Mysuru, Jul 6 (PTI) Continuing his attack against the
state leadership, dissident BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal
on Tuesday called Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa “inactive”,
and asked him to retire respectfully.
He also alleged that Yediyurappa”s younger son and state
BJP vice President B Y Vijayendra was running the
administration and repeated corruption charges against him.
“There is no selfishness behind this fight, either to
become a Minister or the Chief Minister.
We all grew under the wings of Yediyurappa and (later)
Ananth Kumar.
There is no doubt that Yediyurappa is a fighter and has
built the party in Karnataka, along with Kumar and several
other leaders who came later,” Yatnal said.
Speaking to reporters,he said he started this fight “that
is of truth and honesty”, pained by the feeling that BJP”s
fight against corruption and nepotism is somewhere failing in
Karnataka.
“My only appeal to Yediyurappa is, enough, it is good to
retire respectfully.It is good in the interest of the state,
party and his family,” he added.
Yatnal, a disgruntled leader, has continued to embarrass
the BJP and the government, despite warnings of strict action
by the party leadership.
The senior MLA had to face some protest during his visit
to Chamarajanagar district today, as a group of people, who
are reportedly Veerashaiva Lingayats, accused him of trying to
divide the community and shouted slogans against him, after
which police had to escort his vehicle.
The Vijayapura City MLA further claimed that the CM has
become “inactive” and the administration is being run by
Vijayendra.
“Look at his (CM) TP (tour programme), at the activities
of the Chief Minister.. he chairs only one meeting in a day in
the morning, the rest is mostly reserved…while our Prime
Minister sleeps only for four hours and holds continuous
meetings about national and international affairs,” he said.
Alleging that the Chief Minister rarely holds lengthy
meetings and goes to the Vidhana Soudha under pressure from
his son to project himself as active, he claimed that
Yediyurappa attends a meeting for a maximum for 15-20 minutes.
Surprisingly, even cabinet meetings with 30-40 subjects
in the agenda ends within 30 minutes, he alleged.
Pointing out that hundreds of files come before the Chief
Minister every day, Yatnal, a former Union Minister, expressed
apprehension over whether Yediyurappa still has the strength
to sign all of them.
He also charged Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah and
Congress state president D K Shivakumar with having an
“adjustment” with Vijayendra, who is also the state BJP vice
President and that regular meetings take place between them.
Yatnal further expressed the hope that the judiciary will
give verdicts that will free Karnataka from corruption, while
pointing at cases pending against Yediyurappa and a few family
members at courts.
Asked whether he was taking a political risk because of
his remarks, he said, “I have always taken risks in my life
and that”s the reason I have lost several good opportunities.
I should have become the CM as I”m senior to Jagadish
Shettar and Sadananda Gowda (former CMs).
I had become a member of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee
government even before Yediyurappa became CM.”
Stating that he would continue his fight even if his
political future was at stake, Yatnal said there were many
legislators and leaders who shared his sentiment and were
ready to reveal their opinion before credible central leaders
sent from the high command on the leadership change issue.
He also termed BJP national General Secretary in-charge
of Karnataka Arun Singh”s three day visit to the state during
which he met legislators individually as “natak” (drama).
“Soon a time will come for a good person to be crowned”,
he said and hit out at seers of certain Lingayat mutts who are
threatening to go on an agitation if Yediyurappa is removed.
Yatnal has been openly demanding Yediyurappa”s replacement
and has repeatedly set dates for his removal, despite the
party clarifying that the CM will continue.
He has also accused Yediyurappa and his family members,
more specifically his son Vijayendra, of corruption and
interference in the administration.
Asked whether he will be releasing any documents on
corruption allegations that he has been making, Yatnal said he
would do it soon.
“Many friends in the media want to know the basis on
which I have been levelling such charges and there is a
feeling that I just allege and go. There are things…,” PTI
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Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by Outlook Staff and is auto-generated from news agency feeds. Source: PTI
