Yatnal should ensure BJP’s defeat in bypolls, suggests M.B. Patil

“If the expelled BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has any self-respect and honour, he should ensure that both the BJP candidates [Bagalkot and Davangere] lose in the byelections,” Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development M.B. Patil has said.

Speaking to presspersons at his residence in Vijayapura on Monday, he was responding to Mr. Yatnal’s statement that he will canvass on behalf of BJP candidate Viranna Charantimath in the Bagalkot bypolls.

“Now the bypolls are being fought under the leadership of B.Y. Vijayendra and if BJP loses in both the constituencies, Mr. Vijayendra will be removed from the State party president’s post. Mr. Yatnal, who repeatedly makes allegation against B.S. Yediyurappa and Mr. Vijayendra, should make clear whether he wants to bring down Mr. Vijayendra or want him to continue,” he said.

Mr. Patil said that Mr. Yatnal now has a good opportunity to unseat Mr. Vijayendra. However, it seems Mr. Yatnal wants to return to the BJP by canvassing in favour of the party candidate, he said.

To another query, Mr. Patil expressed the confidence that the Congress will win both the seats in the byelections.