BJP MLA Booked Over Remarks Against Rahul Gandhi’s Family

Bengaluru, July 2026 : Karnataka Police on Wednesday registered a First Information Report (FIR) against BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna over his controversial remarks allegedly threatening Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s family during a public event in Udupi, sparking a fresh political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress.

The case was registered by the Udupi Town Police based on a complaint filed by Udupi District Congress Committee President Ashok Kumar Kodavoor. Police invoked multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions relating to promoting enmity, making provocative statements, criminal intimidation and other offences.

The controversy stems from a speech delivered by Suvarna at a BJP programme in Udupi, where he allegedly warned the Congress leadership by drawing a parallel with the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid. According to the complaint, the MLA stated that if the Congress continued with what he described as “dramas”, the party’s leadership and Rahul Gandhi’s family would meet a similar fate to the Babri structure.

The remarks quickly triggered a political storm after video clips of the speech circulated widely on social media. Congress leaders condemned the statement, accusing the BJP of using inflammatory rhetoric and attempting to intimidate political opponents instead of addressing pressing national issues.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Working President and MLC Manjunatha Bhandary termed the comments “hateful, derogatory and provocative”, asserting that they were unbecoming of an elected representative who has sworn to uphold the Constitution. He said the state government viewed the matter seriously and assured that legal action would be pursued in accordance with the law.

Bhandary alleged that the BJP was attempting to divert public attention from the controversy surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak and the nationwide protests over examination irregularities by targeting Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi through personal attacks.

He also criticised BJP legislators and leaders present at the event for not distancing themselves from Suvarna’s remarks, arguing that their silence could be interpreted as tacit approval of the statements.

Emphasising that political rivalry should never cross constitutional and democratic boundaries, Bhandary said differences of opinion cannot justify threats, hate speech or personal attacks. He further warned that such remarks could disturb communal harmony and adversely affect law and order, particularly in Karnataka’s sensitive coastal belt.

The Congress leader added that he would raise the issue with the State Home Minister and seek directions for a swift and impartial investigation. Meanwhile, the FIR has intensified the political slugfest in Karnataka, with both parties expected to continue trading accusations over the controversial remarks.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)