BJP – Yatnal Clarifies Stand Ahead of Karnataka Council Polls
BJP – Expelled BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has made it clear that he intends to support the Bharatiya Janata Party in the upcoming Karnataka Legislative Council elections, asserting that his decision is guided by political ethics and loyalty to the mandate he received from voters.
The former BJP MLA shared his position through a statement posted on social media platform X on Thursday. He revealed that he had formally communicated his stand to BJP Karnataka in-charge Nitin Nabin through a written letter.
Letter Sent to BJP Leadership
In his statement, Yatnal said he wanted to remove any doubts regarding his role in the forthcoming election process. He stressed that he should not be viewed as a dissenter or someone working against the party’s interests.
According to Yatnal, the people of Vijayapura elected him when he contested under the BJP symbol, and he therefore considers it his responsibility to support the party in the Legislative Council election. He maintained that his vote would remain with the BJP despite his expulsion from the organisation.
Decision Based on Political Commitment
The senior Karnataka politician emphasized that his support for the party is rooted in political morality rather than any personal ambition. He rejected suggestions that backing the BJP in the Council election could be interpreted as an attempt to regain influence within the party structure.
Yatnal stated that the electoral mandate he received while representing the BJP creates a moral obligation for him to stand by the party during the voting process. He underlined that his decision should not be linked to any efforts aimed at returning to a formal position within the BJP.
Recent Protest Over Hijab Policy
Earlier this month, Yatnal was involved in a protest against the Karnataka government’s decision concerning the wearing of hijabs by students in educational institutions. On June 5, police detained him along with several supporters during demonstrations linked to the issue.
The incident occurred near Darbar College, where Yatnal and his supporters reportedly attempted to distribute saffron shawls to students. Authorities intervened after tensions escalated amid protests surrounding the government’s order on dress-related permissions in schools and colleges.
The police action drew attention across the state as the debate over religious attire in educational institutions continued to generate political discussion.
Expulsion From BJP Last Year
Yatnal’s latest remarks come more than a year after the BJP expelled him from the party for six years. The disciplinary action was announced by the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee in March last year.
The committee stated that repeated violations of party discipline led to the decision. According to the official communication issued at the time, the leadership had taken note of multiple instances in which Yatnal allegedly failed to comply with party guidelines despite receiving previous warnings.
The letter also noted that earlier assurances regarding his conduct had not resulted in improvement, prompting the party to remove him from its primary membership with immediate effect. In addition to the suspension of membership, he was stripped of any party responsibilities he held at that time.
Political Significance Ahead of Elections
Yatnal’s declaration is being viewed as an important development ahead of the Karnataka Legislative Council elections. While he remains outside the BJP’s formal organisational structure, his decision to vote in favour of the party signals continued alignment with the political platform under which he was elected.
The statement is expected to draw attention within Karnataka’s political circles as parties prepare for the upcoming electoral contest.