After BJP Expulsion, K'taka MLA Yatnal Meets Congress Leader, Patil Denies Any Association
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Synopsis
BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal met Congress leader Anil Kumar following his expulsion. Minister M.B. Patil denied any connection between Yatnal and the Congress party, emphasizing that past derogatory remarks make Yatnal unwelcome. Yatnal continues to criticize the BJP leadership while his supporters seek to revoke his suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Basanagouda Patil Yatnal met with Anil Kumar amidst speculation of joining the Congress.
- M.B. Patil confirmed Yatnal has not applied for Congress membership.
- Past derogatory remarks against a community hinder Yatnal’s acceptance.
- Yatnal is openly critical of BJP leaders, indicating potential rifts.
- His supporters are urging BJP to lift his suspension.
Bengaluru, March 31 (NationPress) After being expelled from the BJP for six years, MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal met with Anil Kumar, the Dharwad Rural Congress District President, at a private hotel in Dharwad on Monday. The meeting reportedly lasted nearly two hours. However, a senior Congress leader has denied any affiliation between the expelled BJP member and the party.
When questioned about the chances of Yatnal joining the Congress, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, dismissed the notion, stating, "MLA Yatnal has not submitted any application to us, and it is not suitable for me to comment on this issue."
Patil further elaborated, "Even if Yatnal were to apply for membership, he would not be welcomed in the Congress due to his past actions where he targeted and ridiculed a particular community based on his whims."
He continued, "Yatnal's prior derogatory remarks make it challenging to consider his application. However, the ultimate decision lies with State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and the party's high command. Nevertheless, the issue is moot as Yatnal has not sought membership. "
Meanwhile, Yatnal has maintained his harsh criticism of BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra and his father, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa.
His supporters have convened and decided to appeal to the BJP leadership to lift his suspension. Yatnal has also hinted at the possibility of forming a new political party.
Senior BJP leader and Raitha Morcha President, A.S. Patil Nadahalli, has severely criticized Yatnal, calling him a "mouse."
During a media interaction at the BJP office in Bengaluru, Nadahalli remarked that Yatnal was a "media-created phenomenon."
"When he was expelled, only 2,000 to 3,000 people protested, and just two office bearers from Vijayapura district resigned in his favor. No widespread protests occurred. He claims to be the 'lion of Hindus,' but this is a media fabrication. Now, he must determine if he is genuinely a lion or merely a mouse," he sarcastically commented.
Nadahalli also questioned Yatnal’s political influence, stating, "In his own constituency, he failed to secure a lead for the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections. How can he contemplate starting a new party?"
"Rather than engaging in such discussions, we should concentrate on new projects and initiatives for the upcoming year. We are dedicated to strengthening the party based on Hindutva principles. Under Vijayendra's leadership, the BJP will achieve a majority in the next election," he asserted.
He further stated that the public would respond negatively to Yatnal for his sharp criticisms of Vijayendra and Yediyurappa.
"In 2023, seven of us from Vijayapura district lost, while Yatnal managed to win in the Assembly polls. During the Lok Sabha elections, a meeting was held that included all leaders except Yatnal. Yet, we ensured the victory of former CM Basavaraj Bommai.
"However, in Yatnal’s constituency, Congress gained a lead of 10,000 votes. We will ask Vijayendra to organize a large convention in Vijayapura, and we are confident about winning the local body elections. Yatnal’s threats will not be effective," he concluded.
