Expelled BJP MLA Yatnal indicates possibility of launching 'Hindu party' in Karnataka
Vijayapura (PTI): Basangouda Patil Yatnal, a rebel MLA recently expelled from BJP, indicated on Sunday the possibility of launching a new "Hindu party" in Karnataka if the saffron party decides to continue B Y Vijayendra as state President and supports his father B S Yediyurappa's "dynasty politics".
Asserting that he was not against BJP -- which he still regards as "mother"-- nor against PM Narendra Modi, the former union minister said, he and his associates will start gathering public opinion on the need for a new party, and indicated the possibility of it coming into existence on Vijayadashami.
He repeatedly said that he has been getting messages from Hindu workers across the state, asking to form a "Hindu party" in Karnataka, as Hindus here are not safe under the present state BJP, which he accused of having "adjustment" with CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar and other Congress leaders.
The BJP on Wednesday expelled Yatnal from the primary membership of the party for six years, for repeated violation of the party discipline.
"People who strongly advocate Hindutva are being suppressed in the party because of the selfishness of Yediyurappa's son, today even I'm suppressed because of the persistence of Vijayendra and Yediyurappa for the sake of their dynastic politics," Yatnal said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said that he still requests the party high command which is against the dynasty politics and corruption, that if they don't remove those indulging in adjustment politics, people of the state will lose faith in the BJP.
"If the high command decides to continue Vijayendra for the next term (as president) and the chief ministerial candidate for the next assembly polls, a time will come for the people of the state to take a strong decision for a new future for the development of the state, with people who are honest, not corrupt and those who protect Sanatana dharma," he added.
Noting that PM Modi repeatedly states in his speeches that there is no place for dynasty and adjustment politics and corruption in the BJP, Yatnal asked, "then why is Vijayendra still there? Vijayendra is corrupt and it is because of him Yediyurappa went to jail; There are allegations of forgery against him; his name is behind PSI and 40 per cent commission scam."
"If the party wants to continue with a family that is involved in several scams, the Hindus and Hindu karyakartas of this state will have to take a decision. We will start an awareness in this regard from today itself," he said.
People are suggesting building a new "Hindu party", as BJP couldn't protect Hindus now he said and cited instances of alleged attack on Hindu Karyakartas when Yediyurappa was the Chief Minister.
"Congress is a Muslim party, there is no need to speak about them, if BJP doesn't become Hindu party, the people of this state will make a historic decision. If you (BJP high command) give responsibility (of BJP) to Yediyurppa family BJP will face a humiliating defeat," he said, as he also accused Yediyurappa of betraying north Karnataka.
Making it clear that his fight was not against the BJP or PM Narendra Modi, Yatnal said, that if the country is secure today it is because of Modi he urged the party to give the state leadership to someone who is honest like Modi.
He asked the party leadership to come out of the feeling that there is no one else other than Yediyurappa and his family and that the dominant Veerashaiva-Lingayat community will go away from the party if the party decides against them.
Stating that he and his associates will get a survey done and gather public opinion regarding the need for a party that will protect the Sanatana Hindu dharma that is pro development -- especially north Karnataka-- Yatnal said the people have already come forward to give donations for the new party.
"Will abide by the decision of the people. We are not finding a future here (in BJP). Yediyurappa family is conspiring to sideline Hindu leaders. If the people opine in favour of formation of a new party in Karnataka, on Vijayadashami, we will hundred per cent launch a new political setup in the state," he said.
Asserting that he had not indulged in any act of indiscipline while asking for proof of his indiscipline, the grounds on which he was expelled, Yatnal said, he never criticized BJP or Modi or party's ideology and never voted against the party's official candidate, nor had attended any Congress or JD(S) meetings.
"I'm not anti-BJP, I'm anti-Yediyurappa as Yediyurappa has betrayed the people of north Karnataka, he suppressed many including me for the sake of his son. I still regard BJP like my mother," he added.
Yatnal also claimed that Vijayendra and his supporters are worried about the latter being removed from the president post, following his expulsion. "They fear what if the high command decides for a tie, by taking action against Vijayendra too, after my expulsion."
