Panaji, Apr 16 (PTI): A senior Karnataka minister has stoked a controversy by suggesting a retaliatory action against Goan IT professionals staying in Bengaluru if Goa government goes ahead with its drive to demolish illegal hutments at Baina beach in Vasco, which he said is aimed at "harassing" the Kannada settlers.

"If you start harassing people from Karnataka in Goa then do not forget that there are 15,000 to 20,000 Information Technology professionals working in Bengaluru," Karnataka Higher Education and Tourism Minister R V Deshpande told reporters after calling upon Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar here today.

Deshpande was apparently disturbed over the Parsekar government's move to demolish illegal hutments at the beach, which are mostly occupied by people from Karnataka.

The senior minister accused the Parsekar-led BJP government of singling out Kannada people in it's action.

"There are so many huts. But only those of Karnataka people are being demolished. Government has already cut their electricity and water supply," the minister said, adding such an action will adversely impact the relations between Goa and Karnataka.

Meanwhile, Goa CM Parsekar rubbished Deshpande's allegations, saying the action is not selective.

"The action is entirely against illegal hutments. They are demanding rehabilitation package. But we cannot have rehabilitation only for these people. We will have to work out an overall package for people across the state," the CM said while appealing to Deshpande not to politicise the issue.

Parsekar said people living in those hutments are not only from Karnataka but also from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu besides some locals.

Responding to Deshpande's comments hinting at eviction of the Goan IT professionals from Bengaluru, Parsekar said Goans do not live in hutments in Bengaluru illegally, "but they live in proper flats which are legal."