Chikkaballapur, Jan 16 (DHNS): Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Tuesday termed the BJP as a party of jokers and heroines.

Commenting on the Mahadayi water dispute and Goan Water Resources Minister Vinod Palienkar's use of unparliamentary words for the people of Karnataka, Reddy said: "Amit Shash is the manager for the drama staged by the BJP regarding Mahadayi water dispute. He has distributed certain roles to a few local leaders. Some of them have been given the role of heroes, while a few others heroines."

Reddy charged that the State BJP leaders might have provoked Palienkar to issue such a statement.

"What made Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar write a letter to B S Yeddyurappa when the latter doesn't hold any position?" Reddy asked.

Regarding the recent atrocity against a woman in Bengaluru, the Home Minister said, "Bengaluru had over 2.20 crore population. Atrocities against women were reported often. Just because of one incident, the city should not be termed as unsafe for women. The government would take stern action against those who exploit women."