Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Dec 27: "The way Yatnal behaves, utterances he makes and statements he keeps issuing about the BJP leaders do not support the BJP ideologies. When I was the state president of the party, I had expelled him for six years from the party for issuing similar statements. He was later admitted into the party as the leaders felt that he might mend his ways. But he has not rectified his past mistakes. The top leaders will do what is needed," said union minister, D V Sadananda Gowda.

Speaking to media persons at Kalladka on Saturday, December 26, Gowda said that there has been strong resentment against the statements being made by Yatnal. "He should have changed his ways for the better. However, as disciplined activists of the party, it is our responsibility to work for the betterment of the party without getting involved with such issues," he felt.

In the meantime, speaking at Shivamogga, minister, K S Eshwarappa, said that the leaders have been closely observing the statements being issued by Yatnal on the issue of change in state leadership. "It is up to the party leaders to take action. In the past, I had discussed the issue of off the cuff statements Yatnal keeps issuing. I notice that he has again repeated his mistake. No one is taking him seriously now," he stated.

State water resources minister, Ramesh Jarkiholi said at Belagavi that there is no doubt that Yediyurappa will complete his full term as the chief minister. He, however, refused from being drawn into the controversy created by Yatnal, saying that it is his personal view and that he is not interested in responding to it.