New Delhi: The use of abusive language by
former prime minister H D Deve Gowda against Karnataka Chief
Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Monday triggered protests by BJP
leaders from the state as well as the central leadership, with
the state party unit threatening legal action.
Yeddyurappa's close associate and former minister Shobha
Karandlaje described Gowda's comments as "unfortunate" and
"politically motivated" as they had come before the Panchayat
Elections in the state.
"It is unfortunate that a leader like Deve Gowda, who is a
former prime minister and has so many years of political
experience, has said such things," Karandlaje said,
adding, "people of Karnataka did not expect this from him".
BJP leader Dhananjay Kumar said, "We highly object this
kind of conduct by Deve Gowda and demand that he should
immediately express unconditional apology to the people of the
Karnataka or else he will have to face legal action."
BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy described Gowda's words
as an "unpalatable remark" and "obnoxious public behaviour"
which had lowered the standards of politics.
"We appreciate his son H D Kumaraswamy's statement that
Gowda is under stress. He has been out of power for a long
time and is distressed....His son should look after him if he
needs any medical attention....We would be happy if he could
apologise," he said.
BJP national spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said, "This
shows Deve Gowda's exasperation and desperation. I can only
send the message to him to get well soon."
Another spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "By
showering abuse on Yeddyurappa, an elected chief minister and
holder of a constitutional post, Gowda has only brought shame
to democracy."
PTI
First Published: Monday, January 11, 2010, 23:45