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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Congress to challenge Waqf bill's constitutionality in Supreme Court 'very soon'
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Friday said it will "very soon" challenge in the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 that has been passed in Parliament.
The opposition party also said it will continue to resist all "assaults" of the Modi government on the principles, provisions, and practices that are contained in the Constitution.
Parliament early Friday approved the Bill after the Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the contentious legislation following an over 13-hour debate.
In a post in Hindi on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "The atmosphere in the country regarding the Waqf Board Amendment Bill is such that it feels like this bill has been brought to harass minorities. Late at night in the Lok Sabha, when this bill was passed, it received 288 votes in favour and 232 votes against. Why did this happen? This means there are many flaws in the bill."
From this, one can guess that despite opposition from various parties, this bill was brought arbitrarily, he said.
"This 'might is right' -- won’t be good for anyone!" Kharge said.
In a post on X, AICC general secretary in-charge organisation Jairam Ramesh said, "The INC will very soon be challenging in the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the Wakf (Amendment) Bill."
"We are confident and will continue to resist all assaults of the Modi Govt on the principles, provisions, and practices that are contained in the Constitution of India," he said.
The discussion on the Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha witnessed staunch objections from opposition parties, which termed the Bill "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional" with the government responding that the "historic reform" would benefit the minority community.
The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing it. It was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.
Ramesh also said that the INC's challenge of the CAA, 2019 is being heard in the Supreme Court.
The INC's challenge of the 2019 amendments to the RTI Act, 2005 is being heard in the Supreme Court, he noted.
"The INC's challenge to the validity of the amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules (2024) is being heard in the Supreme Court.
"The INC's intervention to uphold the letter and spirit of the Places of Worship Act, 1991 is being heard in the Supreme Court," the Congress leader added.
The Waqf Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing it. It was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.
Parliament also approved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod. The Lok Sabha had already given its assent to the Bill.
