Cong should be rooted out of K'taka: Hegde

Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ananth Kumar Hegde on Monday, said the citizens of the state do not want the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Congress government and thus, Congress should be rooted out of Karnataka.

Addressing the party workers here Hegde said, unless we finish the Congress, it is not possible for the BJP to come to power in the state. If BJP fails to win at least 10 seats in Mysuru region, the party will not come to power in the state, he cautioned.

Hegde called upon the party workers to change their attitude on Mahatma Gandhiji's 'Three wise monkeys', which represents the principles - see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. "BJP has workers, who follow these principles. Those who do not agree to change the attitude can keep away from the party. BJP will not be harmed if cultured cowards quit," Hegde said.

Questioning Siddaramaiah's culture, Hegde said, where was his culture when he criticised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and B S Yeddyurappa.

Arrest of Simha

Speaking about the arrest of MP Pratap Simha in connection with the Hanuma Jayanti, he said, "If the incident was reported in Uttar Kannada, the whole district would have been burnt. BJP workers there have that power. Do you have that power?" he asked the Mysuru district party workers.

BJP workers protest

BJP workers, including Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shoba Karandlaje, staged a protest against the state government, condemning the arrest of Pratap Simha. Nearly 200 party workers gathered near Gandhi Square and raised slogans against the CM and government.

MP Shoba Karandlaje said people will teach a lesson to Siddaramaiah in the next election. BJP district (rural) president M Shivanna said, Hanuma Jayanti is being celebrated for 25 years without any problem. "We will organise the celebration again," he said.