BJP MP takes on JD(S)-Cong combine

New Delhi: A BJP MP on Wednesday pilloried the JD (S)-Congress combine in Karnataka, saying Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy was "consuming poison" to remain in power while the Congress was feeding him venom to extract more control and authority in the state. 

Participating in a debate in the Lok Sabha on drought and floods in different parts of the country, Pratap Simha, a first-time MP from Mysore, said "the Karnataka chief minister has said he is consuming poison, but he is doing that to stay in power. 

The Congress is feeding him more venom to get more authority and control over power (in the state)." His jibe was aimed at Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who had reportedly said earlier in July that he was like Lord Shiva who drank poison. 

The Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) had entered into an alliance to keep the BJP at bay. Simha's statement evoked sharp reactions from the Congress, especially from the MPs belonging to Karnataka. 

Defending Simha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said he was a young lawmaker who seldom speaks in the House. 

Simha also said that the people of Tamil Nadu should be thankful to the people of his constituency (Mysore) as the Cauvery River originates there. 

The issue of distribution of Cauvery water is an emotive issue for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu which have been locked in a long-drawn battle over water-sharing.