Following their appeal for protection for actress Rashmika Mandanna, the Codava National Council (CNC) has now escalated their concerns, calling upon the National Commission for Women (NCW) to take suo motu action against those engaged in bullying the actress. The Council had previously called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara to intervene. The move follows backlash from Kannada organisations and activists in Karnataka over the alleged “disrespect shown by the actress towards the state” and controversial remarks by a Karnataka MLA against the actress.

Issuing threats and bullying people is never right: Ramya
Actors, especially female actors, have become soft targets for politicians. Karnataka MLA Ravi Ganiga said Rashmika Mandanna should be “taught a lesson for forgetting her roots”. Issuing threats and bullying people is never right, and politicians should refrain from doing so. And this is precisely why the actors don’t speak up,” actress Ramya previously told us during an interview.


What is the Codava National Council?
The CNC is a socio-political and cultural organisation which advocates for the rights and interests of the Kodava community . The organisation has been striving for geopolitical autonomy and the recognition of the Kodava people’s unique cultural heritage.

The letter written by Council President NU Nachappa to NCW Chairperson Vijaya K Rahatkar, detailed the following demands and concerns:

• The Council urged the NCW to take stringent action against the Karnataka MLA for “his atrocious behaviour” towards Rashmika, and pressed the NCW to register a suo moto case against the Karnataka MLA for bullying Rashmika and to take necessary steps to ensure a safe and fair environment for her and all women.
• The letter underscored the urgent need for protection and support for women, especially those from marginalised communities, against harassment and intimidation.
• The letter stated that Rashmika, a member of the Kodava community, has achieved success in the Indian film industry through hard work and dedication. It condemned the unwarranted criticism she faces, arguing that subjecting her to mental harassment constitutes a threat.
• The letter states that if Rashmika is forced to act according to others’ directives, it should be considered “Kodava phobia” and recognised as an attack on the community through Rashmika.