Karnataka BJP MLC sparks outrage with vulgar remarks against Chief Secretary
N. Ravikumar says Chief Secretary “works for CM during the day, for government at night”
Bengaluru: A major political controversy erupted in Karnataka after BJP MLC N N Ravikumar made vulgar and derogatory remarks against the state’s Chief Secretary, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, during a protest near the Gandhi statue at Vidhana Soudha on Monday.
While addressing fellow BJP leaders and the media, N Ravikumar said with a smirk, “The Chief Secretary works at night for the state government and all day for the Chief Minister.” The comment, perceived as deeply sexist and insulting, was caught on video, with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Vidhana Soudha Security) MN Karibasavana Gouda seen smiling in response.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from ruling party leaders and civil society. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge condemned the remarks, stating, “It is not bizarre; it is their mindset and mentality. This is what is taught in RSS shakhas. These people, who cannot win elections on their own, are pushed into the BJP by the RSS and carry a Manusmriti-inspired ideology.”
Kharge also recalled a recent instance when the High Court reprimanded N Ravikumar for derogatory comments made against Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum. At a May 24 public event, Kumar had said, “I don’t know whether the Kalaburagi DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here,” prompting widespread outrage. An atrocity case was subsequently registered against him under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The same complaint also alleged that N Ravikumar had insulted other senior police officers, including Additional SP Mahesh Meghannavar, DSP Shankargouda Patil, and CPI Chandrashekar.
N Ravikumar, known for his repeated controversial remarks, is now facing calls for disciplinary action and public apology. As of now, the BJP has not issued any official statement regarding the incident.
Source: Indiatoday.in
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
