Reacting to JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's remarks, Gowda said: “I am not hurt with his (Kumaraswamy) comment. I congratulate him onspeaking truth for the first time.”

The Chief Minister said he would like to give critics a befitting reply through good work. He met Governor H R Bhardwaj in the evening, which he said, was a courtesy call.