Karnataka BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has triggered a new controversy with his abusive comments against Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who is being investigated for attempting to smuggle gold. His comments to journalists have gone viral and attracted universal condemnation.
Ranya Rao’s Gold Smuggling Case
Ranya Rao was detained at Bengaluru airport a fortnight ago after she was found with 14 kg of gold bars concealed in her garments. Officials believe there was a conspiracy with the airport staff in making the attempt to smuggle. After she was arrested, her stepfather, senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, was put on “compulsory leave.” He has distanced himself from the case.
Karnataka BJP MLA’s Controversial Remarks
Speaking to the media, Mr. Yatnal said that all the guilty should be punished, wondering if a person should be spared because of his association with a government official.
“There were lapses by customs officials, and necessary action should be taken against them. She (Ranya Rao) had gold all over her body, hiding it wherever she had holes, and smuggled it in,” Mr. Yatnal told PTI in Kannada. He also said he had proof of political role in the case of smuggling and promised to come out with the names of ministerial officials involved in the current assembly session.
“I have gathered complete information about her relationships, who helped her obtain security (clearance), and how the gold was brought in. I will expose everything in the session, including which hole she hid the gold and brought,” he further added.
Political Reactions and Previous Controversies
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar refused to accept ministerial involvement in the case as “political gossip.”
Mr. Yatnal, who has a reputation for making controversial statements, has been involved in several controversies. Earlier, he targeted Karnataka BJP leader B.Y. Vijayendra and demanded the ouster of former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa. In 2023, he was issued an Election Commission notice for calling Congress leader Sonia Gandhi a “vishkanya.”
He outraged people in 2020 by backing the removal of a wedding scheme for poor minority women and suggested that those who desired the scheme “go to Pakistan.” He also termed a freedom fighter a “Pakistani agent” for being against the citizenship law.
In the wake of his recent comments, demands for disciplinary action against the BJP lawmaker have mounted. Critics hold that his remarks were not just offensive but also disrespectful to the investigation that was underway. It is uncertain if the BJP leadership will take any action.