Ugly spat breaks out between Yatnal, Vijayendra over losses

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Rebel BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal on Saturday blamed Lingayat bigwig BS Yediyurappa and his son and party state president BY Vijayendra for defeats in Sandur, Shiggaon and Channapatna by-elections. This invited censure from Vijayendra who advised Yatnal to not speak lightly. “Ask the (party) state president for his reaction. Only he knows if people have accepted his leadership or not. Yesterday, he said in Delhi that only one door would be open and the rest would be closed. However, today, I’m also pained at all the doors closing for the BJP.

We didn’t expect such an abominable defeat for the BJP. It’s unfortunate that we have reached this position in Karnataka,” Yatnal told mediapersons. “Let the high command appoint someone honest and cultured to lead the party as the state in-charge. Earlier, it was Arun Singh, who functioned like a message conveyer to Yediyurappa and Vijayendra and we are seeing the results. People have sent a clear message that they have rejected Vijayendra. I request the high command to cease the infatuation of the revered father and son,” he added.

Vijayendra retorted that the rebel MLA’s statements would invite the wrath of party workers. “It is not a question of tolerating people who speak lightly. Workers will term it despicable and spit on you if you speak whatever you feel like. We are a national party. He (Yatnal) has served as a Union Minister. Instead of speaking lightly, let him work in the organisation of the party ,” he said.