Yatnal urges Amit Shah to recognise Yediyurappa's fading relevance

Vijayapura: MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal, who had been recently suspended from the BJP, launched a scathing attack on former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday, claiming that his political relevance has diminished and that Union Home Minister Amit Shah must recognise this ground reality.

Speaking to reporters in Vijayapura, Yatnal alleged that the Karnataka BJP unit is in a state of total disarray and likened its condition to being in an “ICU.” He said the party’s organisational strength had collapsed and any call for agitation was receiving minimal response.

“There is deep discontent within the party. The state unit is in the ICU. Hardly 10–15 people turn up even when we organise protests. This is because the state leadership has completely failed,” he said.

He added that there is no proper coordination between the BJP and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, even though the JD(S) is an NDA ally. “The BJP is not trusting Kumaraswamy. Amit Shah must understand what is happening on the ground and take note that Yediyurappa’s influence no longer exists in Karnataka,” Yatnal said.

Yatnal warned that the BJP could suffer an embarrassing defeat in the future if it continues to depend on Yediyurappa’s legacy. “Not just the disgruntled leaders, even neutral voices within the party believe B Y Vijayendra should be replaced as the state president, and the BJP must be cleansed of the corrupt Yediyurappa family,” he alleged.

He also questioned the ideological commitment of the leadership, stating that party workers are laying down their lives for Hindutva causes, while senior leaders are showing open camaraderie with Congress leaders.

“While our workers are facing cases under the Congress government, Yediyurappa was seen sharing warm moments with Siddaramaiah, D K Shivakumar, and Zameer Ahmad Khan during his grandson’s wedding. What kind of message does this send to BJP workers?” Yatnal asked.

Taking a sharp jibe, he added, “If they are so comfortable with Congress leaders, they should quit BJP and formally join D K Shivakumar’s party.”