On October 15, 2025, Karnataka MLA Shivaganga Basavaraj from Channagiri made remarks during a Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) quarterly review meeting that have drawn significant public criticism. The comments were directed at a pregnant Range Forest Officer, Shweta, who had missed the meeting due to her pregnancy.
In a video that surfaced online, Basavaraj questioned Shweta's absence and stated, "If she is pregnant, she should take a leave. Why does she need to work? She wants to make money, but also when called for meetings she wants to take leave. Is there no shame?" He further remarked, "Pregnancy is an excuse, one should feel ashamed. Every time it's the same excuse. 'I'm pregnant, I'm going to the doctor.'"
Following these statements, Basavaraj instructed officials to issue a notice to Shweta and escalate the matter to higher authorities, demanding an explanation.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many viewing the remarks as dismissive of the challenges faced by pregnant women in the workplace. Women's rights groups have called for accountability and suggested that public officials undergo sensitivity training to prevent such incidents in the future.
Contrasting with the nature of the MLA’s comments, this incident comes just days after the Karnataka government announced a new menstrual leave policy, granting one day of paid leave per month for women across all sectors. The policy is intended to support women’s health and promote workplace equality by acknowledging the physical and psychological challenges some women face during menstruation. Experts in occupational health note that such policies can reduce stress, improve productivity, and encourage inclusivity in professional environments.
This controversy occurs at a time when discussions around pregnancy leave and workplace gender sensitivity in India are gaining momentum. It highlights ongoing issues related to the treatment of women in professional settings and the need for understanding the biological and medical factors that affect women during pregnancy and menstruation.
Adding to the context of insensitive remarks related to pregnancy, last month, RV Deshpande, the MLA for Haliyal in Uttara Kannada and a former minister, was asked by a journalist when Joida taluk would get a hospital, as residents, especially pregnant women, were facing difficulties due to the lack of one. He reportedly responded with a smirk, saying it would be made "by the time it was her turn to be pregnant."
As of now, MLA Basavaraj has not publicly commented on the backlash. The situation continues to develop, with political and public reactions unfolding.
(Rh/Eth/TL)
