Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 23 : Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti on Monday provided clarity on the incident involving BJP MLC CT Ravi, stating that no proof was presented by the legislative council's media regarding the issue. Horatti revealed that he personally reached out to both CT Ravi and Congress leader Lakshmi Hebbalkar to discuss the matter, underlining that both sides stood firm on their positions.
Horatti said, "We have not received any proof from our council media... So I first called CT Ravi and asked if he wanted to compromise, he said 'no' and then I called her (Lakshmi Hebbalkar), she said 'no, we are bent upon our statement.'"
Horatti further explained that a thorough discussion was held with the council's secretary and other officials. "We discussed thoroughly with the secretary and other people, studied all the books, and gave our ruling," he added.
A case has been registered against individuals who attempted to attack BJP MLC CT Ravi on December 19 at Belagavi Suvarna Soudha. The complaint was filed at the Hirebagewadi police station in Belagavi, alleging that CT Ravi's life was threatened and that the attackers intended to kill him. The complaint was registered under various sections of the law, including BNS 189(2), 191(2), 190, 126(2), 352, and 351(2). The incident allegedly occurred in response to CT Ravi's objectionable statement against Secretary Lakshmi Hebbalkar.
Notably, BJP leaders, including MLC DS Arun and Prof SV Sankanura, had previously complained to the Home Department Secretary after Ravi's initial complaint was not accepted. The case was ultimately filed based on a complaint by Kishora B.R.
On Sunday, CT Ravi questioned the rationale behind his recent arrest and multiple transfers across four districts. Expressing confidence in public support, he raised concerns over the security arrangements, criticizing the government's claim of "security reasons" for his relocation. "The public is in our support... They are standing with me... Why was I arrested? Why was I continuously shifted to four districts? CM says that due to security reasons they did this... Giving security in PS is difficult for them, but giving security at an isolated place is easy for them," the BJP leader said.
The case against Ravi was filed by Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, who alleged that Ravi used derogatory words against her in the Legislative Council. The Karnataka High Court issued an interim order for his release. Ravi was welcomed by BJP workers at the party office in Bengaluru on Saturday. He asked for government support, claiming that he still faces a life threat and demanded a judicial inquiry.
Ravi claimed that Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar have planned something against him. Addressing a press conference, Ravi said, "I still have a life threat, that's why I'm asking the government to provide me adequate support. If something happens to me, the government will have to take responsibility. DK Shivakumar and Lakshmi Hebbalkar planned something which will be a threat to me."