Madikeri (Karnataka) [India], March 12 (ANI): 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 Ravi Kumar Gowda.

The complaint, filed by another organization, 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.

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

The controversy erupted earlier this month when Karnataka Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga accused Mandanna of disregarding the Kannada film industry by allegedly refusing to attend the Bengaluru International Film Festival. 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 last year 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, while speaking to ANI, 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 told ANI.

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 program. I told her that you grew up eating state food, 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)