BENGALURU, 14 APRIL

JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy's comment that women in rural areas have "lost their way" because of the five guarantee schemes introduced by Congress government in Karnataka, has elicited sharp reactions from the ruling party.

Some women Congress workers staged a protest with "Go back Kumaraswamy" slogans and placards in Mandya, where Kumaraswamy is contesting the Lok Sabha elections.

With Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also attacking him over his comments, Kumaraswamy sought to clarify by stating he was only cautioning the womenfolk about their "innocence being misused" by Congress administration in the name of guarantee schemes and that he did not insult them.

Sharply reacting to Kumaraswamy's remark, Siddaramaiah in Madikeri on Sunday said it shows his mindset and his feelings for women.

Clarifying on his statement, Kumaraswamy said Congress doesn't have anything else to discuss about him other than this.

"What I said yesterday is, in the name of guarantees, attempts are being made to mislead you - the innocent women from villages. I told them -- without giving you strength, they (Congress) are trying to keep you in a position where you seek alms, and be aware of it, without losing your way...," he said. PTI