BJP MLC C.T. Ravi was arrested on Thursday for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Development, Laxmi Hebbalkar, during a session of the Legislative Assembly in Belagavi. The arrest followed a formal complaint accusing Ravi of using inappropriate language that insulted the minister’s modesty during a heated exchange after the House was adjourned. Ravi was taken into custody from the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha premises and is expected to be presented before a special court for elected representatives in Bengaluru on Friday.

The incident occurred on the last day of the winter session of the Karnataka Assembly. According to Congress leaders, Ravi allegedly repeated the offensive remarks several times, escalating tensions between the BJP and Congress. The altercation reportedly unfolded following an uproar in the Legislative Council over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial comments about BR Ambedkar earlier in the week. The remarks drew sharp condemnation from the Congress, with Minister Hebbalkar confronting Ravi and accusing him of crossing ethical and legal boundaries in his conduct.

A case has been registered against Ravi under charges of sexual harassment and insulting the modesty of a woman. Congress leaders have demanded strict action, asserting that such behavior has no place in public office. The BJP has yet to comment on the arrest. The incident has intensified the ongoing political rivalry in Karnataka, with the Congress criticizing the BJP for failing to uphold dignity and respect for women in the political sphere.