The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for six years, citing repeated violations of party discipline. The move follows months of tensions within the Karnataka unit, with Basanagouda Patil Yatnal openly criticizing the state leadership despite multiple warnings. His expulsion comes amid a broader crackdown on dissent within the party, as BJP leaders grapple with internal conflicts and factional divides.
In a letter issued on Wednesday, Om Pathak, member secretary of the BJP’s central disciplinary committee, stated that Basanagouda Patil Yatnal’s response to a show-cause notice dated February 10 had been reviewed. However, given his continued defiance and repeated violations of party discipline, the committee had no choice but to take strict action. “It has accordingly been decided to expel you for a period of six years with immediate effect from the primary membership of the party, and you stand removed from any party position that you may have held until now,” the letter read.
Basanagouda Patil Yatnal refused to respond to media queries following his expulsion. However, just hours before the official announcement, he launched a scathing attack on Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra and his father, former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. He accused them of weakening the party’s influence in Karnataka and alienating key leaders. “The perception that Vijayendra and even Yediyurappa are not truly aligned with the BJP has gained traction among MPs and senior leaders in the state,” Yatnal remarked. He also held Vijayendra responsible for the BJP’s poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, particularly in North Karnataka, which has a significant Lingayat population.
Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has long been a vocal critic of Vijayendra’s leadership, arguing that the promotion of the Yediyurappa-Vijayendra faction has sidelined senior leaders and disrupted party unity. His repeated public criticism led the BJP to issue multiple warnings, including a second show-cause notice in February. Despite assurances of good conduct, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal continued to defy party directives, prompting the disciplinary committee’s decisive action.
The BJP’s crackdown on internal dissent is not limited to Basanagouda Patil Yatnal. Just a day before his expulsion, the party issued notices to several other leaders, including MP Renukacharya, Katta Subramanya Naidu, and BP Harish. Additionally, MLAs ST Somashekhar and Shivaram Hebbar, who were previously aligned with the Congress before joining BJP through “Operation Kamala,” were also served notices. The party has demanded explanations from these leaders within 72 hours.
As BJP navigates internal challenges in Karnataka, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal’s expulsion signals the party’s intent to reinforce discipline and counter factionalism. Whether this move will strengthen the state unit or deepen internal divisions remains to be seen.
