Bengaluru, Oct. 29 -- In a tit-for tat, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday called Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma a "third- class crook", days after the latter called the former "first-class idiot" as the two leaders continue to spar amid controversy surrounding the setting up of semi-conductor industries in two BJP-ruled states instead of Bengaluru.

Priyank Kharge sparked controversy with remarks questioning the decision to set up semiconductor industries in Assam and Gujarat instead of Bengaluru, asking, "What is there in Gujarat and Assam? Is there talent there?"

His comments, made on Sunday, have drawn sharp backlash from political opponents, who accused him of insulting other states.

Kharge told reporters, "It...