BJP MLA backs statehood demand for N.Ktka but later retracts

Hours after backing those demanding separate statehood for North Karnataka leaving his party embarrassed, BJP MLA B Sriramulu today retracted his statement,saying he never supported division of the state.

Much to the state BJPleadership's embarrassment, Sriramulu told reporters earlier that he would support those who gave a bandh call on August 2 demanding separate statehood for the region.

"We will not keep quite if injustice is meted out to North Karnataka. We the MLAs from North Karnataka are holding discussions. Just wait and watch, what we will do next. Like separate Telangana, this (movement) will also become a big 'revolution'.

The coalition government has ignored North Karnataka. Chief Minister Kumaraswamy is practising the politics of partiality," Sriramulu said at Ballari.

As the party disapproved of his stand, he retracted, saying he actually meant that it was unfortunate that demand for separate statehood to northKarnataka has been made.

"It is unfortunate that the struggle for separate statehood has begun due to the step-motherly attitude of the coalition government," Sriramulu said in a statement.

He said present day Karnataka was unified due tothe sacrifices of people like Chennabasappa, Haraginadoni Sanna Basavanagouda and Ramzan Saab from Ballari.

"It is far from truth that I, the one who belongs to the same district (Ballari), would support a separate state. I have huge respect for unified Karnataka. Without discriminating between east, west, north and south, I believe in one Karnataka."