Statewide protest against Yatnal's expulsion: Basavajaya Mrutyunjaya Swamiji

Vijayapura: A statewide protest has been planned against the expulsion of MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal from the BJP, announced Basavajaya Mrutyunjaya Swamiji of the Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha.

Speaking to reporters after a preparatory meeting held at Rani Chennamma Sabha Bhavan on Friday evening, Swamiji stated that a massive protest rally would be held in Vijayapura on May 11 under the banner of a national rally. Lakhs of people from different parts of the state are expected to participate.

Additionally, a village-to-village campaign will be undertaken to garner support for Yatnal. Awareness programs will also be conducted across all districts in Karnataka to draw the attention of BJP’s central leadership, he said.

The meeting was attended by leaders including Dayasagar Patil, Raghav Annigeri, and office-bearers from Vijayapura and Bagalkote.

Judicial probe into lathi charge welcomed

Swamiji welcomed the High Court’s order for a judicial inquiry into the police lathi charge during the Panchamasali reservation protest in Belagavi.

He alleged that the Chief Minister orchestrated brutal police action against the protesters, prompting legal intervention. The court’s directive is a significant step toward justice, and the government must implement it without delay, he demanded.

“No community in the country should face violence while demanding social justice. The Karnataka High Court’s order serves as a warning to the government,” Swamiji remarked.

He also pointed out that no government had oppressed the Lingayat community in such a manner since the 12th century, and the incident had deeply hurt the community’s sentiments. Yatnal and MLA C.C. Patil had advised taking legal action, which led to the petition being filed, he added.

Following the police crackdown, a 10-day Satyagraha was held in Bengaluru, demanding an apology from the Chief Minister and the suspension of responsible officers. However, the government refused to acknowledge the demands, and instead, mocked the reservation movement as unconstitutional. This left no choice but to seek legal justice, Swamiji concluded.