Complaint filed against CNC chief Nachappa over Rashmika Mandanna security plea

MADIKERI: A complaint has been filed against Codava National Council (CNC) president Nandineda Nachappa, who sought security for actress Rashmika Mandanna following a controversial remark made by Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda.

The complaint, filed by another organisation, alleges that Nachappa is trying to create divisions in society and disturb law and order. The complaint has been submitted to the Mandya Superintendent of Police.

Kodavas support India’s leading actress and fellow Kodavathi, @iamRashmika #RashmikaMandanna #rashmikamandana #rashmika pic.twitter.com/OMNZWhBedW

— kodava tribe (@KodavaT) March 11, 2025

Earlier this month, the Kodava rights’ protection organization, Codava National Council (CNC), expressed serious concerns over Rashmika Mandanna’s safety, urging the Union and Karnataka Home Ministers to provide her with security amid the ongoing political controversy.

A controversy erupted earlier this month when Karnataka Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga accused Rashmika Mandanna of disregarding the Kannada film industry by allegedly refusing to attend the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes). He further added that the actress “must be taught a lesson”.

While speaking to the media on March 3, he said, “Rashmika Mandanna, who started her career with the Kannada movie ‘Kirik Party’ in Karnataka, refused to attend the International Film Festival when we invited her. She said, ‘I have my house in Hyderabad, I don’t know where Karnataka is, and I don’t have time. I can’t come’. One of our legislator friends visited her house 10-12 times to invite her, but she refused and even disregarded Kannada, despite growing up in the industry here. Shouldn’t we teach them a lesson?”

Later, the MLA provided clarification on his statement. “When I said that I would teach her a lesson, I meant about life lessons, but I did not mean to attack her; I said, do not kick the ladder you have climbed”, Gowda said.

He added that his comments were meant to remind the actress about the importance of respecting the state that nurtured her. “Rashmika Mandanna did not come when invited to our state programme. I told her that you grew up eating food from the state, so stand up for it”, Gowda said.

He clarified that his intention was never to personally criticize her. Gowda further said, “I have also seen Rashmika Mandanna’s movie… I stand by my words. Our state, our land, and the Kannada language must be respected.” The MLAs remarks came after Mandanna’s invitation to attend the International Film Festival in the state was declined. (ANI)