Suspended BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal Booked for Provocative Communal Remarks

Suspended BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has been booked for allegedly making provocative remarks that, according to police, could disturb communal harmony. The case was registered at Roza police station following a complaint by Khidmat-e-Millat Committee president Junaid Khureshi.

Khureshi, in his written complaint submitted on the night of August 12, accused the Vijayapura City legislator of publicly offering Rs 5 lakh to any Hindu youth who marries a Muslim woman. He alleged that such statements were aimed at inciting one community while targeting another, creating a serious potential for law-and-order disturbances.

The remarks were allegedly made during Yatnal’s speech in Koppal on August 11. Khureshi also claimed that the MLA has, over the years, repeatedly made speeches designed to divide communities and damage public peace.

Police have registered the case under Sections 196, 299, 353(1)(c), and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and have begun examining the speech and its possible impact on communal relations.

The development has triggered strong political reactions in Karnataka, with critics calling the remarks inflammatory and supporters defending them as the MLA’s personal opinion.

Observers believe the case could further intensify the already charged political climate in the State.