Hegde, a five-time BJP MP from Uttara Kannada on Sunday asked people to “maim hands of those who touch Hindu women.” He also said that Taj Mahal was not built by Muslims and history was actual proof of this claim. Deploring and condemning his statements, Gundurao questioned Hegde’s contribution to Karnataka and his achievements as a minister.
Hegde retorted saying that the state Congress chief's only achievement was running behind a Muslim lady, an oblique reference to his wife Tabu Rao.
Gundurao said Hegde had stooped to such low levels by bringing in personal issues. “Guess he hasn’t learnt from our Hindu scriptures.”
Political opponents in the state have often dragged Tabu’s name to attack Gundurao and their inter-religious marriage. "Yes, I was born a Muslim, but we are proud Indians first...I have never made any personal remarks against any BJP leader and I strongly resent them using me as a pawn in their cheap politics, she said in a Facebook post.
On Monday, Rao told news agency ANI, "It's very sad that he (Hegde) talks like this. It's a very sad reflection on the type of people who hold top positions in this government. He always uses provocative language. That's probably what his party asks him to do."
Congress leader Sanjay Jha also seized the opportunity requesting people to vote the BJP out.