Yatnal backs BJP candidate in Bagalkot, drops ‘shock’ claim on Davanagere ticket

Vijayapura :  Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has stirred fresh political debate ahead of the bypolls in Davanagere and Bagalkot, backing the party’s official candidate in one seat while making sensational claims about possible last-minute changes in the other.

Speaking to reporters, Yatnal extended his full support to BJP’s Bagalkot candidate Veeranna Charantimath, recalling his long association with him. “I will support Charantimath. He stood by me during difficult times. In fact, I had played a key role in securing him a BJP ticket earlier, even when there was resistance,” Yatnal said.

He further claimed that during the earlier  election, efforts were made by him and senior leaders, including Ananth Kumar, to ensure Charantimath got the ticket, despite opposition within the party. “We even argued with leaders like Jagadish Shettar to secure his candidature,” he added.

However, it was his remarks on Davanagere that created a political stir. Yatnal hinted at possible last-minute developments, stating that even a surprise ticket allocation to the influential Shamanur family could not be ruled out. “Anything can happen in Davanagere. There could be unexpected decisions,” he said, fuelling speculation.

Launching a sharp attack on state BJP president B Y Vijayendra and senior leader B S Yediyurappa, Yatnal accused them of internal manipulation and political “adjustments.” He alleged that there were covert understandings between certain BJP leaders and rival factions, including the Shamanur family.

“If Congress gives the ticket to a Muslim candidate in Davanagere, don’t be surprised if BJP fields a candidate linked to the Shamanur family,” he claimed, adding that he had “100% information” about such   moves.

Yatnal also made serious allegations regarding social media campaigns within the party. He accused Vijayendra of running fake accounts to target senior leaders like B L Santhosh and Pralhad Joshi, claiming that nearly ₹50 lakh was being spent every month on such activities.

In a strongly worded attack, Yatnal criticised Vijayendra’s leadership style and warned that internal factionalism could harm the party’s prospects in the upcoming bypolls. He also urged the BJP high command, including Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, not to rely solely on state-level inputs.

The outspoken MLA further alleged past “adjustments” in constituencies like Koppal, Shikaripura, Kalaburagi, Raichur, and Ballari, claiming that such practices had hurt the party.

With elections approaching, Yatnal’s remarks have once again exposed internal divisions within the BJP, even as the party gears up for a crucial electoral battle in Karnataka.