Belagavi : Senior BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has claimed that a major political upheaval is imminent within the ruling Congress in Karnataka, predicting that AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge will soon take over as the Chief Minister.
Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Wednesday, Yatnal said, “A ‘November revolution’ will soon shake the Congress. Those lobbying hard for the Chief Minister’s post will not get it. The dark horse in the race — Mallikarjun Kharge — will emerge as the next CM.”
He added that the Congress is currently witnessing an internal power struggle, with several aspirants actively lobbying for the top post. “Each faction is pushing its leader’s name, but when Kharge’s name comes up, leaders like D.K. Shivakumar, Satish Jarkiholi and others will step aside,” he asserted.
Turning his attention to religious issues, Yatnal said, “We have accepted the challenge posed by M.B. Patil. To protect Sanatana Dharma, we will begin the Basavadi Sharanaru Hindu convention in Babaleshwar and conclude it in Davangere. We will respond equally to anyone who insults Hindu dharma.”
He criticized certain pontiffs, alleging they misuse the name of social reformer Basaveshwara for personal gain. “There’s no evidence that Basaveshwara founded a separate religion. He fought against superstition within Hinduism. Those using his name should stop performing ‘paadapuja’ and abandon saffron attire if they claim to follow Basaveshwara’s ideals,” Yatnal said.
Yatnal also revealed his political ambitions, saying, “If the BJP high command ignores me, I have kept a ‘JCB’ party — JDS, Congress, BJP — ready. In 2028, I will become the Chief Minister. Many from all three parties will join me.”
He further warned that if B.Y. Vijayendra is again appointed BJP state president, he would immediately float a new party modeled after AAP in Delhi, uniting disgruntled leaders across political lines.
