Shimoga: In controversial comments, Deputy Chief Minister KS Eshwarappa said BJP would not hesitate to sever the tongues of those who try to divide the state on the basis of religion and caste.

“My party will cut the tongues of those who indulge in fissiparous activities, including division of the state on religion and caste basis,” he said at a function organised by the Maratha community here.

Eshwarappa said divisive politics is a bad precedent which disturbs the harmony of the state and stymies its growth.

He hailed the contributions of Chatrapathi (paramount sovereign) Shivaji and described him as a great national leader who helped unify society.

Shivaji was founder of the Maratha Empire, which lasted until 1818. He created an independent Maratha kingdom with Raigad as capital and was crowned chhatrapati of the Marathas in 1674.