Basangouda Patil Yatnal urges BJP corporators not to work for Muslims, sparks row

Vijayapura: The BJP's firebrand leader , Basangouda Patil, who is known for making anti-Muslim comments, has invited more controversy by asking BJP corporators of Vijayapura not do any work for Muslims in their wards.

In a video clip , which went viral on Thursday, Mr. Yatnal is seen giving the corporators of his Vijaypura constituency strict instructions not to work for Muslims. Recalling that he had declared before the elections that he did not need the votes of Muslims, he says, "I made it clear that burqua-clad women and men with scull caps should not follow me during elections."

On being asked for his response to the video clip at a press conference later in the day, the BJP leader was not in the least remorseful and defending most of his comments, admitted that he had asked Muslims not to vote for him. Asked if he didn't see anything wrong with making such a comment, Mr. Yatnal shot back, "Why don't you ask MIM leader, Akbarudding Owaisi who is always making controversial statements. I am only working to protect Hindus. Is standing up for Hindus wrong in this country? Yes, I am talking for Hindus and there is nothing wrong in that."