Karnataka BJP MLA Booked Over Provocative Speech in Maddur

NEW DELHI, September 12 – Karnataka police have booked BJP MLA Basanagouda R. Patil in connection with a provocative speech delivered in Maddur town, just a day after a similar case was filed against party leader and former minister C.T. Ravi.

The FIR against Patil was registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita on the basis of a complaint filed by PSI Manjunath, the same officer who lodged the earlier complaint against Ravi. Patil is accused of making remarks that allegedly promoted enmity between communities and hurt religious sentiments during his visit to the violence-hit area.

The unrest in Maddur erupted on September 8 during a Ganpati procession near a mosque, when clashes broke out, including incidents of stone pelting. Police arrested 21 individuals in connection with the violence and subsequent protests, and were forced to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the crowds.

C.T. Ravi, who was also booked earlier this week, had delivered inflammatory comments targeting the Muslim community. His speech, which alleged conspiracies to divide Hindu society, invoked sharp criticism for its communal tone.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar strongly condemned the visits by BJP leaders to Maddur, accusing them of exploiting the situation. “They (BJP) have no other work. Their job is only to divide people and ignite fire. They have done no development. Let them go to Delhi and bring funds for NREGA, tax allocations, Cauvery, Mekedatu, and Mahadayi projects instead,” Shivakumar told reporters.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also commented on the incident, noting that tensions flared after the crowd was asked to limit its presence near the mosque during the procession.

With political tempers running high and law enforcement on alert, the situation in Maddur remains tense as authorities continue to monitor developments closely.