The BJP described the arrest as politically motivated, accusing the ruling Congress government of using state machinery to silence dissent and undermine democratic principles.
"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.
"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.
Shiv Sena Uddhav Thackeray faction leader Sanjay Raut responding to the letter sent to him in the derogatory remarks case said that his statements were directed only towards a specific group and not all MLA.