This is an archive article published on March 3, 2025
‘Shouldn’t we teach them a lesson?’: Congress MLA claims actor Rashmika Mandanna ‘disregarded’ Kannada, sparks row
Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga previously alleged that Rashmika Mandanna declined an invitation to attend the International Film Festival in Karnataka, claiming she dismissed her ties to the state.
Following criticism, including from BJP leaders, Gowda clarified that his statement was not a call for “rowdyism.” (Source: Instagram)
Karnataka Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga has defended his controversial remarks on actor Rashmika Mandanna, doubling down on accusations that the ‘Pushpa’ star has disregarded Kannadigas despite beginning her career in Karnataka.
Gowda previously alleged that Mandanna declined an invitation to attend the International Film Festival in Karnataka, claiming she dismissed her ties to the state. “We invited her, but she said, ‘I have my house in Hyderabad, I don’t know where Karnataka is, and I don’t have time.’ One of our legislators visited her house 10–12 times to invite her, but she refused and disregarded Kannada, despite growing in this industry. Shouldn’t we teach them a lesson?” Gowda said.
“Not calling for rowdyism”
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Following criticism, including from BJP leaders, Gowda clarified that his statement was not a call for “rowdyism.” Speaking to ANI, he said, “I stand by my statement. Being a Kannadiga, I am proud of my motherland and language. We are proud of Rashmika Mandanna, but she should not forget her roots. My remarks were not about ‘Gundagiri.’ I am not calling for rowdyism.”
BJP slams Gowda
BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar swiftly condemned Gowda’s remarks. In a post on X, Chandrasekhar 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 on the constitution—every citizen, including actresses, has rights. And don’t forget, your goon MLA has obligations to respect the law and rights of citizens. If he wants a ‘lesson’ in the constitution, I/we will be happy to ‘teach’ this goon—free of charge—anytime, anyplace. Call me! #KnowTheTruth #TruthAboutCorruptCong”
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.
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) March 3, 2025
The controversy follows a recent uproar over Mandanna’s comments at an event, where she allegedly identified herself as being from Hyderabad, sparking outrage among pro-Kannada groups. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike President TA Narayan Gowda also weighed in, warning Mandanna against disregarding the state that launched her career.
Following criticism, including from BJP leaders, Gowda clarified that his statement was not a call for “rowdyism.” (Source: Instagram) 
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