KTK minister accuses BJP of stoking separatist sentiments

Karnataka Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar today accused BJP of trying to fuel separatist sentiments, as he termed the demand for separate north Karnataka state as a "conspiracy" for political gains.

The senior Congress leader also said the coalition government was committed for the all round development of "akhanda Karnataka" (united Karnataka).

"There is no question of Congress or JD(S) supportingseparate state demand, it is united Karnataka.

BJP is trying to do it. I appeal....this is a progressive state, the statecommands respect at the national and international level," Shivakumar said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said "Some people for political gains are speaking about it as they are getting opportunity to speak in front of media. It is a conspiracy todivide the state.I condemn it."
The minister came to Kumaraswamy's defence over his allegedremarks questioning people and farmers of north Karnataka for not voting his party, by saying "the chiefminister was analysing about where JD(S) did not get votes."
Claiming that outsiders and not real farmers were part of the march, he said "just by wrapping themselves with green towel, people cannot become farmers."