Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal hints at forming new regional party in Karnataka

He ruled out going back to the JD(S), or joining the Congress, which he termed ‘a pro-Muslim party’.

Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who has been expelled by the BJP for six years on the charge of indiscipline, has hinted at forming a new regional party if the dominance of the family of former chief minister B. S. Yediyurappa continues in the BJP unit in Karnataka. He told reporters in Vijayapura on March 30 that the new party would focus on Hindutva and comprehensive development of northern Karnataka.

“Mr. Yediyurappa and his son B. Y. Vijayendra are not only corrupt, but are also engaged in adjustment politics. They have failed to protect Hindutva activists in Karnataka,” he said.

“Karnataka needs a strong leader like Yogi Adityanath or Himanta Biswa Sarma who will run the State on the principles of Hindutva. It also needs an honest chief minister. If I become the CM, I will complete all pending irrigation projects at a far lower cost than the present estimates,” he said.

He has set a deadline till Vijaya Dashami festival to form his own party. “I will consider quitting the BJP and forming a new party if the BJP high command does not rid the party of the Yediyurappa family. If the BJP high command in its wisdom, makes the party free of Mr. Yediyurappa and his children, then I will go back to the BJP. Or else, I will chart my own path,” he said.

He ruled out going back to the JD(S), or joining the Congress, which he termed ‘a pro-Muslim party’.

“The common man is feeling the need for a new political force in the State that focuses on issues like Hindutva and development of northern Karnataka. We do not know if this is the feeling of a few people or if it is a widespread feeling. First, we will ascertain if the feeling is widespread by conducting online and offline surveys. I will tour the State extensively. I will try to visit each taluk. I will meet Hindutva activists and my supporters everywhere. I will take a decision by Vijaya Dashami, if the BJP accepts my condition of removing the control of Mr Yediyurappa and his children on the party,” Mr Yatnal said.

Earlier, he performed pooja and a homa, and gau pooja (cow worship) in the Sri Siddeshwar temple in Vijayapura in the presence of his family members and some of his followers.