Did Karnataka Minister Submit Conditional Resignation to Speaker in a Challenge to MLA Yatnal?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shivanand S. Patil challenges Basanagouda Patil Yatnal with a conditional resignation.
- The resignation is intertwined with personal attacks and political rivalry.
- Yatnal's recent expulsion from BJP adds to the political drama.
- Patil's earlier comments on farmer suicides sparked controversy.
- Future electoral dynamics may shift significantly following these events.
Bengaluru, May 2 (NationPress) In a remarkable turn of events, Karnataka's Textile, Sugar, and APMC Minister, Shivanand S. Patil, has delivered a conditional resignation letter to the Assembly Speaker, U.T. Khader, on Friday, challenging MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal to do the same.
Currently representing the Basavana Bagewadi constituency in northern Karnataka, Patil has urged the Speaker to accept his resignation only if Yatnal also submits his resignation and it is officially accepted by the Speaker's office.
In his correspondence, the Minister remarked: "Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has claimed he will resign from his MLA position and stand against me in the elections for the Basavana Bagewadi seat, which I currently hold. I have accepted his challenge and intend to contest against him. In light of this, I am submitting my resignation and request that it be accepted only if MLA Yatnal's resignation is submitted and accepted as well."
Patil further noted that his resignation was influenced by Yatnal's derogatory remarks about his ancestors, elders, and family legacy.
Previously, the Minister hinted at his plans to run against Yatnal from the Vijayapura seat. In retaliation, Yatnal made offensive comments and dared him to face him in the elections. Yatnal also accused the Minister and his father of fabricating their family name for political gain.
Yatnal, a prominent Hindutva advocate, was recently expelled from the BJP for six years after a fallout with BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. He has yet to comment on this latest situation.
Patil had earlier stirred controversy by claiming that farmer suicides had risen following the government's decision to increase compensation for the families of the deceased. After facing public backlash, he clarified that his intent was not to offend farmers' emotions and urged the media to wait for the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports before covering such sensitive matters.