MB Patil is the Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO
Minister MB Patil strongly condemned the abusive words used by Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and asked him to exercise restraint while talking about him.
“Mr Yatnal used offensive words against me yesterday. These words are clearly offensive and totally unacceptable. I request him to exercise restraint in speaking about me. I will not tolerate it. If he continues to make such comments, he will face appropriate legal action,” the minister told reporters in Vijayapur on Monday.
Mr. Patil denied Mr. Yatnal’s allegation that some of his supporters are members of the land mafia.
“These words are false and baseless. I am not involved in any illegalities nor am I conversing with anyone who is controversial. If Mr. Yatnal reveals the names of any of my followers who are indulging in illegal transactions, I will order an investigation and ensure proper legal action,” he said.
Mr. Patil also denied Mr. Yatnal’s claim that Mr. Patil had purchased agricultural land in violation of rules. “I bought about 135 acres of land in Makanapur village a few years ago. If Mr. Yatnal proves any illegality, I will gift it to him,” said Mr. Patil.
“Mr Yatnal has threatened to hold a mega rally of Lingayat Math leaders against me in Vijayapur. I welcome it. I will hold a bigger rally in response. It is well known that Mr Yatnal is getting BJP and RSS voters to attend the rally. But then my support base is bigger with Basava Sene, AHINDY and Bheem Army.
When asked, Mr. Patil said that he would give a proper welcome to Kaneri Math seer Sri Adrushya Kadasiddeshwar Swami if he apologized for using abusive words against Lingayat seers. “Other than that, I have no problems with the seer,” he said.
He criticized Mr. Yatnal’s claim of being a Hindutva leader as opportunistic. “When he was on the other side, Mr Yatnal attended Muslim prayers at the Idgah Maidan beside me. He also attended the Basava Dharma Mate Mahadevi rally and said he supported the cause. And now he claims to be a Hindutva tiger. His choice of ideologies is based on chances of getting votes and political power,” unlike him Mr Patil is committed to an ideology. he said.
Published – 27 Oct 2025 19:26 IST
