Row after expelled BJP MLA joins poll campaign in Bagalkot

CHief government minister Siddaramaiah on fri questioned the tell Bharatiya Janata company’s (BJP) determination to include expelled leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal in the campaign for the Bagalkot assembly by-election.“Once the BJP realised it would lose the election, it brought back those it had expelled. On one hand, the BJP expels him (Yatnal); on the other, it brings him back, praises him, and makes him campaign. Isn’t this a double standard?” he told reporters, adding that the move pointed to a “weak position” for the party.Yatnal, who was expelled after making allegations related to dynastic politics and corruption against senior BJP figures including former chief minister BS Yediyurappa and his sons — Member of Parliament BY Raghavendra and state party chief BY Vijayendra— was present alongside senior leaders at several key campaign events in the constituency, including a meeting in Vidyagiri attended by Murugesh Nirani, CC Patil and Karnataka Lingayat Education Society Chancellor, Prabhakar Kore, came as the BJP attempts to consolidate support among the Lingayat community, which is a decisive electoral bloc, with its population in the constituency numbering around 80,000.Meanwhile, Yatnal confirmed his involvement in the campaign in Bagalkot and reiterated his ideological alignment with the party.“Despite my expulsion from the BJP, I remain a committed worker and proponent of Hindutva ideology. I may be upset with a few leaders, but not with the party ideology. I am not someone who carries a grudge in my heart about my expulsion. I will not blackmail the party or seek vengeance. I will always be a supporter of Hindutva. Secondly, Charantimath is my close friend. Thirdly, the ordinary workers of Bagalkot BJP wanted me to join the campaign and here I am,” he said.“I became an MLA on a BJP ticket and I will not betray that party,” he added.He also indicated that he could return to the BJP before the 2028 elections. “The fact is that every BJP worker wants the leadership to take me back,” he said, adding that the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular) could form the government in 2028.Yatnal said he would not campaign in Davangere South, citing the absence of an invitation. “I am not someone with a big ego who waits for invitations from big leaders. I will join the campaign even if ordinary workers invite me. But if I am not invited, I will not go,” he said.Responding to questions, Vijayendra on Friday said any support that benefits the party’s candidate is welcome. “If it increases Veeranna Charantimath’s lead, it is welcome,” he said, adding that the BJP was confident of winning the seat.In a separate development, Siddaramaiah rejected the BJP’s allegation that the state budget favoured minorities. “Do you know what percentage they constitute? More than 14%. In our budget, we have provided for everyone, including them,” he said.