Facing flak over the twin attacks on churches in Karnataka, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Tuesday said he suspected the hand of an "organised group" which was trying to tarnish the image of the BJP government.

Speaking to media after the Republic Day function here, he said "I am aware of the incidents. Since these incidents have happened before the Republic Day, I suspect some organised group is trying to tarnish the image of the
government which is working for the welfare of the people."

Two churches were attacked and the statue of Mother Mary damaged yesterday in Mysore and in Uttara Kannada District.

Yeddyurappa said he had spoken to the police on the attacks on the churches, and assured that action would be taken against the culprits.

"We are committed to protecting the interest of the minorities," he said.

His comments came after Governor H R Bhardwaj in his Republic Day address said that it was the "constitutional duty of every government to deal with heavy hand the forces who tend to disturb communal peace and harmony".