In a political standoff tinged with drama, Karnataka Textiles and Agricultural Marketing Minister Shivanand Patil on Friday submitted his conditional resignation from the Basavana Bagevadi Assembly seat, challenging expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal to resign and face him in a direct electoral contest.
In his letter to Speaker U T Khader, Patil wrote:
“I have accepted his challenge and decided to contest against him. Hence, I’m resigning as MLA from Basavana Bagevadi.”
However, he added a crucial caveat:
“Please accept my resignation only after Yatnal resigns and his resignation is accepted.”
Patil clarified that the move was personal and not directed by the Congress party or CM Siddaramaiah, stating:
“Yatnal humiliated my family and challenged me. I accepted his challenge.”
The Speaker confirmed receipt of the letter but noted that conditional resignations are invalid under legislative rules.
“It will be conveyed to him that such resignations are not permissible,” Khader said.
Responding sharply, Yatnal, who represents Bijapur City, dismissed the move as “drama” and added:
“Resignation letters don’t come with conditions. This is just foolishness.”
The spat escalated after Patil and Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar joined a protest in Vijayapura against Yatnal’s alleged derogatory remarks targeting Muslims and Patil himself. In retaliation, Yatnal had challenged both MLAs to resign and face him in elections, even accusing Patil of being an “agent of Pakistan.”
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