Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

Ivan makes way for controversy by shooting ’rape’ question back at Eshwarappa

Mangaluru: "An eye for an eye will only end up making the world blind," said Mahatma Gandhiji. But, unfortunately the Congressmen who claim to be the torch-bearers of Gandhi’s policies seem to disagree with him on this.

In a rather disgusting manner of retaliation, MLC Ivan D’Souza is all set to court controversy by questioning senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa as to how he would feel if his spouse was to be raped.

This statement came as a retaliation to Eshwarappa’s poser to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister K J George whether they would wake up to the rising numbers of rape cases only when their daughters are "raped".

It was only when the gathered media retaliated against the controversial statement by D’Souza about a senior BJP leader’s wife, he resorted to mincing word, stating that it was unbecoming of a dignified leader like Eshwarappa to make such personal comments.

D’Souza in a press conference on Saturday, November 8 was caught in controversy after making this statement in haste. When the statement backfired, D’Souza resorted to demanding an apology from or resignation of Eshwarappa or get ready to face criminal case against him at the High Court.

"The state government has never supported the accused in rape or sexual assault on women. The government has made sure that guilty is punished by implementing Goonda Act and arresting many accused under the Act. In fact a senior police officer in Bangaluru was thrown behind bars and was suspended for clicking pictures of girls on cell camera in a cafe," said D’Souza adding that the government is hurt with the baseless allegation on the senior leaders.

Speaking further he said "MP Shobha Karandlaje who has been making controversial statements against the ruling party was never seen in public during homestay and pub attack where several girls were exposed in obscene manner before the society through media. In fact a political leader from the opposition has set a bad example by raping a innocent woman in State."

Eshwarappa, the opposition leader in the Legislative Council, found himself in the eye of a storm over his comment. His "distasteful" remarks against the backdrop of growing incidents of sexual assault sparked strong condemnation from Siddaramaiah, who has only two sons, while an embarrassed BJP Karnataka unit distanced itself from the controversy. Condemning the remarks, Congress workers staged protests across Karnataka, before they were whisked away by police.

Ivan D’Souza apologies for his statement against Eshwarappa

Mangaluru: After making a below the belt comment while retaliating to the statement made by BJP Leader K S Eshwarappa, here on Saturday, MLC Ivan D’Souza, without any delay instantly called another press meet to apologise for the derogatory comment made by him.

D’Souza made way for controversy on Saturday morning by questioning senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa as to how he would feel if his spouse was to be raped. This statement came as a retaliation to Eshwarappa’s poser to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister K J George whether they would wake up to the rising numbers of rape cases only when their daughters are "raped".

Calling another press meet in the afternoon, Ivan stated "I sincerely apologise to K S Eshwarappa, his family and before the people of Karnataka for my statement. I have realised that I have no right to raise question against anyone. We, the ruling as well as the opposition parties must work in unity to curb increasing rape and sexual assault cases against women and children. As a political party we must work towards providing safety and security to women. I have apologised to the CM and the KPCC leaders. I take back my statement and make sure that this does not repeat henceforth."

The apology came after the MLC reportedly received a call from CM Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G Parameshwara stating he should not have made way for controversy by making such insensitive statement.

Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa on Friday, November 7 stated "If the chief minister’s daughter and Home Minister’s daughter gets raped, they will understand (the gravity of the situation)". The statement sparked a controversy with the Congress workers protesting in Bangaluru against his remark. The Congress protesters lashed out at Eshwarappa and demanded his resignation