NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, March 26, expelled Karnataka MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal from the party for six years, citing repeated “anti-party” activities. The decision, announced by the party’s central disciplinary committee, follows multiple warnings for violating party discipline.
In a letter signed by Om Pathak, secretary of BJP’s central disciplinary committee, Yatnal’s expulsion was formally communicated.
“The Central Disciplinary Committee of the party has considered your response to the show-cause notice dated February 10, 2025, and has taken serious note of your repeated violations of party discipline, despite your assurances of good behavior and conduct,” the letter read.
The letter further mentioned that Yatnal was expelled from the party’s primary membership and removed from all party positions with immediate effect.
Yatnal’s response: ‘Will continue to fight’
Reacting to the expulsion, Yatnal accused “vested interests” of orchestrating his removal and vowed to continue his political fight.
“The party has rewarded me for ‘Calling a Spade, a Spade’ Certain vested interests have played their part in furthering their agenda successfully,” Yatnal said on social media.
“The decision to suspend me will not deter my fight against corruption, family politics, the development of North Karnataka, and Hindutva,” he further said.
He also thanked his supporters, religious leaders, and family for standing by him during the controversy.
A pattern of defiance
Yatnal has a history of confrontations with the BJP leadership. In February 2025, he received a show-cause notice for defying party discipline. This followed a December 2024 notice over his public accusations against Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra, whom he accused of “corruption” and “adjustment politics.”