Bengaluru, March 12 — A complaint has been filed against Codava National Council (CNC) president Nandineda Nachappa, alleging that his demand for security for actress Rashmika Mandanna is an attempt to create divisions and disturb law and order. The complaint was submitted to the Mandya Superintendent of Police by another organization.
CNC Seeks Security for Rashmika
Earlier this month, the CNC urged the Union and Karnataka Home Ministers to provide security to Mandanna, citing concerns over her safety following controversial remarks made by Karnataka Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga.
Origins of the Controversy
The dispute began when Gowda accused Mandanna of disregarding the Kannada film industry by allegedly refusing to attend the Bengaluru International Film Festival. “She said, ‘I have my house in Hyderabad, I don’t know where Karnataka is, and I don’t have time.’ One of our legislator friends visited her house multiple times to invite her, but she refused and disregarded Kannada despite growing up in the industry here,” Gowda told the media on March 3.
He further stated, “Shouldn’t we teach them a lesson?”—a remark that triggered backlash and led to concerns over Mandanna’s security.
MLA Clarifies His Statement
Addressing the controversy, Gowda later clarified to ANI that his remarks were not intended as a threat. “When I said I would teach her a lesson, I meant life lessons, not an attack,” he said. “I stand by my words—our state, our land, and the Kannada language must be respected.”
He added that his comments were meant to remind Mandanna of the importance of acknowledging her roots. “She grew up eating the food of this state, so she should stand up for it,” Gowda said, insisting his intention was not to personally criticize the actress.