The Deputy Chief Minister's remark came close on the heels of the release of Ravi, who was arrested over alleged derogatory remark against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.

On Ravi's allegations that police harassed him throughout the night, Shivakumar told reporters: "In this matter, you and the police are involved. Whether it's at his house or his party, I am the cause of everything."

"Let the BJP accept that disrespecting women and using abusive language is their culture. We will not object," said Shivakumar.

"C.T. Ravi has not only spoken disrespectfully about Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar but also about CM Siddaramaiah. In the Assembly, he used the term 'Nitya Sumangali' (a Kannada term used to demean a woman). BJP leaders must introspect whether Ravi's remark was right or wrong," he claimed.

"Chikkamagaluru (native place of Ravi) is known for its cultured people. Unfortunately, someone like him hails from there," he added.

"If any leader from our party had spoken like this, I would have condemned it. However, BJP leaders are standing in defence of their leader," he claimed.

State Home Minister G. Parameshwara said, "The matter is before the court. I won't issue any statements as the matter is sub-judice. It is not appropriate to discuss the issue."

"The police claim that they have initiated steps lawfully. The matter is before the court and they will decide what is right and what is wrong. I have been told that while obtaining information on various circumstances, the judgment has come without asking the version of police. Now, we can't comment or criticise the decision," Parameshwara stated.

When asked about the Legislative Council Chairperson Basavaraj Horatti stating that there are no records of Ravi making derogatory remark, Minister Parameshwara said that he does not know anything.

Courtesy Media Group: IANS