Karnataka Congress MLA under fire for sexist remarks against pregnant official

Public anger erupted after Karnataka Congress MLA from Channagiri, Shivaganga Basavaraj, reportedly made derogatory remarks against a pregnant Range Forest Officer during a government review meeting.

The incident occurred during the quarterly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting in Channagiri, where a woman officer was absent citing her pregnancy. Sources said the MLA questioned her commitment to duty and allegedly made sexist comments, accusing her of taking leave while continuing to collect her salary.

“If she is pregnant, she should take leave. Why is there a need to come to work? Coming to work to take a bribe? Isn’t she ashamed?” the MLA was heard saying in a video.

He further instructed officials to issue a notice to the officer and escalate the matter to higher authorities, demanding she provide an explanation.

Earlier in September, Karnataka Congress leader RV Deshpande sparked outrage with a remark perceived as insensitive toward women.

Responding to a journalist’s question on the lack of a hospital in Joida, he said, “When it’s your time (to have a baby), I’ll get one done for you.” The comment drew immediate backlash, with media and political observers calling it insulting and demanding a public apology.

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