Yeddyurappa tells Goa minister to apologise, JD(S) slams Palyekar

Goa Water Resources Minister Vinod Palyekar's comments calling Kannadigas 'harami' (illegitimate or bastard) continued to draw condemnation from political leaders in the state on Monday.

BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa sought an unconditional apology from Palyekar over his remarks. "I strongly condemn and demand an unconditional apology from Goa Forward Party leader and Goa Water Resources Minister Vinod Palyekar for his derogatory remarks and insulting Kannadigas," Yeddyurappa tweeted.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday had taken to Twitter to express his displeasure. JD(S) state president H D Kumarawamy said that it was irresponsible on the part of the minister to insult Kannadigas just to impress the people of Goa. Members of the Youth Congress staged a protest at Mahatma Gandhi statue on Race Course Road to condemn Palyekar's remarks.

Speaking to reporters in another part of the city, JD(S) national president H D Deve Gowda said he had repeatedly brought the Mahadayi river water dispute with Goa to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I do not know why he is hesitating to take the issue forward," he said.