Udupi : Union Minister of State for Skill Development Anantkumar Hegde should stop making “cheap and reckless” statements against other political parties said, S.L. Bhoje Gowda, MLC and JD(S) leader on Saturday here.

Addressing presspersons here, Mr. Gowda said Mr. Hegde was a Union Minister and was expected to maintain some dignity. “Instead of making cheap remarks, he should learn to control his tongue. It is wrong to describe Opposition parties as monkeys and foxes. We too have a sharp tongue; we too can reply with equal vitriol, but we do not,” he said.

On B.S. Yeddyurappa asking his party leaders to wean away Congress and JD(S) MLAs to the BJP, Mr. Gowda said it was wrong on the former Chief Minister’s part to encourage defection of MLAs. “He should realise that the Congress and the JD(S) together commanded a majority in the Legislative Assembly and formed a coalition government. He should not try to destabilise the government,” he said.

On the differences cropping up in the Congress-JD(S) government, he said it was common to have some differences in a coalition. “It is like differences that crop up between husband and wife, which are always resolved. In spite of doubts in some quarters, the government will complete its five-year term,” Mr. Gowda said.