Vijayapura: Following BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal's recent accusation linking Sayed Muhammad Tanveer Hashmi to ISIS, the latter who is the president of Jamat-e-Ahle Sunnat Karnataka has thrown down a bold challenge to the BJP leader.
Challenging Yatnal, Hashmi declared, "If Basangouda Patil Yatnal's allegation is proven, I will leave the country. However, if he fails to substantiate his claim, he should resign from his MLA post and relocate to Pakistan."
In a press statement, Hashmi refuted the allegations, asserting, "I participated in a convention at Hubballi on Dec 4, attended by various religious leaders, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and other ministers. The Chief Minister works for people of all religions, and Yatnal's statement is a result of his inability to tolerate Siddaramaiah's popularity."
"I have taken note of the accusations against me. These allegations are baseless and driven solely by political motives. Yatnal has stated his intention to prove, with documents, that I have links with ISIS. I, too, want to challenge him through the media," he said.
"He must provide evidence of my alleged ties to ISIS, or else he should resign from his MLA position and go to Pakistan. Even if it is proven that my students have such connections, I will voluntarily leave the country. I represent the nation on international platforms, condemn terrorism in global forums, and actively participate in events promoting communal harmony within the country." he added.
