Karnataka Legislator Faces Calls for Disqualification Over Casteist Remarks Against Dalit Women
CPI(ML) Liberation Demands Legal Action Against Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for Publicly Upholding Untouchability
KOPPAL – A major political controversy has erupted in Karnataka after Vijayapura MLA and senior BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal made allegedly casteist and discriminatory remarks against Dalit women during a public event on September 16, 2025. The incident has drawn severe condemnation from opposition groups, with the CPI(ML) Liberation leading calls for his immediate disqualification from the legislative assembly and stringent legal action.
The furore stems from Yatnal’s comments, which were widely circulated on social media and local news channels, where he is seen explicitly upholding the practice of untouchability. He reportedly stated that the ritual of offering flowers at a particular event should be reserved for “Sanatanis” (a term often used for upper castes) and that “a common Dalit woman should not be given the opportunity.”
A Pattern of Hate Speech and Constitutional Violation
In a strongly-worded statement, the CPI(ML) Liberation party lambasted the MLA, accusing him of not just making an isolated discriminatory comment but of repeatedly engaging in hate speech that disrupts social harmony.
“The act of elected representatives behaving in such a shameful and condemnable manner is a punishable offence. By calling for the practice of untouchability in the media, he has insulted the entire Dalit community and engaged in caste abuse,” the party’s statement read. It further alleged that Yatnal has made numerous hate speeches over the past few months, deliberately disturbing peace and order in society.
The party questioned the inaction from authorities, stating, “The fact that no legal action has been taken against him despite repeated demands from pro-democracy advocates has raised public suspicion about the government, the administration, and the judiciary system. This inaction has only emboldened him to continue his hate-mongering with impunity.”
Flouting Constitutional Mandates
The CPI(ML) Liberation emphasized that Yatnal’s actions are a direct violation of the Indian Constitution. The party specifically cited Article 15, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
“The Constitution clearly states that the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on these grounds alone. He has violated the very law that was created under the Constitution he swore to uphold. We demand unequivocal action against him,” the statement urged.
Media Updates: +91-93531 21474 [WhatsApp] | indianowme@gmail.com
A “Mockery of Democracy” and a Call for Action
framing the incident as part of a larger social ill, the party stated that Yatnal’s “extra-legal and arbitrary statements are a mockery of democracy.” They added that the event is a “burning testimony” to the fact that the practice of untouchability persists even 78 years after India’s independence.
“By disrespecting the aspirations of the Constitution and making a mockery of democracy, he has shown great allegiance to Manuvadi and the hierarchical caste system. We insist on strict action being taken against him,” the CPI(ML) Liberation concluded, demanding that the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly initiate proceedings for Yatnal’s disqualification.
The incident has reignited debates about caste discrimination in public life and the accountability of elected representatives, putting the state government and the judiciary under scrutiny for their response.
Key Quotes
1. On the Nature of the Offense:
“The act of elected representatives behaving in such a shameful and condemnable manner is a punishable offence. By calling for the practice of untouchability in the media, he has insulted the entire Dalit community and engaged in caste abuse.”
2. On Institutional Inaction:
“The fact that no legal action has been taken against him despite repeated demands from pro-democracy advocates has raised public suspicion about the government, the administration, and the judiciary system.”
3. On the Constitutional Violation:
“He has violated the very law that was created under the Constitution he swore to uphold. We demand unequivocal action against him.”
4. On the Broader Democratic Principle:
“Yatnal’s extra-legal and arbitrary statements are a mockery of democracy… [This is] a burning testimony to the fact that the practice of untouchability persists even 78 years after India’s independence.”
5. The Final Demand:
“By disrespecting the aspirations of the Constitution and making a mockery of democracy, he has shown great allegiance to Manuvadi and the hierarchical caste system. We insist on strict action being taken against him.”
