Case lodged against BJP MLC Ravi Kumar for alleged remarks against Kalaburagi DC
IAS association condemns
Kalaburagi: A case has been registered against BJP MLC N. Ravikumar at the Station Bazar police station in Kalaburagi for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Tarannum. The complaint was filed by Dattatreya Ilkalaki, a resident of Sharana Sirasagi.
Meanwhile, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officers’ Association of Karnataka has strongly condemned the remarks made by Ravikumar during a public event held on May 24. In a statement, the association described his comments as “baseless, unjustified, and entirely devoid of rationale,” calling them “deplorable and unacceptable.”
The association asserted that DC Fouzia Tarannum is a civil servant of “impeccable integrity” with an outstanding record of public service. It expressed deep concern over what it viewed as a deliberate attempt to malign her professional reputation.
“This kind of provocative and false public statement not only demeans the dignity of a committed civil servant but also amounts to harassment, causing severe mental trauma,” the association stated. It emphasized that civil servants must be allowed to discharge their duties without fear or political pressure, and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding their dignity and integrity.
The association extended full solidarity to Tarannum and demanded an unconditional apology from MLC Ravikumar. It also urged the authorities to initiate legal proceedings under relevant laws for what it termed the deliberate dissemination of misinformation aimed at denigrating a senior official.
During his speech at the public program, Ravikumar had allegedly remarked, “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,” a statement that has drawn widespread criticism.
We strongly condemn the remarks made by Shri Ravi Kumar, MLC, against @DCKalaburagi @Fouzia_Taranum at a public function. DC’s integrity & commitment to work is impeccable & her dedication to public service is irrefutable. IASOA will stand by officers who are targeted unjustly. pic.twitter.com/9HDUOCZLYW
— IAS Officers’ Association, Karnataka (@IASOAKarnataka) May 26, 2025
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
