Karnataka maybe the No 1 state in the country in attracting investments is concerned , but the political campaign in the state is hitting a feverish pitch. A day after Amit Shah kicked off the next phase of Parivartana Yatra on Wednesday Chief Minister Siddaramaiah triggered a political controversy after he compared the BJP, RSS and Bajrang Dal to terrorists and extremists.

Siddaramaiah who was speaking to reporters at a helipad in Chamarajnagar on Wednesday made the statement. “”They are themselves like terrorists in a way. BJP, RSS and Bajrang Dal also have terrorists within,” he said. He made the comment in response to a question on the action taken against Popular Front of India (PFI) for the alleged murder of Hindu activist Rudresh in 2016.

Siddaramaiah added that those who indulge in violence will not be spared. “Whether it is the Popular Front of India (PFI), Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), Bajarang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad or any other organisation… if they indulge in disturbing harmony and brotherhood in the society, and spread communalism, they will not be tolerated,” he said.

The BJP top brass came down heavily on the Karnataka Chief minister on Thursday and sought to draw a parallel between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Hafiz Saeed, the founder of terror outfit LeT, saying the Congress leader in his attack on the BJP and the RSS echoed Hafiz Saeed’s views.

“Desperation and frustration of Siddaramaiah is evident. For vote bank politics, he is making senseless charges against the BJP and the RSS, and echoing views of Hafiz Saeed who considers India, BJP, RSS terrorists,” BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said, seeking his apology.

GVL Narsimha Rao wondered if the Congress leader would join Saeed’s new party after polls. Pakistan-based Saeed had recently announced to launch his own political party.

While the polls are yet to be formally announced , the shrill political pitch is a clear indicator that like in Gujarat , even in Karnataka it will be the religious divide which will lead the campaign strategy.