Expelled BJP MLA Yatnal gives outline for his proposed political outfit
Koppal (Karnataka), (PTI): BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who has been expelled from the party, gave an outline about his proposed political outfit here on Monday.
He also claimed that the BJP is not working for the Hindus anymore as it believes in "adjustment politics".
Yatnal, a leader from dominant Lingayat community, has been sacked for six years from his party for defiantly criticising former BJP chief minister and a Lingayat icon BS Yediyurappa and his son and state BJP chief BY Vijayendra. He repeatedly called their dominance in the party as "dynasty politics".
In what is seen as an attempt to give his party an identiy that transcends caste colours, he told reporters here, "We will not be limited to (projecting) Kittur Rani Channamma or Rayanna Brigade but we will work for (whole) Hindu community. We will take along everyone right from those who believe in Kittur queen Channamma, her army commander Sangolli Rayanna, Maharshi Valmiki and BR Ambedkar."
ALSO READ: Expelled BJP MLA Yatnal indicates possibility of launching 'Hindu party' in Karnataka
Speaking on his next move, Yatnal said, he will collect public opinion till Vijayadashami and then decide his next course of action.
"I will reach out to masses through social media to gather opinion. Today the BJP is not in favour of Hindus," the MLA said.
He accused the BJP leadership in Karnataka has an 'adjustment' with the Congress because "there are a lot of scams of former Chief Minister Yediyurappa and his son Vijayendra", who is the BJP state president.
Yatnal alleged that Yediyurappa and his family is protected due to the 'adjustment' politics.
"Had the State government fought the case seriously then Yediyurappa would have gone to jail. He has looted thousands of crores of rupees. He might have paid money but I will travel across Karnataka and gather public opinion for the future of Karnataka," the MLA said.
Yatnal on Monday met Congress Dharwad leader Anil Kumar giving rise to speculations.
The meeting assumes significance as the MLA sacked by his party had indicated on Sunday that he would launch a new political outfit if the party continues with B Y Vijayendra as the BJP state chief.
However, giving rest to speculations Yatnal said he has no plans to join the Congress.
"Neither in this birth, nor in the next one I will join Congress. Congress is a Muslim party, not a Hindu party," the expelled MLA said.
He alleged that Vijayendra and his team spread rumours about him.
Reacting to the possibility of Yatnal joining Congress, Karnataka Minister MB Patil, who is in charge of Vijayapura district, said it was highly unlikely.
"Even if he (Yatnal) applies for a membership in our party, it's difficult to induct him for his disparaging utterances against a community of particular faith," Patil told reporters.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
