Daijiworld Media Network - Vijayapura

Vijayapura, March 30: Despite being expelled from the BJP just before the Ugadi festival, Vijayapura MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal is making waves by unveiling plans for a new political party rooted in Hindutva ideology. Even as his expulsion has been described as a bitter blow, Yatnal is sweetening the deal for his supporters by announcing the possibility of a new party, a move that has created a buzz in political circles. He revealed that he will consult with his workers and take a final call on the party's formation soon.

After his unexpected expulsion while in Delhi, Yatnal returned to his hometown to celebrate the festival, involving himself in religious rituals at the Siddeshwar Temple. Following a homa (sacred fire ritual), he told the media: "Our workers are adamant about forming a new party based on Hindutva. We will start collecting public opinion shortly, and based on the feedback, we will take the next steps. If the people decide that a new Hindutva party is the way forward, I will establish it."

Addressing the reason for his expulsion, Yatnal firmly denied any acts of indiscipline within the BJP, asserting, "I have not shown any indiscipline towards the party. If anyone has proof of such behaviour, let it be presented." He was quick to clarify that his battle had always been against BJP’s top brass, particularly Yeddyurappa and his son Vijayendra, accusing them of deep-rooted corruption. “My fight is not against BJP, but against the corruption led by Yediyurappa and Vijayendra. I will continue this struggle,” Yatnal said, emphasising that he had spoken out against the "dynastic politics" and corruption that he claims have tainted the party.

Yatnal further revealed that BJP lost several constituencies in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections because of clandestine deals between Yediyurappa and Vijayendra, leading to the defeat of their own party candidates. “In constituencies like Davanagere and others, Yeddyurappa and Vijayendra made under-the-table deals, resulting in BJP candidates losing. Even in Chitradurga, there were efforts to bring down Govinda Karajol. Ironically, the very people who campaigned against him have now been made BJP district heads,” he stated.

In his strong commentary, Yatnal also lashed out at former ministers Ramesh Jarkiholi and Rajanna, accusing them of being embroiled in scandals, and urged the CBI to conduct a thorough investigation into these matters. He also alleged that D K Shivakumar was involved in these nefarious dealings.

In response to questions about the nature of his expulsion, with many wondering whether it was a “run-out” or “match-fixing”, Yatnal quipped, “I don’t know what happened, but from now on, I’m only focused on hitting sixes. No singles or doubles – just sixes. If the ball is bowled, it better cross the boundary.”

Yatnal made it clear that his struggle is not against the BJP as a whole, but solely against Yediyurappa and his son. “I will consult the people through a public opinion survey, and based on their response, I will take a firm decision on the formation of a new party,” he said, signalling that his political future may soon take a dramatic turn.

With his fiery rhetoric and bold plans, Yatnal’s next steps are sure to keep both his supporters and detractors watching closely.