The suspension of Basanagouda Patil R. Yatnal from the BJP is a “conspiracy” by party State president B.Y. Vijayendra and his father and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Sri Basava Jaya Mrutyunjay swami, seer of Kudalasangama Panchamasali Mutt, said in Belagavi on Thursday.
The community members who held a meeting at Belagavi decided to set a deadline of April 10 for the BJP to revoke the suspension, failing which, it will organise a protest in Belagavi on April 13.
“Mr. Yediyurappa has betrayed the Panchamasali community earlier also. He became the Chief Minister after promising us that we will be re-categorised into backward classes 2A from 3B. But he did not fulfil his assurances. Now, he and his son have hatched a conspiracy to oust Mr. Yatnal from the party,’‘ the seer said.
The seer said that the Panchamasali community, which is the largest sub group among Lingayats, has played a decisive role in all elections after J.H. Patel’s tenure as Chief Minister. The seer gave a call to all Panchamasali MLAs, MP, and Ministers in the BJP to write to their high command in support of Mr. Yatnal.
Meanwhile, BJP leader B. Sriramulu maintained that the BJP would benefit if it reconsiders the decision to expel Mr. Yatnal. Ramesh Jarkiholi, BJP MLA and former Minister, considered a rebel leader in the State BJP, said the expulsion is “unfortunate” but will be revoked soon.
Published – March 27, 2025 09:30 pm IST