Bengaluru, May 27, 2025: A fresh controversy has erupted in Karnataka after senior BJP leader N. Ravikumar publicly targeted Muslim IAS officer Fawzia Tarannum, suggesting she might be “from Pakistan”. His remark has triggered political outrage and led to a formal police complaint.
The incident occurred during a BJP workers’ meeting in Kalaburagi on May 21. Referring to Fawzia Tarannum, the Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi district, Ravikumar said:
“She is an IAS officer. I don’t know if she has come from Pakistan.”
As the crowd cheered, he added:
“Hearing your applause, it seems like she really did come from Pakistan!”
This statement was met with laughter and applause at the event, but drew sharp criticism from political and civil rights circles. A formal FIR has been filed against Ravikumar at the local police station.
“Is She a Pakistani?” — Karnataka BJP Leader Sparks Row Targeting Muslim IAS Officer
🔍 What Triggered the Comment?
On May 21, Congress workers gheraoed Karnataka Leader of Opposition C. Narayanaswamy in a Kalaburagi guest house after he called state minister Priyank Kharge — son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge — a “dog” at a BJP event.
During the incident, Fawzia Tarannum, the district’s Deputy Commissioner, allegedly took no action — which led to criticism from the BJP. Using this as a backdrop, Ravikumar launched his controversial attack.
🗣️ Past Controversies:
This is not the first time a BJP leader has faced heat for targeting Muslim women in service. In 2023, Madhya Pradesh BJP leader Vijay Shah called Indian Army Colonel Sophia Qureshi a “sister of terrorists” following Operation Sindoor. Shah later apologized, claiming it was a “misuse of language”.
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