Karnataka BJP MLA Aravind Bellad on Friday kicked up a controversy with his "dead body takes more space" remarks over bringing back state native Naveen's mortal remains from war-torn Ukraine, drawing strong rebuke from the Congress which slammed the saffron party saying "cruelty" was its DNA.

Bellad has said the body of Naveen Shekarappa Gyanagouda, who was killed in shelling in Ukraine on March 1, would occupy space that could be utilised to evacuate 10 to 12 stranded people from the eastern European country, even as Congress leader Randeep Surejewala attacked the Centre over the evacuation plan to rescue Indians.