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Recurring delays in approval, fund release give perception of systemic inequity: Siddaramaiah to PM
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention on 18 issues, including the demand to give constitutional protection to Karnataka's 56 per cent reservation policy and release of deficit grants, among others.
Siddaramaiah also highlighted that recurring delays on the part of the Union government, in approvals and fund releases to the state, have created a perception of systemic inequity.
CM sought the PM's intervention for the inclusion of Karnataka's 56 per cent reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution and inclusion of certain OBCs in the central list of ST.
He insisted on the release of revenue deficit grants, special grants to Bengaluru, and approval to the Mekedatu project, among others.
According to the chief minister's office, Siddaramaiah handed over the memorandum to the prime minister on his arrival at the city's HAL airport on his way to Adichunchanagiri in Mandya district.
"Karnataka has always taken pride in contributing to India's growth with responsibility and vision. However, recurring delays in approvals and financial releases have created a perception of systemic inequity. Addressing these concerns will reaffirm the spirit of true cooperative federalism and strengthen our shared vision for the development of India," Siddaramaiah said in the letter to Modi.
"The people of Karnataka look forward to your kind intervention in resolving these issues. I am certain that the Union Government will enable Karnataka to continue playing a transformative role in India's inclusive and sustainable development," he said.
"Our state embodies the aspirations of a progressive and inclusive India and remains steadfast in its commitment to the ideals of cooperative federalism," he said.
While Karnataka continues to be among the largest contributors to the national exchequer and a leader in economic and social development, certain long-pending issues require the Union Government's urgent attention, he said.
Pointing out that the railway coach factory at Kolar announced in the Railway Budget remains unimplemented despite the state offering 1.123 acres of land, Siddaramaiah said, reviving this project will catalyse industrial development and employment in the backward Kolar region.
He said that including the Bengaluru-Mysuru segment in the proposed high-speed rail corridor is essential for balanced regional development and enhanced connectivity. The state respectfully urges the Union government to expedite the release of committed Central assistance for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project and to initiate the Bengaluru-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor, connecting key districts of Kittur Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka.
The CM also sought the release of the pending central share of Rs 17,554 crore and resolution of policy issues, including support for retrofitting and augmentation schemes, to ensure universal access to safe drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Regarding 15th Finance Commission Grants to Gram Panchayats, he said, despite fulfilling all conditions, Karnataka is yet to receive grants of Rs 2,860 crore for FY 2025-26. "Their timely release is vital for sustaining rural infrastructure and essential services," he said.
Karnataka seeks the centre's urgent intervention for the sanction and implementation of pending National Highway projects, Siddaramaiah said, noting that the State has not received any major new NH projects in the last 12 years despite its significant contribution to the national economy.
Regarding revenue deficit grants of Rs 5,495 crore, he said, "The State requests the immediate release of the pending grants recommended by the 15th Finance Commission to address fiscal imbalances and sustain developmental initiatives."
He also demanded a special grant for Bengaluru to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore.
He urged the PM to direct the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Central Water Commission to expedite the appraisal and approval of the Mekedatu Project, envisaging 67 TMC storage for Bengaluru's drinking water, regulated releases to Tamil Nadu, and 400 MW hydropower, in line with CWMA referral and the Supreme Court's judgment dated November 13, 2025.
Siddaramaiah further urged the centre to release the announced Rs 5,300 crore Central Assistance and national project status for the Upper Bhadra Project under the PMKSY-AIBP scheme, to gazette the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II Award and declare the Upper Krishna Project (Stage-III) as a National Project.
He also urged wildlife clearance for the Kalasa Nala Diversion Project, enabling the diversion of 1.72 TMC of water for drinking purposes under the Mahadayi Tribunal Award.
Other demands mentioned in the memorandum include: provision of dedicated financial support of Rs 5,000 crore annually for the development of the Kalyana Karnataka region, in line with the spirit of Article 371(J) of the Constitution; establishing at least one public sector undertaking in each of the districts of North Karnataka; expedited forest, environmental, and wildlife clearances for the nationally significant energy storage project, which will enhance grid stability and support India's renewable energy goals; and establishment of AIIMS in Raichur.
