Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 26: BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has been expelled from the party for six years over repeated violations of party discipline and controversial remarks against senior leaders, including former chief minister B S Yediyurappa.
The party’s central disciplinary committee announced the expulsion in a letter issued on Wednesday, March 26.
The decision followed a review of Yatnal’s response to a show cause notice sent on February 10. Despite previous warnings, the committee found that he continued to breach party discipline. “Despite assurances of good conduct, you have repeatedly violated party norms,” the committee stated in its order. The expulsion took effect immediately, stripping Yatnal of all party positions.
The order, signed by Om Pathak, secretary of the disciplinary committee, marked the culmination of a series of internal disputes within the BJP.
Yatnal recently sparked controversy with a crude remark about Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested in a gold smuggling case earlier this month in Bengaluru. Following his comments, an FIR was registered against him at High Grounds police station.
The MLA’s outspoken nature and repeated provocations had caused embarrassment within the party. His criticisms were not limited to external figures but also extended to his party colleagues.
A day before receiving the expulsion notice, Yatnal had questioned his own party’s leadership, saying, “I haven’t looted anyone, haven’t badmouthed anyone, and haven’t broken anyone’s house. I haven’t engaged in anti-party activities.” His remarks were seen as veiled criticism of party leaders.
Reacting to the expulsion, Yatnal claimed he was being targeted for speaking out against dynasty politics and corruption.
“The party has expelled me for six years for speaking against dynasty politics, corruption, and reforms within the party. I spoke against one-man rule and demanded the development of North Karnataka. The party has rewarded me for ‘calling a spade a spade,’” he wrote on X.
He further accused the BJP leadership of sidelining him due to vested interests. “Certain vested interests have played their part in furthering their agenda successfully. The decision to suspend me will not deter my fight against corruption, family politics, North Karnataka’s development, and Hindutva,” he stated.