BJP MLC C.T. Ravi sparked nationwide controversy on Wednesday with inflammatory remarks against Muslims during a Ganesha Visarjan rally in Maddur, Mandya district. Speaking at the event organized by Hindutva groups following a stone-pelting incident on Sunday night, Ravi issued violent warnings, claiming Hindus would “behead” those who challenge them. He invoked historical references to Tipu Sultan and fictional figures promoted by right-wing groups, asserting, “The blood of Urigowda and Nanjegowda runs in our veins. Don’t provoke us; we will retaliate fiercely.”
Ravi also accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of being “anti-Hindu and pro-Muslim,” cautioning Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against ignoring what he described as a threat to Hindus. He urged Hindus to unite across caste lines and characterized Muslims as “outsiders,” while claiming Hindus were native to India. The BJP leader alleged the stone-pelting incident was part of a larger conspiracy, with outsiders coming to Maddur to test reactions.
Referring to Uttar Pradesh’s “bulldozer justice,” Ravi suggested that similar measures could follow in Maddur if incidents recur. The remarks came amid heightened tensions in Maddur, where stone pelting during Ganesha idol immersion led to clashes, prompting police to arrest 22 people.
Inspector General MB Boralingaiah stated that CCTV footage confirmed stones were thrown, though suspicions remain regarding lights being switched off during the incident. Authorities clarified no stones were thrown from inside a mosque, with the pelting reportedly originating from nearby lanes. FIRs have been filed against over 500 individuals, while Hindutva groups staged a mass visarjan of around 25 idols under tight police supervision.