Congress backs ex-MP Ramya in sedition row

Right-wing organisations have criticised the former Mandya MP over Pak comment

BENGALURU: Kodagu Prajaranga president Katna Mane Vittal Gowda, who on Monday filed a complaint in Madikeri against actor-turned politician Ramya seeking direction to the police to register a case for sedition, said  “Defence Minister Parikkar had recently said Pakistan is a hell, but Ramya commended Pakistan, which is punishable under IPC 124 (A) (sedition).’’ The Somwarpet JMFC court will take up the case for hearing on August 27.

Gowda’s contention is that Ramya’s statement led to protests at many places in the state and that amounts to inciting violence, which is punishable under IPC section 334 (voluntarily causing hurt on provocation). “It is well known that Pakistan is the epicentre of terrorism, and they export terrorism,’’ he said.

The Congress meanwhile strongly backed its former Mandya MP. “We need not learn lessons on patriotism from BJP and ABVP leaders who had stayed away from the Independence struggle. I support what Ramya has said about Pakistan,’’ said KPCC working president Dinesh Gundurao.

Gundurao said Ramya had only spoken about her experiences during her recent visit to Pakistan and there was nothing wrong in it. “She was only talking about people-to-people relations and not about politics and other issues. What is wrong in talking about it? Outfits like BJP and ABVP are pursuing divisive ideology and action should be taken against them, not Ramya,’’ he added.

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