Basavaraj Bommai

"It is unfortunate that she has to claim herself as a leader," he maintained. Talking to reporters, CM Bommai stated, he does not have any objections to her visit to the state. "However she had claimed that she is the leader in the posters and advertisements," he said.

Clarifying his statement, Siddaramaiah said, "I have asked him (Chief Minister) to show courage in the interest of the state. The Central government has not given enough funds for the development of the state rather it has been reduced. My statement was issued in this direction, it does not have any other objective."

"The government of Karnataka is fully committed to protecting every bit of its land," he declared in response to the resolution adopted by the Maharashtra Assembly on the Belagavi issue. The two states are locked in a confrontation over Belagavi which has substantial Marathi-speaking population in some pockets. The district which was part of Bombay Presidency was awarded to Karnataka in 1956 as part of the states reorganization process.

Speaking at a function organised to unveil the 108-feet tall bronze statue of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda -- the founder of Bengaluru -- by Prime Minister Narendra Modi near the airport on Friday, he said the Prime Minister has given two gifts to Karnataka.

Leader of Opposition in the legislative assembly Siddaramaiah has stayed away from this row. "I do not know why there was a lack of clarity in that party. Action must be taken against Satish if he fails to fall in line or else leaders must say they will vouch for it," CM Bommai demanded.

Jarkiholi, who is Secretary of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), stirred up a hornet's nest when he said that the word "Hindu" is of Persian origin and has a "dirty" meaning.

Attributing the controversy to Congress' 'Toolkit', CM Bommai said the the grand old party is an expert in creating lies. Denying that he had issued any instructions to distribute gifts to journalists, Bommai said that the Congress has no moral right to comment on the issue.

"Today, my cabinet has taken an historic decision of approving the ordinance on hiking the reservation for my brothers and sisters from SC/ST community from 15% to 17% and 3% to 7%, respectively. This historic decision will bring light and shine into their lives and uplift them by providing adequate opportunity in education and employment," CM Bommai said.

Talking to reporters in Huvinahadagali here, he said the court was seized of the Hijab controversy and the Supreme Court bench has given a split verdict - with one judge backing the ban and the other quashing it. CM Bommai said that he will give his reaction only after going through the judgement.

Talking to reporters here after chairing a meeting of leaders of both the Houses to discuss Justice Nagamohan Das Committee report over the hike for quota for the SCs/ STs, he said this has been long-pending demand to hike reservation on the basis of the population.