Senior BJP leader and Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister KS Eshwarappa said he stands by his Sunday’s remark that BJP workers have been told to hit back when rivals attack them. Even after his remark was criticised by some, KS Eshwarappa said he still stands by what he said. While Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai extended his support to KS Eshwarappa, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president DK Shivakumar accused the BJP of wanting to divide the nation.