Vijayendra should step down as state BJP president to save Karnataka: Yatnal

VIJAYAPURA: Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has lashed out at senior leader B S Yediyurappa and his son Vijayendra, saying they have plundered thousands of crores during Yediyurappa’s tenure as Chief Minister.

He demanded that Vijayendra be removed from the post of state party president to save Karnataka. Yatnal criticized Yediyurappa’s dominance in the party and said he should not be given space on any platforms and only then could the BJP survive for a long time.

Speaking to reporters, Yatnal said, “There’s no need to project Vijayendra as a star. People have accepted us. If you want to be a hero, spend your own money”. He also criticized the party’s reliance on Yediyurappa’s popularity, saying, “Instead of ‘BJP Karnataka X account,’ it’s better to call it ‘BYV Karnataka’ as it is only his praise.”

When reporters asked about allegations of corruption during his tenure as minister, Yatnal said Yediyurappa offered ministership during his term, but he declined. “I wasn’t part of his cabinet when he was CM. He has cheated thousands of crores. I’ve refused to be part of a corrupt government”.

Mocking the father-son duo, Yatnal said that every day, and they visit Nadda and request them to remove Yatnal and would beg to make Vijayendra the CM.

He warned the current government, “The Congress-led guarantee is over. They won’t have money to pay employees in a few months. Ramalinga Reddy claims the transport department is profitable, but where is it? All these are bogus claims”.

Yatnal advised against announcing unrealistic projects, saying, “Reveal the state budget and make announcements accordingly, or people will hit back at you.”