Synopsis
The Codava National Council has urged the National Women's Commission to take action against Congress MLA Ravikumar Ganiga for his inappropriate comments directed at actress Rashmika Mandanna, highlighting the need for protection for women from harassment, especially in marginalized communities.Key Takeaways
- CNC demands action against Congress MLA for remarks on actress.
- Rashmika Mandanna faces harassment from political figures.
- Need for protection of women from marginalized communities.
- CNC advocates for Kodava rights and cultural recognition.
- Criticism of Rashmika highlights societal attitudes towards women.
Bengaluru, March 13 (NationPress) The Codava National Council (CNC) has reached out to the National Women's Commission (NCW) on Thursday, urging action against Congress MLA Ravikumar Ganiga for his controversial remarks concerning popular actress Rashmika Mandanna.
Council President N.U. Nachappa has sent a formal letter about this issue to NCW Chairperson Vijaya K Rahatkar.
Previously, Nachappa had also written to both Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara.
"The Council calls upon the NCW to take serious action against Ganiga for his reprehensible conduct towards actress Rashmika Mandanna," the letter stated.
Nachappa expressed that MLA Ganiga has been targeting Rashmika, who belongs to the small Micro Kodava tribal community, employing Kannada language chauvinism and ethnic hegemony to incite unrest and intimidate her.
On March 7, the council, as a representative body of indigenous Kodavas, reached out to the Union Home Minister and Karnataka Home Minister seeking protection for Rashmika. However, Ganiga has retaliated with hostility and threats," he indicated.
The council perceives this as an act of terrorism and a direct infringement on the democratic tenets embedded in India's Constitution, he mentioned.
The council implores the NCW to initiate a suo moto case against Ganiga for harassing Rashmika and take appropriate measures to guarantee a secure and just environment for her and other women, the letter articulated.
This incident underscores the pressing requirement for safeguarding and supporting women, especially from marginalized communities, against harassment and intimidation, he further asserted.
"It is essential to highlight that the CNC is a socio-political and cultural entity advocating for the rights and welfare of the Kodava community. The organization has been striving for geopolitical autonomy and the acknowledgment of the Kodava people's unique cultural legacy," he noted.
In light of backlash from Kannada organizations and activists in Karnataka regarding the alleged disrespect shown by popular actress Rashmika Mandanna towards the state, the Kodava National Council has sought protection for her.
Rashmika Mandanna originates from the Kodava community and the Kodagu region of the state.
Congress MLA Ganiga had criticized the actress, claiming she rejected the invitation to the International Film Festival hosted by the Karnataka government.
He further accused her of stating that she resides in Hyderabad and is unaware of where Karnataka is.
In the aftermath of these events, numerous Kannada organizations and activists have lambasted Rashmika and demanded an apology from her.
The letter to Union Home Minister Shah conveyed that Rashmika, who is part of the Kodava community, has established a prominent position in the Indian film industry through hard work and determination. Nonetheless, some individuals are unjustly criticizing her without recognizing her effort and talent. Subjecting her to mental harassment is tantamount to issuing a threat, the letter added.
The statement further stressed that Rashmika is an exceptional actress, and her choices and personal freedoms should be honored. She should not be compelled to act according to others' demands. If such coercion occurs, it should be recognized as "Kodava phobia" and acknowledged as an assault on the community through Rashmika.
The letter also expressed disappointment over the criticism from an MLA representing Mandya, a region where people revere the Cauvery River. It pointed out that Rashmika, hailing from Kodagu—the birthplace of the Cauvery River—is metaphorically the "daughter of Goddess Cauvery".
It is regrettable that an elected representative, who has sworn to uphold constitutional principles and serve the community's aspirations, is targeting Rashmika in such a disrespectful manner, the letter concluded.
On March 3, Ganiga, a staunch backer of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, criticized Rashmika for allegedly displaying arrogance and neglect towards the Kannada film industry.
Ganiga remarked, "Rashmika commenced her career in the film industry through the Kannada movie 'Kirik Party'. She was invited last year to the international film festival. Rashmika claimed that she is living in Hyderabad and she doesn't know where Karnataka is. Rashmika further mentioned that she doesn't have time to attend the film festival."
"One of our (Congress) MLAs visited her (Rashmika's) home and urged her to attend the fest. Despite this, Rashmika, who built her career through Kannada movies, displays such arrogance. Shouldn't people like her be taught a lesson?" he added.
