Congress workers in Bengaluru called Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Munirathna a “rapist” during the MLC elections, leading to an argument between the MLA and the workers. Munirathna has faced several criminal cases, including allegations of rape. In 2024, a woman accused him of rape, sexual harassment and blackmail. The Karnataka Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed a chargesheet against him in the case. In a separate gang rape case, Munirathna received a clean chit in 2025. Following the heckling during the MLC elections, Munirathna argued with the Congress workers.