BJP MLC CT Ravi clarifies ‘mulla’ remark, alleges political vendetta after FIR
New Delhi: BJP MLC C.T. Ravi has defended his controversial remarks that led to the registration of an FIR against him, asserting that his comments were not aimed at the Muslim community but at an individual. He accused the Karnataka government of targeting him for political reasons and maintained that he had done nothing unlawful.
Speaking to reporters at Hulihyder village in Kanakagiri taluk of Koppal district, Ravi clarified that he had used the term “mulla” in the singular and not “mullas”, rejecting allegations that he had insulted an entire community.
He said he had referred to an individual and questioned how the term was being linked to the NEET issue. Ravi also cited a commonly used classroom expression—”if you split the chest, there are no letters inside”—and asked whether teachers who use similar phrases would also face legal action.
Referring to the FIR registered against him, Ravi said he was prepared to face arrest if the authorities chose to proceed. However, he described the complaint as false and politically motivated.
“I am not a terrorist. I am a public representative and will continue to speak the truth. I am prepared to go to jail for standing up for Hindutva and fighting against injustice,” he said, adding that he had informed the police through his lawyer that he was unable to appear for questioning on the scheduled date.
Ravi also confirmed that he had lodged a complaint against Mudassir Pasha, president of the Jamia Masjid committee, alleging that his remarks had been misrepresented on social media as an attack on the entire Muslim community.
He argued that criticism of an individual should not be interpreted as criticism of an entire religious group and accused his opponents of attempting to incite public sentiment against him.
The BJP leader further criticised the Karnataka government over alleged irregularities in KPSC recruitment, claiming there had been manipulation of OMR sheets and question paper leaks. Drawing a comparison with the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ravi questioned why no state minister had resigned over alleged examination-related irregularities in Karnataka.
Accusing the Congress government of practising selective enforcement, Ravi said action was taken swiftly when remarks were made about a “mulla,” while, according to him, no similar action was initiated in other cases involving comments against Hindu religious figures or institutions.
He alleged that the government was attempting to silence him for political reasons but asserted that he would continue to speak on behalf of farmers, the poor, and the Hindu community. Meanwhile, police investigation into the FIR registered against Ravi is ongoing.