Karnataka Police Book BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna Over Gandhi Threats

Karnataka Police registered an FIR against Yashpal Suvarna, a BJP MLA, on July 29, 2026, following provocative remarks made during a public protest in Udupi. The protest, organized by the Udupi District BJP to oppose nationwide exam paper leaks and education irregularities, became the site of alleged defamatory threats against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The charges stem from a complaint filed by Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, the Udupi district Congress president. Suvarna reportedly described Gandhi as a "drug addict" and threatened that the Congress dynasty and Gandhi's family would be destroyed in the same manner as the Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992. The Udupi Town Police Station booked Suvarna under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal intimidation, promoting enmity between different groups, and provocation with intent to cause a riot.

Manjunatha Bhandary, Working President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, condemned the speech as hateful and derogatory. Bhandary alleged that the BJP utilized personal attacks to divert public attention from the NEET question paper leak controversy and stated he would engage with the State Home Minister to ensure a fair investigation.