BJP blames Cong, JDS for M' lore incident

Agencies

Nagpur: Responding to the kidnapping episode of Kerala CPM legislator''s daughter Shruti and her Muslim friend in Mangalore allegedly by saffaron members, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa blamed Congress and JDS for hatching a conspiracy to tarnish the image of his government in Karnataka.

"Keeping in mind the coming Lok Sabha elections in the state, the opposition Congress and JDS have hatched a conspiracy to bring a bad name to my government as they are unable to digest its popularity," Yeddyurappa,who is in the city to attend the BJP's National Executive, said.

Yedyyurappa charged opposition parties with trying to create an atmosphere of fear and confusion in the state.

Describing the episode as a "minor incident", Yeddyurappa hit out at Union Ministers for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury, for her comments that there was a 'breakdown' of law and order in Karnataka.

Yeddyurappa said he has directed police to take stringent action against those responsible for the kidnap of Shruthi, daughter of Manjeshwar CPM MLA C K Kunhambu and pointed out that two persons have already been arrested in this connection.

A search was on to nab the remaining accused, he said and warned that those who try to take the law into their hands would be dealt with sternly.