Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 3 (ANI): Karnataka Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga, who drew a lot of flak over his controversial comments on actress Rashmika Mandanna, has doubled down on his remarks, accusing the 'Pushpa' actress of disregarding Kannadigas.

He had earlier alleged that Rashmika didn't attend the film festival despite an invitation and threatened that she should be 'taught a lesson'.

Further clarifying his remarks, Gowda said that he didn't mean 'Gundagiri' or 'Rowdyism'.

Speaking to ANI, the Congress leader said, 'Being a Kannadiga, I stand by the statement I gave. I am proud to be standing with my motherland, my language and my people... We are proud of Rashmika Mandanna; she is a Kannadiga. We called her, but she said she did not have time for Kannadigas. Is this the way to treat Kannadigas?'

'We told her that Kannadiga is your motherland and Karnataka is the base of your career and you should respect your motherland. Now, she is working in Bollywood, but she should not forget her roots... I am proud of Karnataka and I don't need any lessons from Rajeev Chandrasekhar... When I said we should teach her a lesson, I did not mean 'Gundagiri'... I am not calling for rowdyism...,' he added.

Earlier, the Congress leader had asked if Rashmika shouldn't be 'taught a lesson', a remark which drew heavy criticism.

'Rashmika Mandanna, who started her career with the Kannada movie Kirik Party in Karnataka, refused to attend the International Film Festival last year when we invited her. She said, 'I have my house in Hyderabad, I don't know where Karnataka is, and I don't have time. I can't come. One of our legislator friends visited her house 10-12 times to invite her, but she refused and even disregarded Kannada, despite growing up in the industry here. Shouldn't we teach them a lesson?' Gowda told ANI.

The BJP was quick to react, slamming the Congress for objecting to the actor's comments and said that MLA Ravikumar Gowda must respect the constitution at all costs.

Taking to X, BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar reacted to the comment and wrote, You can never separate goon from Rahul Congressman. This pompous overblown #Karnataka MLA from constitution waving @RahulGandhi's party, wants to 'teach a lesson' to an actress. I want to tell @DKShivakumar and @siddaramaiah to read up constitution - every citizen including actress hv rights and dont forget ur goon MPA has obligations to respect law and rights of citizens If he wants a 'lesson' in constitution, I/we will be happy to 'teach' this goon - free of charge -anytime,anyplace Call me! #KnowTheTruth #TruthAboutCorruptCong'

https://x.com/RajeevRC_X/status/1896492499683643682

Recently, Rashmika's statement about being from Hyderabad at an event created controversy and sparked objections. Certain pro Kannada groups started a campaign against Rashmika and said she started her cinematic journey in Kannada, and today, she's speaking such disrespectful language against Kannada.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike President TA Narayan Gowda also spoke on the same issue and warned Rashmika. (ANI)