BJP leader and former Karimnagar Mayor Y. Sunil Rao on Monday accused BRS leader and Karimnagar MLA Gangula Kamalakar of making reprehensible comments that amounted to inciting ‘secessionist tendencies’ and ‘regional hatred’, detrimental to the unity of India.

In a statement, Mr. Sunil said, “Mr. Kamalakar in an interview with a TV news channel on Saturday made highly objectionable comments obliquely supporting a movement for a separate nation for south India.”

“He must tender an unconditional apology to the nation and withdraw the sinister comments,” Mr. Sunil said, adding, “Every citizen should condemn such divisive remarks to protect the hard-won independence and sovereignty and integrity of India.”