The Supreme Court issued a notice today, October 25th, to BJP MLA Basavangouda Patil Yatnal, representing Karnataka’s Bijapur constituency, concerning allegations that he made derogatory remarks about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The notice is part of a petition challenging the legitimacy of Yatnal’s election, prompted by claims that his conduct during the campaign could have influenced the electoral outcome improperly.
The controversy erupted following an event on October 15th, where Yatnal reportedly insulted both Rahul Gandhi and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Congress Municipal Councilor Parashuram Hosamani filed a complaint, leading to a police case against Yatnal at the Gandhi Chowk police station in Vijayapura. The charges against Yatnal include intentionally insulting to provoke a breach of peace and spreading false information.
Further compounding his legal troubles, Yatnal faces another case based on allegations that he claimed a prominent leader had allocated Rs 1,000 crore to undermine the Congress government in Karnataka. The complaint, lodged by S. Manohar, general secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, led to charges under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which addresses provocation with intent to incite rioting.
During a statement in Davangere, Yatnal alleged that a “great leader” from his own party was funneling substantial funds to dislodge the Congress-led government and target the Chief Minister’s office. He did not name the leader but hinted at ongoing efforts within his party to influence MLAs through what he referred to as an “Operation Lotus,” suggesting it was supported by corruptly obtained funds.
Responding to these allegations, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwar expressed his unawareness of any such conspiracy involving Rs 1,000 crore to destabilize the state government.
