Hitting back at former Prime Minister H D Devegowda for using unparliamentary language against him, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today said the JD-S chief had not only insulted him but the entire people of the state and asked him to stop "provoking" him.
"Gowda has not only insulted me, but also six crore people of Karnataka. I am hurt by the remarks made against me yesterday," Yeddyurappa told reporters here a day after the former prime minister's outburst replete with expletives created a political furore in the state.
Yeddyurappa said Gowda was hurling abuses at others "taking advantage of the former prime minister status.He talks lightly about the Chief Minister, the Advocate General."
In a warning, he said, "I can also make similar caustic remarks. But I won't do that. Let him stop provoking me."
Yeddyurappa, however, ruled out any legal action against the JDS chief, remarking sarcastically: "Gowda himself is a legal expert. What legal action can I take".
"Gowda has capacity to project a falsehood as truth. He is trying to mislead farmers. But he will not succeed", Yeddyurappa said taking a swipe at the former prime minister's charge that excess land was being granted to Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise (NICE).
Gowda made the remarks over the controversial Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Project, promoted by NICE, during a farmers' stir against NICE at Hemmigepura village near here.
"Who is this Yeddyurappa? Bas...D. Who the hell does Yeddyurappa think he is? Does he have any shame," Gowda had said in the controversial remarks.