Blurb: Minister M. B. Patil criticises Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, questioning his stand on supporting BJP candidates and alleging plans to rejoin the party after bypoll campaigning

Vijayapura

Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M. B. Patil, on Monday strongly criticised expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and questioned his position on supporting BJP candidates in the upcoming by-elections.

Speaking to reporters in Vijayapura, Patil said Yatnal, who has often targeted former Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa and BJP state president B. Y. Vijayendra, should clearly explain how he can now support the party under Vijayendra’s leadership.

Patil said that if Yatnal truly has self-respect, he should not support BJP candidates. He pointed out that the party is contesting the bypolls under Vijayendra’s leadership, raising doubts over Yatnal’s intentions.

He further questioned why Yatnal repeatedly criticises Vijayendra and refers to him as Yediyurappa’s son, while at the same time expressing support for the party. According to Patil, this shows a contradiction in Yatnal’s stand.

The minister also alleged that Yatnal is trying to campaign for the BJP during the by-elections as part of a plan to return to the party later. Patil claimed that Yatnal may use his campaign efforts as a reason to seek re-entry by approaching BJP leaders again.

Despite the political developments, Patil expressed confidence that his party would win the by-elections. He added that if BJP candidates lose in key constituencies like Davanagere and Bagalkot, Vijayendra could face removal from the post of state president.

Patil’s remarks have added fresh tension to the ongoing political scenario ahead of the bypolls in the state.