Kalaburagi, May 26 -- A political storm has erupted in Karnataka's Kalaburagi district following a controversial remark made by BJP MLC and Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, N Ravikumar, against District Collector Fauzia Tarannum, amid ongoing tensions related to the recent Chittapur incident.

Addressing a protest rally organised under the BJP's 'Kalaburagi Chalo' campaign on May 24, Ravikumar alleged that the district administration was functioning under the influence of the ruling Congress government.

In a statement that has since sparked widespread condemnation, he questioned the independence of the District Collector and made a derogatory reference suggesting she might have "come from Pakistan."

"The Kalabura...