New Delhi, Dec 20 (UNI) Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday condemned the violent behaviour of Karataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar’s supporters and her own response to an alleged assault attempt on MLC CT Ravi inside Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi, calling them “completely unacceptable.”
He further accused certain elements within the state government of deliberately escalating tensions for political gain. “There are clear signs that some elements in the government are stoking tensions for their own political advantage. This orchestrated escalation is putting the safety and stability of the state at risk,” Kumaraswamy said.
Kumaraswamy, in a statement to the media, emphasised, “The Minister’s reaction and the violent actions of her aides are utterly condemnable. Regardless of any inappropriate language used by Ravi, the response from the Minister and her supporters crossed all boundaries of decency. This is not just a breakdown of law and order; it is an intentional provocation to stir up conflict for political purposes.”
He also decried the actions of the Minister’s supporters within the Assembly corridors, saying, “Inside Suvarna Soudha, these hooligans chased legislators, attempted murder, and engaged in criminal activities. The media footage clearly shows the Minister’s personal assistant attempting to break down gates and assault lawmakers.
This behaviour suggests they have strong backing and indicate that the administration is no longer in control.”
The Union Minister called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for storming Suvarna Soudha, demanding they be charged under anti-social activity laws.
“These elements who pose a threat to societal peace must be banned permanently from Suvarna Soudha and Vidhana Soudha,” he said.
The former CM expressed deep concern about the state of democracy in Karnataka, saying, “If opposition leaders are not safe within the legislature, it raises serious doubts about the future of democracy here. What is the point of hanging portraits in the legislature if such actions undermine the very institution? The assault on Ravi inside Suvarna Soudha is deeply troubling.”
Kumaraswamy also pointed to a recent controversy involving the Panchamasali community’s protest, accusing the Congress government of using force to quell the demonstration.
“When the Panchamasali community protested in front of Suvarna Soudha, the Congress government responded with brute force, ordering a lathicharge that left protesters bleeding. But how did these hooligans manage to enter Suvarna Soudha? Was it with the police’s permission, or did the government orchestrate their entry?” he asked.
The Minister concluded by questioning the police, urging them to reveal the truth behind the incident. “If Ravi was driven around in a police jeep all night, whose orders were these? Who is the leader of these hooligans? It’s time for the police to come clean,” he said.
