BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal
| Photo Credit: File photo
Reacting strongly to the BJP expelling him from primary membership for six years citing indiscipline, an unrepentant Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, MLA and rebel leader, on Wednesday alleged that the party had expelled him for speaking against dynastic politics and corruption.
Mr. Yatnal, who has raised a banner of revolt against veteran leader B.S. Yediyurappa and his son and BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra, quoted saint-poet Purandaradasa: “sathyavantarigidu kaalavalla (It is not the time for honest people.)”
Mr. Yatnal posted on social media platform X: “The party has expelled me for six years for speaking against dynastic politics, corruption and seeking reforms within the party, removing one upmanship and request to develop North Karnataka. The party has rewarded me for calling a spade a spade. Certain vested interests have played their part in furthering their agenda successfully.”
He declared that the decision to suspend him will not deter his fight against corruption, family politics and the cause of development of North Karnataka and Hindutva. “I will continue to serve my people with the same vigour and tenacity. I thank all the Karyakarthas, well-wishers, friends, acquaintances, seers, media, and my family, which has been a pillar of support, and the Almighty.”
Unfortunate, says Vijayendra
Minutes after the party central leadership announced expulsion of Mr. Yatnal, Mr. Vijayendra maintained that the disciplinary action was an “inevitable decision” made by the leadership after analysing the developments for a long time. In an obvious reference to Mr. Yatnal attacking him and his father, Mr. Vijayendra said he had exercised restrain and had desisted from complaining to the central leadership in this regard.
Terming the expulsion as “unfortunate”, he said he would not rejoice the action against Mr. Yatnal.
‘Strengthen party’
He would now go forward in strengthening the party organisation by taking all the leaders and party workers into confidence, Mr. Vijayendra said, and made it clear that all the senior leaders in the party had the right to correct him if he makes mistakes while executing his responsibilities as party State president.
“Let us work towards building an abundant Karnataka by bringing down the Congress government that is indulged in corruption and nepotism. Lets achieve this by standing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has a grand vision for the country’s development,” he said.
Published – March 26, 2025 09:48 pm IST