Karnataka Congress MLA's brazen reply to journalist on hospital demand: 'We'll get your delivery done'

MLA RV Deshpande reportedly brushed aside the hospital question with a remark. “Don’t worry, we’ll get yours done elsewhere,” Deshpande said, while winking.

A Karnataka Congress MLA has stirred controversy with his response to a woman journalist who questioned him about the lack of a hospital in Joida taluk, Uttara Kannada district.

When asked about the long-pending demand for a hospital — an issue causing particular hardship for pregnant women — MLA RV Deshpande reportedly brushed it aside with a remark. “Don’t worry, we’ll get yours done elsewhere,” Deshpande said, while winking.

The journalist had asked when Joida would finally get a hospital since residents were struggling without one. In reply, the Haliyal MLA remarked, “We’ll get yours done in (neighbouring) Haliyal.”

The reporter, taken aback, responded with, “What, sir?” But the senior Congress leader doubled down, smiling as he added, “When it’s time for your delivery, we will get it done.”

Remaining firm on her question, the journalist reminded him that the people of Joida urgently need a hospital and urged him to ensure it is built during this term. To this, Deshpande only said, “Okay.”

The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. BJP spokesperson Vijay Prasad called the comment “proof of the Congress’ cheap mentality” and said it reflected “moral bankruptcy.” He added, “Insulting mothers and women is not politics, it’s moral bankruptcy. Rahul Gandhi talks about love and respect but his leaders spread hate. This double speak must be exposed.”

Residents of Uttara Kannada have long demanded a multi-speciality hospital, with many being forced to travel to Mangaluru, Udupi, or other districts for advanced treatment. A social media campaign, #NoHospitalNoVote, was also launched a couple of years ago to press for the demand.