Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 6 (ANI): Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has slammed the BJP over its criticism of the state government's proposed Anti-Communal Task Force and accused the party of fostering communal tensions in the state.

'Whatever BJP wants to do, let them be held accountable for it. How did places like Mangaluru's Karavali and the coastal belt become a laboratory for Hindutva?' Kharge asked.

'How many BJP members are being murdered? It is the poor and backward communities who are getting caught up in this. Why is this vicious cycle of revenge killings happening? Because they (BJP) bred this,' he added.

He was answering a query on BJP's criticism of the proposed Anti-Communal Task Force to be set up by the state government.

Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara had said that the state government will set up Anti-Communal Task Force (ACTF) in the wake of incidents of communal violence in Dakshina Kannada and Udipi districts. He said ACTF would be set up on the lines of the Anti-Naxal Force.

Parameshwara said on Saturday that eight people have been arrested in connection with the Suhas Shetty murder case.

'Around eight people involved in the murder of Suhas Shetty have been arrested. For many years, the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have drawn the attention of the state and the nation due to incidents rooted in communal tensions. This time, too, after the incident, it was feared that communal tensions would resurface, but the police did not allow that to happen,' Parameshwara said at a press conference.

'We will not tolerate any kind of communal forces. Our government is committed to maintaining peace in the area. We are actively investigating these incidents. We will establish an Anti-Communal Task Force similar to our anti-Naxal force. This will be a separate wing with comprehensive authority to address communal activities and those who support them. We have instructed officers to take strict action against anyone who delivers provocative speeches or statements,' Parameshwara added. (ANI)