Karnataka: BJP nod for Yatnal's ghar wapsi?

BENGALURU: Central leaders of BJP are likely to approve former Union Minister Basavanagowda Patil Yatnal's ghar wapsi plan. 

On Tuesday, Mr. Yatnal met BJP president Amit Shah in New Delhi, and explained reasons for his exit from the party in May 2009. In fact the then  BJP state unit president D.V. Sadananda Gowda had expelled Mr. Yatnal for anti party activities. 

During the meeting with Mr Shah, Mr. Yatnal assured Mr. Shah that he will dedicate himself to strengthen the party base in Mumbai Karnataka where the party  has received a jolt with Congress leaders launching a stir in support of separate religion status  for Lingayats and BJP failed to ensure Mahadayi drinking water scheme.  Mr Yatnal told Deccan Chronicle: “BJP national president is in positive mode and promised me that party central leadership will take a decision within a week after consulting with state unit. Meanwhile I have explained to him that due to BJP state leaders' conspiracy I was forced out of the party in 2009. I have also explained to him that there are no corruption charges against me,” Mr. Yatnal said.  During the meeting with party chief, Mr. Yatnal explained the issues related to Mumbai Karnataka which include Mahadayi river water disputes and separate religion status to Lingayats. 

Mr. Yatnal has also apprised Mr. Shah that strong Lingayat leadership in the party could easily counter the strategy of Congress leaders who are supporting separate religion status for Lingayats. 

Giving a free hand to Mr Yeddyurappa and projecting him as the leader of Lingayats would easily counter the Congress strategy of Lingayat religion issue. In fact at ground level Lingayat religion status issues has not been convinced Lingayat voters, Mr. Yatnal briefed Mr. Shah. 

Mr Yatnal has also expressed his desire to contest in coming Assembly elections from Vijayapura city.