The BJP described the arrest as politically motivated, accusing the ruling Congress government of using state machinery to silence dissent and undermine democratic principles.
CT Ravi was arrested by the Bengaluru police on Thursday based on a complaint by state minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar for allegedly using derogatory remarks against her in the Legislative Council. He was subsequently released after an interim order passed by the Karnataka High Court.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar urged the Bharatiya Janata Party to 'introspect their their conduct,' saying that the party would not be bothered by Congress if they admit that making derogatory remarks against others is part of their culture.
"I was shocked when I heard the allegations. I know my father, he would never use such abusive language for anyone, especially women. He treats everyone with respect, whether young or old. I never doubted my father for a moment," Surya told ANI.
"I am not trying to trivialize the arrest in any manner. The main contentions that we have taken are that if it is an offence which is punishable in 3 years or 1 year, what is the need to have him arrested right away?" the advocate stated.
"They (state government) have acted like dictators, there is a full stop to everything, dictatorship will not last long," said CT Ravi after he was arrested on the complaint by Karnataka minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar.
Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar on Friday replied to the alleged derogatory remarks made against her by Bharatiya Janata Party MLC CT Ravi at the Karnataka legislative assembly, while speaking to reporters at her residence in Belagavi, Karnataka.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday lashed out at BJP leader CT Ravi over his alleged derogatory remarks about Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar and dismissed Ravi's claims that the police are attempting to murder him.
Legislative Council member and BJP senior leader CT Ravi was taken into custody by Khanapur police and removed from Suvarna Vidhana Soudha at Belagavi after FIR was filed against him for his alleged statement against state women and Child welfare minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar on Thursday.
On the complaint of Hebbalkar, a case has been registered against CT Ravi at the Hirebagewadi Police Station in Belgavi. She alleged that he used derogatory words against her in the Legislative Council today.