Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Bijapur City in Karnataka, has been expelled from the party for six years due to his comments against the party and senior leader BS Yediyurappa.
The BJP’s Central Disciplinary Committee issued a letter on March 26, 2025, announcing Yatnal’s expulsion. The committee reviewed his response to a show-cause notice sent on February 10, taking serious note of his repeated violations of party discipline. Despite previous warnings, Yatnal had continued to make controversial statements, leading to his expulsion.
The letter, signed by the committee's member secretary Om Pathak, confirmed that Yatnal was also removed from any party positions he previously held. The decision was made after a careful review of his behaviour and repeated disregard for party rules.
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Yatnal, known for his outspoken nature, had recently made a crude remark about Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested in a high-profile gold smuggling case. An FIR was filed against him at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru following the incident.
Before receiving the expulsion notice, Yatnal had questioned why his name was being considered for the roles of chief minister or party state president. He stated that he had never engaged in corrupt activities or undermined the party, indirectly targeting his colleagues. His remarks were seen as an attempt to challenge the party leadership.
Earlier, Yatnal had also criticised Yediyurappa, urging the former Chief Minister to stop being “infatuated” with his son, BY Vijayendra, and to focus on the party instead. Yatnal accused Vijayendra of having ties with Congress leaders, which further strained his relationship with the leadership.
In December 2024, 32 district presidents submitted a formal petition to the central leadership, urging action against Yatnal for his public criticism of Vijayendra. After the disciplinary action, Vijayendra expressed his support, saying it was a necessary step after careful observation of the situation.
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