Kalaburagi, 26 May

A political storm has erupted in Karnataka's Kalaburagi district following remarks made by BJP MLC and Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, N Ravikumar, against District Collector Fauzia Tarannum. Speaking at a BJP protest rally on 24 May, Ravikumar alleged that the district administration was under the influence of the ruling Congress government and made a derogatory remark questioning the Collector’s background, insinuating she may have "come from Pakistan".

His comments have led to widespread condemnation from progressive groups and civil society organisations, who demand action for what they label as "insulting and communal" statements.

Fauzia Tarannum, currently the District Collector under the Congress-led government, has found herself at the centre of political controversy amid rising tensions.

The protest aimed to call for the removal of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge following an incident in Chittapur, where Congress workers allegedly besieged a guest house housing the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanswamy. Congress leader Sharan Prakash Patil condemned Ravikumar's remarks as a deliberate attempt to politicise the administration and provoke communal tensions.