Yeddyurappa sworn in as Karnataka CM: Rahul, Shah trade charges; updates

The political battle over Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader B S Yeddyurappa taking oath as Karnataka Chief Minister intensified on Thursday with both Congress and BJP accusing each other of 'murdering democracy'.

The Congress on Wednesday had termed Karnataka Governor's decision to invite BJP to form government as "murder of democracy and trampling of Constitution".

Responding to the accusation, BJP President Amit Shah today said, "The 'Murder of Democracy' happens the minute a desperate Congress made an 'opportunist' offer to the JD(S), not for Karnataka's welfare but for their petty political gains. Shameful!."

Addressing a rally in Chhatisgarh's Raipur, Congress President Rahul Gandhi launched a fresh attack on BJP-led government in the Centre saying Constitution was under "severe attack" in the country where an atmosphere of fear prevailed.

He also compared the current state of democratic institutions with those of Pakistan. "RSS is making way into all institutions in the country. Aisa Pakistan ya tanashahi mein hota hai (such things happen in Pakistan)," Rahul Gandhi said.