Bengaluru, Oct. 16: A controversy has erupted in Karnataka after Congress MLA Shivaganga Basavaraj made a disparaging remark about a woman forest officer during an official meeting, drawing widespread condemnation from women’s rights groups and political opponents.
Basavaraj, who represents Channagiri constituency, reportedly confronted Forest Range Officer Shweta during a quarterly review meeting of the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP), questioning her absence and making comments perceived as sexist and insensitive.
After learning that the officer had missed the meeting due to health reasons related to pregnancy, the MLA allegedly remarked publicly:
“If she is pregnant, she should take leave. Why does she need to work? She wants to make money, but when called for meetings, she takes leave. Isn’t that shameful?”
In the same exchange, he added:
“There are maternity leaves, right? Till the last date she wants salary and the extras, but can’t come to a meeting when called for work. Pregnancy is an excuse — one should feel ashamed. Every time it’s the same excuse: ‘I’m pregnant, I’m going to the doctor.’ Immediate action should be taken against her.”
A video of the incident has since surfaced online, prompting a strong backlash. Women’s rights activists and advocacy groups have condemned the remarks as “deeply sexist,” accusing the MLA of trivialising the challenges faced by working women, particularly during pregnancy.
Several activists have demanded an apology from the legislator and urged the Congress leadership to take disciplinary action, calling his comments “a violation of basic dignity and respect for women employees.”
As of Thursday, Basavaraj has not issued a public statement on the controversy. However, the incident has provided fresh ammunition to the opposition BJP, which has signalled plans to target the Siddaramaiah government over gender sensitivity and women’s welfare.
The controversy comes close on the heels of the Karnataka government’s recent announcement granting one day of paid menstrual leave per month for women working in both government and private sectors — a move that had earned the administration widespread praise for promoting workplace inclusivity.
With political tensions mounting, the latest episode has sparked a larger debate on gender bias within public institutions and the need for greater awareness and accountability among elected representatives.
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