Thu Dec 05 17:17:40 UTC 2024: ## BJP MLA Faces Backlash for Controversial Remarks on Basavanna
**Hubballi, Karnataka, December 5, 2024** – Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, a BJP MLA from Vijayapura and former Union Minister, is facing intense criticism from Lingayat organizations for his controversial comments about 12th-century social reformer Basavanna (Basaveshwara). His remarks, which went viral on social media, have sparked widespread outrage within the Lingayat community, who consider Basavanna the founder of their sect.
Several Lingayat organizations, including the Akhil Bharat Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, have demanded a public apology from Yatnal. Shamanur Shivashankarappa, president of the Mahasabha and former Minister, issued a press release strongly condemning Yatnal’s statements, questioning his commitment to Lingayat values and suggesting the comments were a publicity stunt. He warned of further action if Yatnal doesn’t retract his remarks.
Adding to the pressure, Sri Basavlinga Pattadevaru of Bhalki Hiremutt also condemned Yatnal’s comments, urging him to apologize swiftly to avoid community boycott. The seer emphasized the need for those in positions of power to properly understand Basavanna’s legacy before commenting on it.
The Dharwad district unit of Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha, Basava Kendra, Hubballi, and Guru Basava Mantapa have joined the chorus of condemnation, calling for Yatnal to apologize for his “ignorant” remarks and show respect for Basavanna and his followers. The organizations collectively criticized Yatnal’s lack of understanding of Basavanna’s significance. The controversy continues to unfold as the pressure mounts on Yatnal to respond to the widespread outrage.
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