H.D. Revanna

| Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Former Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Revanna hit back at Hassan Deputy Commissioner (DC) K.S. Lathakumari, saying that as a six-time MLA, he did not need to learn from her how to respect officers.Speaking to the media following Ms. Lathakumari’s earlier remarks, Mr. Revanna said he knew how she had treated him, alleging that she did not invite him for the Hasanamba festival last year despite his being an MLA. “She did not invite me, even as a courtesy. It shows her arrogance. Let her keep her arrogance to herself. Let god bless her,” he said.Mr. Revanna maintained that he had not made any loose comments about the officer. However, he added, he could not stay silent when the people he represented were hurt. “The people have elected me six times,” he said.On the reservation of gram panchayat seats, Mr. Revanna said he had tried to meet the Deputy Commissioner on the issue on Friday, visiting her office in Hassan, but she was not available. He said he spoke to her personal assistant and also tried reaching her by phone, but received no response.Mr. Revanna reiterated that he knew where to raise his objections, and that party workers were gathering information about the reservation across the district’s taluks and would raise objections through the proper forum. He clarified that he was not opposed to reservation for the Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST), but objected to reservations being earmarked in areas with no population of these categories.He said he wanted Ms. Lathakumari to remain in the district for the rest of the Congress government’s term and that he would not seek her transfer, even as he alleged that many officers in the district administration were suffering because of her attitude, including being made to sit through meetings throughout the day. He said he was aware of how rude she was with her subordinates.ProtestLeaders and workers of the JD(S) staged a protest against the district administration in Hassan on Monday, alleging that the Deputy Commissioner had finalised the reservation of gram panchayat seats under pressure from the ruling party.The protesters took out a march from Hemavathi Statue Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office and submitted a memorandum to Ms. Lathakumari.Former Minister H.K. Kumaraswamy and former MLA K.S. Lingesh, among others, led the protest. Published - August 24, 2026 06:43 pm IST