioration in law and order results from the arrest of BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, alleging that the police were acting at the behest of Congress leaders.
State BJP president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra made the statement in this regard, commenting on the development of high drama unfolding outside the residence of BJP MLC C.T. Ravi in Chikkamagaluru after Karnataka Police arrived to serve a notice directing him to appear for questioning in connection with a hate speech case registered over his remarks during a protest against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, the State BJP chief said, "If arrests are made at the direction of Congress leaders and law and order deteriorates, the government will have to take responsibility. What action was taken when 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans were allegedly raised? If action is being taken now, the government must be prepared to face the consequences. No issue should be treated lightly."
The remarks came amid an escalating political row after the Karnataka Police registered an FIR against Ravi for allegedly delivering a hate speech while commenting on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak protests held across the country and in New Delhi.
Vijayendra claimed that the police had not merely gone to serve a notice on Ravi but had instead intended to arrest him.
"I have spoken to C.T. Ravi regarding the matter. I have also spoken to DG and IGP M.A. Saleem," he said.
Backing Ravi, Karkala MLA and former minister V. Sunil Kumar strongly condemned the police action and accused the Congress government of suppressing dissent.
"I strongly condemn the action of the state police in going to issue a notice to former minister C.T. Ravi. Even after the Karnataka High Court itself expressed concern over the functioning of the police, officers in uniform continue to act as agents of the ruling government and suppress dissenting voices," Sunil Kumar said.
"Any malicious action initiated against C.T. Ravi will not be tolerated. Priyank Kharge, the right to freedom of expression that you enjoy also belongs to Ravi," he added.
Sunil Kumar further alleged that the state government was misusing the police machinery.
"When asked to arrest criminals, you instead deploy your IPS officers to scrutinise Facebook posts and speeches," he said.
Addressing Home Minister Priyank Kharge directly, he said, "Power is not permanent for anyone. The countdown to your government's downfall has already begun."
The controversy stems from remarks allegedly made by Ravi during a protest march organised by the Youth for Nation organisation in Chikkamagaluru against the NEET paper leak issue.
According to the FIR, Ravi allegedly stated, "What is the connection between a mulla and the NEET examination? A mulla, who is completely illiterate, comes and participates in a NEET protest."
The Chikkamagaluru Town Police registered the FIR under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following directions from the Principal Civil Judge and Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court in Chikkamagaluru. The complaint was filed by Mudassir Pasha, president of Jamia Masjid in Chikkamagaluru.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Muslim Federation demanded Ravi's immediate arrest over his alleged provocative remarks. In a statement, the Federation accused BJP leaders of attempting to communalise the NEET controversy and termed Ravi's comments "inappropriate and undignified."
The case has triggered a political confrontation between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP, with both sides trading accusations over freedom of expression, communal harmony and the role of the police in handling politically sensitive cases.