Gowda denies words were directed at Karnataka chief minister

Hours after launching a personal attack against Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, former prime minister HD Deve Gowda went into damage control mode denying that his 'angry' words were directed at the Karnataka chief minister.

Offering clarifications over a regional channel, Gowda said, "If they (his remarks) have hurt Yeddyurappa, I express my regret."

Gowda's outburst drew a strong reaction from Yeddyurappa, who said he was "deeply hurt", and was surprised that the former prime minister had "stooped to using such foul language."

Yeddyurappa said Gowda was "desperate to hit out at me," adding, "He has lost his mental balance".

State BJP unit chief Sadananda Gowda demanded an apology from Gowda, and said the party would contemplate legal action.     

"No one would expect such behaviour from a person who had held the post of prime minister," he said.

Ramchandra Gowda, minister for medical education, demanded that Gowda immediately withdraw his remarks and condemned the use of "such unparliamentary words."

Farmers leader Kodhalli Chandrasekhar denounced the remarks made by Gowda. "The words used by Deve Gowda do not befit the offices he held. He perhaps said it in a fit of anger."