(Eds: Updating with more BJP reactions) Bengaluru, Oct 13 (PTI) Karnataka minister R Roshan Baigwas at the centre of a controversy today for hurling anexpletive at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering an angryreaction from the BJP which demanded his resignation.
Baig made the remark in his address to Congress workersof Pulikeshinagar assembly constituency, which has a largeTamil population, in the city three days ago.
It stirred a huge controversy as the video clipping ofhis speech, delivered in Tamil, was aired by TV channels heretoday.
"When Modi was voted to power as prime minister, hissupporters said he is our son. But, now what has happened? Hebanned Rs 1000 note. Banned Rs 500 note. Now, these very samepeople are chiding him," he said and went on to use anexpletive.
Continuing further, Baig said "...it is not theCongressmen, but Gujaratis and Marwaris, who had supportedBJP, who are saying this." The remarks of Baig, who is the urban developmentminister, drew flak from a furious BJP.
State BJP President B S Yeddyurappa described the remarkas "derogatory by all standards" and said it was an insult notonly of the prime minister but 125 crore Indians.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah must not allow Baig tocontinue in the cabinet even for a moment and he must beimmediately removed, Yeddyurappa said in a statement.
Flaying Baig for using abusive language, state BJPincharge Muralidhar Rao said the Congress leaders, includingRahul Gandhi, talk about parliamentary system, but useunparliamentary language.
"They don't know how to use good language. From RahulGandhi to Roshan Baig, why have they taken time to disown (theremarks). They talk about parliamentary system, but useunparliamentary language," he told reporters here.
BJP's Lok Sabha member Shobha Karandlaje said Baig'sremark was only a manifestation of the "Congress culture".
She said Baig should apologise and the chief ministershould drop him from the ministry.
Former Prime Minister and JDS chief H D Deve Gowda saidhe disapproved of the expletive used by Baig.
"Whatever may be one's emotions...one should not crossthe limits...one should speak about issues and mind thelanguage used," he said. PTI BDN RA RCAKK.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.