Daijiworld Media Network - Bagalkot (SP)

Bagalkot, Nov 25: MLA representing Vijayapura city constituency and BJP veteran, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, said that none of the MLAs from the state are prepared to face election in the near future. "After the bypoll, the position of Yediyurappa will get further reinforced. Some JD(S) legislators are eager to cross over to our party," he added.

Speaking to media persons on Sunday, November 24, Yatnal asserted that Yediyurappa will not have any problem in continuing to be the chief minister for the next three and half years, He said that two of the JD(S) MLAs have been in regular contact with him. "In spite of what kind of efforts his adversaries put in to displace him, no one can shake Yediyurappa from his position. Those who feel they can unseat him are dreaming," he analyzed.

Yatnal said that he is not aspiring for the ministerial berth and that he is proud of being a member of the ruling party. "I do not seek power on my own. I see that Congress MLA, Laxmi Hebbalkar, who is projecting herself as a huge leader, has been speaking lightly of BJP candidate from Athani, Mahesh Kumathalli. I will give her a fitting response in Athani," he stated.

Yatnal confessed that the party has not appointed him for election campaigning but several MLAs and chief minister, Yediyurappa, had asked him to participate in campaigning. He said he will be campaigning actively for the party candidates.

He said that he has always raised his voice whenever people suffer injustice. "I raised my voice when flood victims did not receive assistance. We have since received the aid. I also received notice from the party. Some people have been planning to finish me off politically but their efforts will go waste," he asserted.