Using Yatnal for campaign shows BJP’s desperation: Siddaramaiah

Bagalkot: Chief minister Siddaramaiah Saturday said the BJP's decision to use expelled MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal in its campaign showed desperation and highlighted a lack of consistency.

"Instead of levelling baseless allegations, the BJP should present its achievements before the people," Siddaramaiah said while addressing a press conference.

Referring to Yatnal's expulsion and subsequent return, the chief minister said, "They expelled Yatnal and then brought him back. Is there any principle or consistency in this? Politics should not descend to such a low level." He added that Yatnal continues to criticise former chief minister BS Yediyurappa as well as BJP state president BY Vijayendra.
Siddaramaiah also rejected allegations by BJP leaders that the state budget favours Muslims, asserting that the claims were made without reading the document. Responding to remarks by senior BJP leader CT Ravi, he said, "They have not even read the budget."

Defending allocations for minorities, the chief minister pointed out that Muslims form a sizeable section of the population. "Muslims make up around 40%. Even then, what has been allocated to them is not excessive, but rather less in proportion," he said.

Taking a dig at Vijayendra's demand for a white paper on govt finances, Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of inconsistency and internal contradictions, again referring to the party's handling of Yatnal.

Commenting on the BJP's campaign ahead of the byelection, Siddaramaiah said the opposition was acting out of apprehension over the outcome. "They know they will not come to power, and that is why they are making such statements," he said.

Reacting to reports of Yatnal's alleged remark about demolishing a mosque using a JCB, the chief minister termed such statements irresponsible. "Talking about demolishing mosques shows a lack of common sense," he said, cautioning against provocative rhetoric.