Ramanath Rai demands arrest, disqualification of Yashpal Suvarna over Rahul Gandhi remarks

Ramanath Rai demands arrest, disqualification of Yashpal Suvarna over Rahul Gandhi remarks

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 30, 2026: Former Karnataka minister B. Ramanath Rai on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna over his alleged remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, demanding his immediate arrest and disqualification as an MLA.

Addressing a press conference at the District Congress office in Mangaluru, Rai alleged that Suvarna was "intoxicated by something more dangerous than drugs" and condemned his reported statement that he would "destroy Rahul Gandhi’s family like the Babri Masjid."

"Forget destroying anyone. Just try touching an ordinary Congress worker and see what happens in this district," Rai said, challenging the MLA.

He said Suvarna’s remarks had deeply hurt every Congress worker and questioned whether the BJP leader had any evidence to support his allegation that Rahul Gandhi was a drug addict.

"Political criticism is acceptable. Earlier, they spoke about a ’Congress-free India.’ But calling Rahul Gandhi a drug addict and threatening to destroy his family is not political criticism—it is personal hatred. Whoever makes such statements is in the wrong," Rai said.

He alleged that such provocative statements were being made to incite communal sentiments and gain political mileage. Referring to a recent controversial statement by a Chikkamagaluru MLA, Rai said Congress workers should not be viewed as weak.

Demanding strict action, Rai urged the government to immediately arrest Suvarna and cancel his Assembly membership.

He also criticised remarks encouraging people to keep weapons at home for protection.

"No Congress leader will ever ask people to keep swords or other weapons in their homes. Such statements come from those who have no faith in the Constitution or the rule of law," he said.

Congress District President Should Be a Dedicated Worker: Rai

Speaking on the appointment of the next Dakshina Kannada Congress district president, Rai said the post should go to a genuine, active, and long-serving party worker rather than someone who had joined the party recently.

"My expectation is that the district president should be a committed Congress worker who has served the party for many years. Whether it is a man or a woman does not matter, but the person should have a long-standing association with the Congress," he said.