Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna Faces Criminal Charges Following NEET Protest Remarks

Legal Action Initiated Over Alleged Hate Speech

Udupi Town police have registered a case against local MLA Yashpal Suvarna following a July 28 demonstration organized by the BJP. The investigation follows a formal complaint by Udupi District Congress President Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, who accused the legislator of delivering a hate speech during his address. The police are processing the case under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 57, 192, 196(2), 352, 353(2), and 351(2). Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar confirmed that authorities will now begin the formal legal process.

Legislator Targets Rahul Gandhi and Prakash Raj

The controversy emerged from Suvarna's remarks concerning nationwide protests against the NEET paper leak. During the Udupi rally, the MLA attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming the politician was planting "poisonous seeds" in the minds of the youth and generating chaos for political gain. Suvarna further dismissed the authenticity of recent demonstrations at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, alleging that many participants were not actually students. He stated that the entities orchestrating these national protests would soon be unmasked.

Suvarna also directed specific warnings toward actor Prakash Raj, who participated in the Delhi protests. The MLA cautioned the actor against making "irrelevant" comments when visiting the Karavali region. These statements have drawn sharp criticism from diverse political quarters.

Condemnation from Opposition and Civil Groups

The MLA's rhetoric has triggered a backlash from local leadership:

• Ramesh Kanchan: The Udupi Block Congress President denounced Suvarna's derogatory references to Rahul Gandhi and his family, characterizing the remarks as reflective of a "Goonda" culture.
• Muneer Katipalla: The Dakshina Kannada CPI(M) District Secretary officially condemned the inflammatory language used against both Gandhi and Prakash Raj.
• Ashok Kumar Kodavoor: The District Congress head asserted that the MLA failed to maintain basic dignity when criticizing political rivals.

Source: The Hindu — News