BJP MLC CT Ravi accused of using derogatory word against Minister Hebbalkar in Legislative Council
Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 19: Karnataka BJP MLC C T Ravi is accused of using a derogatory word against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council on Thursday.
While Ravi on his part has denied the allegations as "false", Congress leaders said Hebbalkar has complained to the Legislative Council Chairman on the matter.
According to Congress leaders, Ravi allegedly used the derogatory word several times against Hebbalkar during an altercation between them, after the House was adjourned for some time by Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, following an uproar over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on B R Ambedkar.
Speaking to reporters Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah said the incident happened after the Chairman adjourned the House, and that he was standing two rows behind Hebbalkar at that time.
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There was a war of words between Hebbalkar and Ravi, and as she made certain comments against him, he used the derogatory word against her, he said, "I initially couldn't believe that an MLC could use such a word and waited for confirmation. He could be heard using that word and walking out. Later Hebbalkar herself came and told a few of us about it, with pain." "We have complained to the Chairman and sought his (Ravi) expulsion. The Chairman has assured action after verifying audio and video," Yathindra, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son, said.
Meanwhile, some of the Hebbalkar's supporters staged a protest against Ravi at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha primisis here and they were whisked away by the police.
Meanwhile, Ravi responding to a question on allegations that he used derogatory words against Hebbalkar, said, "Her allegations are false, let the audio and videos get verified, I will speak after that. I won't say anything now. This is not the right time to answer this question. I'm not someone who will abuse someone personally. I have not abused her, I don't know why she felt that way." "I have not said anything to her....I have not made any personal comments against her, that she is claiming," he added.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah speaking to reporters termed Ravi's reported comments against Hebbalkar as "filthy" and said it amounts to criminal offence.
"He (Ravi) has used a very filthy word to Laxmi Hebbalkar, who is a Minister in my cabinet, and it amounts to criminal offence. She has complained to the Chairman and the police. Police will take action according to the law," he said.
When told that Ravi has denied allegations, the CM said, "everyone is saying that he used the word ten times, I don't know, I was not there in the Council. Council members came and told me Ravi has used a filthy word.
Laxmi Hebbalkar is pained, it is in a way sexual harassment against her."
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Meghalaya MP death: Assembly session for Feb 20 likely to be adjourned, says CM
Shillong (PTI): The Meghalaya assembly session for February 20, during which the state budget is scheduled to be presented, could be adjourned as a mark of respect to Shillong MP Ricky A J Syngkon, who died on Thursday evening, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said.
Syngkon reportedly collapsed while playing futsal on the outskits of the city, and doctors at a private hospital declared him dead around 8:45 pm.
"We have discussed with Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of Parliamentary Affairs, Prestone Tynsong, and we will have a meeting tomorrow with the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) headed by the Speaker," Sangma told PTI.
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"I have communicated to the Deputy CM that it would be appropriate for the government not to go ahead with the proceedings of the House tomorrow. Even though tomorrow is the day we are supposed to present the budget, it will make absolute sense and a mark of respect to the departed soul if we were to postpone even the presentation of the budget," he said.
Sangma expressed shock over the sudden demise of Syngkon, recalling their recent meeting in Delhi where they discussed development plans for Meghalaya.
"I had met Syngkon about two weeks back in Delhi... that was the last meeting and conversation I had with him," the CM said.
Sangma recalled Syngkon's commitment and passion for the people of Khasi and Jaintia Hills, describing his demise as a "great loss for the state".
"Syngkon served the people with humility, vision and a sincere desire to uplift society. I express my deepest condolences to the family of late Ricky Syngkon, and I pray to the Almighty that he gives strength to the family members as well as his supporters and party leaders to bear the huge loss," the chief minister added.
