Yatnal lashes out at BJP leadership in Karnataka
Vijayapura, June 23 (UNI) In a blistering attack on the BJP's state leadership, suspended BJP leader and senior MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal on Monday hinted at launching or joining a new political outfit, citing deepening disillusionment with the party's direction and alleged dynastic politics.
Addressing reporters, Yatnal declared, "I am fighting this battle alone. One day, this isolation will become my strength — and I will become the Chief Minister of Karnataka. That could happen with BJP's support or even through a new party."
Strongly opposing the elevation of BY Vijayendra, son of veteran leader BS Yediyurappa, Yatnal warned that pushing forward one family would spell doom for the BJP in Karnataka. "If Vijayendra continues to be projected, I will seriously reconsider my position. We will not follow a party that runs on dynasty," he said.
Referring to Bihar politics, he said, "Nitish Kumar has just 30 MLAs and BJP has 80 — yet he's CM. I may have only 14, but with the right situation, I too can become CM."
In a scathing critique of the Congress leadership, Yatnal alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar's caste census politics was hollow and divisive. "Their claim of caste justice is a lie. Real social justice is about giving benefits to poor Hindus, Dalits — not vote-bank appeasement like 15% reservation for Muslims," he said.
He also rejected any speculation of warming up to Congress, saying his ideology was firmly rooted in Hindutva. "Our politics must be Hindu-centric. Karnataka needs a system built on Hindutva values — not appeasement, not fake caste narratives," he said.
Yatnal further alleged massive corruption among Karnataka's political elite. "Leaders are building assets in Dubai, Muscat, and Singapore while farmers and their children suffer. Go see the 4-star hotels in Shivamogga — who owns them? The people know," he remarked, in a veiled swipe at the Yediyurappa family.
He also revealed that several senior leaders from both the BJP and Congress had reached out to him, suggesting the formation of a new party. "People say, forget BJP, forget Congress — let's start something new. But I won't take such a bold decision rashly," he clarified.
Reiterating his loyalty to the BJP at the national level, Yatnal said he wants Narendra Modi to return as Prime Minister and Yogi Adityanath to succeed him. However, he asserted that "if Vijayendra remains the face of BJP in Karnataka, we will not be part of it."
On not attending Vijayendra's wedding, he said, "I did not attend. That is my principle. I have no contact with them."
He warned: "If this continues, BJP's future in Karnataka will be in jeopardy. We will then chart our own course — with a new party, a new vision, and a Hindutva foundation."
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