Overview

• Video from a Karnataka Development Programme review in Channagiri captures MLA Shivaganga Basavaraj calling pregnancy an excuse and questioning whether the officer felt shame or sought bribes.
• The Range Forest Officer was absent citing pregnancy, after which Basavaraj directed officials to issue a notice, escalate the matter to higher authorities, and seek an explanation.
• Women’s rights groups condemned the comments and pressed for accountability measures, including mandatory gender-sensitivity training for public officials.
• Opposition leaders from the BJP and Janata Dal criticized the episode as the clip drew widespread attention on social media.
• The row comes days after the state approved one paid menstrual leave day per month, and no public apology or disciplinary outcome had been reported at the time of publication.