Political temperatures surge in Karnataka, Congress Minister Shivanand Patil recently filed his resignation to Parliament Speaker Ut Khader – but somewhat twisted. MLA Patil from Basavana Bagevadi resigned conditionally and should only be accepted when the expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal also stepped down.This dramatic move stems from a long-term personal and political competition between the two Lingayat leaders. BJP MLA Yatnal from Vijayapura City was fired in March for derogatory comments about the BJP leaders, including former CM BS Yediyurapa. On April 30, in a public speech, Yatnal challenged Patil and another Congressional Justice Department to resign and compete independently, warning him that he would “question their family lineage” if they did not respond before May 9.
Patil responded to the Speaker and submitted a letter of resignation, claiming that he had no problems within Congress or CM, but would compete independently to “protect his honor.” But Speaker Khader said the letter’s format and conditions were wrong. Yatnal regards his resignation as a “political stunt”, saying he will resign only after formally accepting Patil.
This episode highlights the partisans that are deeply rooted in the same community often spill over the politics of Karnataka – a recurring theme in the state.
Patil responded to the Speaker and submitted a letter of resignation, claiming that he had no problems within Congress or CM, but would compete independently to “protect his honor.” But Speaker Khader said the letter’s format and conditions were wrong. Yatnal regards his resignation as a “political stunt”, saying he will resign only after formally accepting Patil.
This episode highlights the partisans that are deeply rooted in the same community often spill over the politics of Karnataka – a recurring theme in the state.
