Karnataka bypolls: Yatnal to campaign for BJP nominee in Bagalkot

Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal, expelled BJP leader, announced on Thursday that he will campaign for Veeranna Charantimath, BJP nominee for the Bagalkot bypoll, “to uphold the cause of Hindutva.”

However, he will not campaign in Davangere as no one has invited him yet, he told reporters in Bagalkot .

“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, Mr. 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 a MLA on a BJP ticket and I will not betray that party,” he said.

He said the BJP and the JD(S) would form the government in 2028 and that there was a likelihood of him rejoining the BJP soon. “The fact is that every BJP worker wants the leadership to take me back,” Mr. Yatnal said.

He, however, does not plan to campaign in Davangere South constituency as he has not been invited till now by anyone, he said.

“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.