'Gunda elements in Congress': BJP's Bharat Shetty slams Congress MLA for 'threats' against Rashmika Mandanna for refusing to attend film fest

BENGALURU: Karnataka BJP MLA Bharat Shetty has voiced support for film actress Rashmika Mandanna in response to the threatening remarks made by Congress legislator Ravi Kumar Gowda.

The BJP representative condemned the exploitation of Rashmika's reputation for political purposes, while denouncing specific Congress party members for their "gunda" (thuggish) behaviour.

"There are some gunda elements in the Congress party. Taking Rashmika's name to get some fame. Any person in the country has the right to come to a programme or not to come to a programme. The politicians coming out in the open and threatening her like this is not right. The people who are supposed to give protection are threatening instead. That's very wrong," Shetty said.

The controversy surrounding Indian actress Rashmika Mandanna has intensified following threatening statements from political figures.

On March 9, the Kodava community expressed serious concerns regarding the actress's safety following provocative remarks by Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga.

During an interview on March 3, Gowda issued a threatening statement about Mandanna, suggesting she "must be taught a lesson" after her alleged refusal to attend the International Film Festival, citing her busy schedule and apparent unfamiliarity with Karnataka's location.

The personal nature of these attacks on Mandanna's professional decisions has sparked significant public outrage.

According to Gowda's statement, despite multiple visits by a legislator to Mandanna's residence to extend an invitation for the event, she declined to participate, which subsequently led to his controversial remarks about disciplining her.

The statements have particularly angered Mandanna's supporters and members of her Kodava community.

NU Nachappa, the Kodava National Council President, issued a strong statement against these remarks, highlighting Mandanna's significant achievements and valuable contributions to Indian cinema.

"Rashmika Mandanna, who comes from the indigenous Kodava tribe, has achieved her success through hard work and dedication. She should not be subjected to such harassment," he said.

He also expressed his concern that individuals unfamiliar with the nature of artistic criticism were unnecessarily targeting the actress.

The Kodava National Council, reacting to these threats, forwarded an official correspondence to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka State Home Minister G. Parameshwar, urging immediate action to protect Rashmika Mandanna and other Kodava community women.

The correspondence additionally emphasised Mandanna's freedom to make independent choices in both her personal and professional spheres without facing intimidation.

"She is not just a great actress but an individual with the right to make her own choices. No one should be forced to conform to others' expectations or instructions," the letter stated.

In terms of her career, Rashmika Mandanna recently appeared in the films 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' and 'Chhaava'.

Her future projects include notable collaborations such as 'Sikandar' alongside Salman Khan, 'Kubera' with Dhanush, and 'Thama' featuring Ayushmann Khurrana.

Stay updated with the latest city news, weather, and Air Quality Index (AQI) updates for major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Noida, and Bengaluru on Times of India.