CM Siddaramaiah Reveals Yatnal's Allegations Aimed at PM Modi and Amit Shah

Mangaluru: The controversy surrounding BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal's allegations against Tanveer Peera (Tanveer Hashmi) has taken a new turn, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suggesting a different motive behind the accusations.

CM Siddaramaiah, in a detailed X (formerly Twitter) post on Friday, asserted that Yatnal's intent may be to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

Two days ago, Yatnal accused Siddaramaiah of sharing a stage with Tanveer Peera, labeling the latter as a terror sympathizer. In response, Congress leaders speculated that Yatnal's statements stemmed from his disappointment at not being appointed Leader of the Opposition or state president.

On Friday Siddaramaiah addressed the issue, stating, “Despite BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal using a photo of me with Maulvi Tanveer Hashmi to levy accusations against me, it is slowly becoming evident that his real target is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“It is suggested by photographs shared in the media that not only other BJP leaders but also Narendra Modi may have connections with Maulvi Hashmi. It looks unlikely that Yatnal, who has been a close associate of Hashmi for a long time and a neighbour in the locality, was unaware of this. Angered and frustrated after losing the positions of the state BJP president and the Leader of the Opposition, Yatnal appears to have made these allegations against me with the actual intent of taking revenge against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah,” he said.

“Following this allegation, the details of PM Narendra Modi's connection with Maulvi will also come to light, which Yatnal was undoubtedly aware of. The nature of these accusations suggests an attempt to create embarrassment for the Prime Minister and other BJP leaders,” the CM posted.

“I have openly acknowledged my friendly relationship with Maulvi Hashmi. Maulvi Hashmi himself has challenged the Union Government to investigate the allegations against him. Now, PM Narendra Modi must respond to the accusations against him. Should there be any truth to the claims about Maulvi Tanveer Hashmi's connections with ISIS, it's imperative for the PM to order a thorough investigation and disclose any related details. If this is not done, then action must be taken against Mr. Yatnal for making such false accusations,” he added.

Recalling past incidents, Siddaramaiah highlighted Yatnal's previous accusations against former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and his children, and also serious allegation that to become the Chief Minister in BJP, one needs to pay Rs 2,000 crore to the party's high command.

The CM questioned the support Yatnal receives within the BJP for making such allegations against party colleagues without facing consequences.
“What power lies behind Yatnal's ability to openly make accusations against senior leaders of his own party? It must also be revealed which ‘Ji’s in the BJP are supporting him in making these defamatory accusations against his party colleagues and yet managing to escape unscathed,” he questioned.

Siddaramaiah also quoted newspaper reports which state that Yatnal has business ties with the family of Maulvi Tanveer Hashmi.

“If, as Yatnal alleges, Tanveer Hashmi has connections with ISIS, then didn't Yatnal, being a business partner with Hashmi, know about it? What is the reason for his silence even if he knew? The Union Government must also investigate the reasons behind making such accusations after so much time,” he demanded.