Yatnal Appears With BJP Leaders, Extends Support To Charantimath In Bagalkot

Bagalkot: In an interesting political development ahead of the Bagalkot by-election, former BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal — who was expelled from the party last year — shared the stage with senior BJP leaders in Bagalkot on Thursday in support of BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath, a move being viewed as aimed at consolidating Lingayat votes and appealing to Hindutva supporters.

The meeting, setting aside past differences, held in Vidyagiri, assumes significance in the backdrop of the bypoll, where caste equations are keenly observed.

The constituency is said to have around 80,000 Lingayat voters — one of the largest and influential blocs — making their political alignment important for both parties.

Despite his ouster, Yatnal’s presence alongside leaders such as former ministers Murugesh Nirani and CC Patil, KLE Chancellor Prabhakar Kore, and other prominent Lingayat figures is being seen as an attempt to project a united front.

The BJP has fielded Veeranna Charantimath, a Lingayat, while the Congress has nominated Umesh Meti from the Kuruba community, adding a caste dimension to the contest.

Yatnal is often described by party leaders and supporters as a Lingayat leader and a prominent Hindutva voice.

All the speakers at the event repeatedly underscored the need for unity among Veerashaiva-Lingayats, recalling that the community once had over 100 legislators in the Assembly but has seen its strength decline due to internal divisions. Leaders called for setting aside factional differences and working collectively to ensure political representation.

Yatnal, known for his outspoken positions, reiterated his commitment to the community and Hindutva, and recalled his role in pushing for reservation under the 2D category.

The BJP is seen as keen to avoid any split in the Lingayat and Hindutva vote, while the Congress is expected to rely on support from the AHINDA bloc and other backward classes, including Kurubas.