Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Nov 10: District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai on Friday November 10 retaliated against BJP state president Yeddyurappa's statement calling chief minister Siddaramaih a 'fool' in an interview to a Kannada daily.

Addressing a press meet here on Friday, Ramanath Rai said, "In a recent interview Yeddyurappa commented that chief minister Siddarmaiah is a fool. On what basis did he refer to the CM in such terms? Let people decide who is fool - whether Siddaramaiah, or Yedyurappa who has gone to jail.

"The Siddarmaiah-led state government has implemented people-friendly schemes and has fulfilled all the promises made in the manifesto. But during the previous (BJP) government Yeddyurappa and his cabinet ministers had gone to jail. We condemn the statement by Yeddyurappa. BJP's Parivartana rally has utterly failed from day one. There was not much response to the rally anywhere," he said.

Minister for food and civil supplies U T Khader said, "Everyone has the right to hold rallies but instead of discussing about their party policies, BJP leaders are commenting on Siddaramaiah, which is wrong. Siddaramaiah has given good administration for the last four years. Such a comment coming from a person who is supposed to be responsible shows the culture of his party.

When asked about BJP saying that it won't allow Congress Karnataka in-charge K C Venugopal to enter the state, Khader said, "Congress decides who enters the state. How can Yeddyurappa who went to jail roam free and shamelessly ask votes from the people? BJP cannot digest the success of K C Venugopal who has spearheaded the task of strengthening the party in the state."

Regarding reports of Congress leaders joining BJP, Khader said, "Those who are active in Congress have bright future. We will not admit anyone with RSS background into Congress."