Karnataka: BJP MLA walks out of event amid row over Waqf land remarks
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2024-11-12 06:09 GMT
Bagalkot: In a sudden turn of events, Bijapur City MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal stopped his speech midway and exited a programme at the Allamaprabhu Temple in Terdal, Bagalkot district, after attendees voiced strong objections to his remarks about Waqf land. A video capturing the incident has since gone viral on social media.
The event took place on Monday, where Yatnal’s speech was interrupted after he referenced a land claim made by the Waqf Board. His comments immediately drew reactions from several audience members seated to his right, who called for him to refrain from introducing political issues into the gathering. When Yatnal questioned whether his remarks were indeed political, he was met with the response, “Then what is this?”
Audience members highlighted the temple’s diverse base of support, noting that donations came from multiple communities, with one prominent contribution of Rs 6 lakh reportedly made by an individual from a different religious community. In response to these objections, Yatnal stopped speaking and exited the stage, despite attempts by some attendees to encourage him to continue.
The incident has drawn criticism from various quarters, with Muslim community leaders condemning Yatnal’s choice to bring up a divisive topic at a religious venue. K. Ashraf, former Mangaluru Mayor and president of the Dakshina Kannada Muslim Okkuta, commented, “The public’s reaction underscored their rejection of what they perceived as an attempt to sow discord. Such remarks have no place at a community event.”
This incident has fueled ongoing discussions in Karnataka, with many calling for public figures to exercise greater caution in sensitive, multicultural settings.
The event took place on Monday, where Yatnal’s speech was interrupted after he referenced a land claim made by the Waqf Board. His comments immediately drew reactions from several audience members seated to his right, who called for him to refrain from introducing political issues into the gathering. When Yatnal questioned whether his remarks were indeed political, he was met with the response, “Then what is this?”
Audience members highlighted the temple’s diverse base of support, noting that donations came from multiple communities, with one prominent contribution of Rs 6 lakh reportedly made by an individual from a different religious community. In response to these objections, Yatnal stopped speaking and exited the stage, despite attempts by some attendees to encourage him to continue.
The incident has drawn criticism from various quarters, with Muslim community leaders condemning Yatnal’s choice to bring up a divisive topic at a religious venue. K. Ashraf, former Mangaluru Mayor and president of the Dakshina Kannada Muslim Okkuta, commented, “The public’s reaction underscored their rejection of what they perceived as an attempt to sow discord. Such remarks have no place at a community event.”
This incident has fueled ongoing discussions in Karnataka, with many calling for public figures to exercise greater caution in sensitive, multicultural settings.