Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 3: In a bold political move, Karnataka's minister for textiles, sugar, and APMC, Shivanand S Patil, tendered a conditional resignation to Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Friday, challenging suspended BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal to resign and contest directly against him in Basavana Bagewadi.

Patil, who currently represents the Basavana Bagewadi constituency, stated in his resignation letter that he was accepting Yatnal’s challenge to face off in the next election. However, he requested that his resignation be accepted only if Yatnal also submits his resignation and it is approved by the Speaker.

Patil said the move was not only a political response but also a reaction to Yatnal’s disparaging remarks about his ancestors and family legacy. “Yatnal has questioned my family background in an insulting manner. I have decided to respond through the ballot,” Patil declared.

This latest development follows weeks of escalating tension between the two leaders. Patil had earlier announced his intention to contest from Vijayapura, Yatnal’s home turf. In retaliation, Yatnal challenged him to contest from Basavana Bagewadi instead and made personal allegations against Patil and his father.

Yatnal, known for his hardline Hindutva stance, was expelled from the BJP for six years after clashing with party leadership, including B S Yediyurappa and his son B Y Vijayendra. He has not yet commented on Patil’s challenge.

Patil, meanwhile, has faced public criticism in the past over his controversial comments on farmer suicides, which he later clarified were misinterpreted and not intended to hurt farmers’ sentiments.