Overview

• During a press interaction in Uttara Kannada, Congress MLA R V Deshpande replied to a query on Joida’s lack of a hospital by telling the woman journalist, “We’ll get yours done elsewhere” and “When it’s time for your delivery, we will get it done.”
• A video of the exchange circulated widely on social media and drew strong criticism from users.
• The BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) demanded a formal apology, with BJP spokesperson Vijay Prasad calling the comment disrespectful and insulting.
• The journalist, identified as Radha Hiregoudar, said she was shocked and has sought an apology, while reports say Deshpande has not issued a response.
• Women’s groups urged accountability, including sensitivity training for officials, and media unions signaled possible collective action as the incident highlighted Joida’s long-standing hospital shortage affecting pregnant women.