Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Feb 27: Leader of the opposition in the state assembly, Siddaramaiah, has demanded for the cancellation of assembly membership of BJP MLA from Vijayapura, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, for insulting freedom fighter Doreswamy.
Speaking at a protest organized by the Congress on Wednesday near the Gandhi statue inside the Vidhana Sabha compound in protest against Yatnal's derogatory statement, Sidaramaiah demanded for immediate apology from Yatnal for his behaviour. He said if Yatnal does not express regret, the Congress will not allow the assembly proceedings to go on smoothly.
He said that the BJP leaders never participated in the freedom struggle and are committed to Godse culture. "Therefore, they are making contemptuous remarks about Gandhians. This attitude can neither be tolerated nor pardoned," he thundered. He felt that Yatnal was encouraged to deride Doreswamy by the Sangh Parivar. "Yatnal got the right to speak from the constitution. But he does have respect for the constitution," he reasoned.
Siddaramaiah noted that the assembly session will begin on March 2, and the Congress will fight seeking cancellation of Yatnal's membership and apology there. "Our fight will be resumed inside the assembly. Yatnal is unfit to remain in politics," he criticized.
Former minister, H K Patil, demanded apology from Yatnal and asked the BJP to condemn his statement an initiate disciplinary steps against him.
Doreswamy had on Tuesday, termed Doreswamy (102) as a fake freedom fighter who acts like Pakistani agent.
Yatnal stays firm: Yatnal, in response to the above demand, said that everyone knows about H S Doreswamy, who behaves like the mouthpiece of the Congress and the JD(S). He said that Doreswamy is a fake freedom fighter, and there is no question of withdrawing his statement.
Speaking to media persons at Vijayapura, Yatnal pointed out that Doreswamy, who keeps responding to various issues in the media, has not said anything about Amulya and others who raised pro-Pakistani slogans. He said that because of people like him the behaviour of traitors in the state is exceeding tolerable limits. He said he does not get bogged down by the agitations or warnings of the Congress. "Congress will not gain anything by fighting against me. They better fight against those who get involved with anti-national activities," he advised.