Virajpet MLA & Karnataka Assembly speaker, K.G.Bopaiah lost his cool with  the reporters who queried him about his opposition to the World Hertiage sites in Coorg.

According to Deccan Herald; Bopaiah made his displeasure with UNESCO quite evident and shot back stating:

“I will soon write to the authorities concerned condemning the move. Forest is our base, we were born there. Our ancestors have protected the forest for many years. People of Kodagu need not be taught how to protect the forest,”

As reporters hard pressed him on his opposition and ignoring the benefits of being a World Heritage site. Bopaiah said;

“Give us a separate state and we will show you how to protect the forest.”

Matters escalated when a overenthusiastic reporter tried to drag the all the Coorgs into the reporting repertoire and asked Bopaiah;

“Whether Kodavas considered Kodagu their private property?”

Bopaiah hit back stating;

“Yes, it is our private property… I speak like this only”

Not wasting time in taking advantage of the situation, the Karnataka State Congress President told reporters;

“We are in a federal system. Bopaiah who holds a responsible position shouldn’t be making provocative statements, which could divide the State. Bopaiah should apologise to the people of the State. The Congress will take up the matter in the Assembly,”

According to a report in DNA, Bopaiah has clarified his stance and said he had not made any divisive statement while talking about preservation of forests.