K’taka Minister’s Wife, Tabassum Rao Files Complaint Against BJP Over Derogatory Comments

Tabassum Rao, the wife of Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, has lodged a formal complaint against the BJP with the state Women’s Commission. This comes in the wake of derogatory comments related to a beef-consuming remark made by her husband.

In her complaint, Tabassum urged the commission to address the issue swiftly. She expressed concern over the harassment she has faced, stating, “I request you to take the necessary steps to safeguard my dignity and protect me from further harassment.”

Tabassum also called for strong action against BJP office-bearers and those managing their social media accounts. She accused them of making damaging remarks that have caused emotional distress and promoted communal hatred against her community. “Attacking a woman is petty. Women deserve respect, not abuse,” she emphasized.

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In her letter to the Chairperson of the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, Tabassum detailed the distressing comments directed at her. “I have been subjected to unwarranted attacks and communal references simply because of my marriage and my Muslim faith,” she wrote.

She highlighted that she has already filed a defamation suit against BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for his derogatory remarks. “Unfortunately, this has become routine, with BJP leaders and their social media handles targeting me repeatedly,” she added.

Tabassum said, “It is unacceptable to target family members of politicians simply because of their relationship,” she stated.

The Karnataka BJP responded saying, Minister’s father or wife Tabassum supposedly relayed Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao’s remarks about Veer Savarkar eating beef, indicating the connection to her Muslim heritage.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao recently asserted that Savarkar, a Chitpavan Brahmin, was a meat eater and did not oppose to cow slaughter, fueling controversy.