Karnataka Women’s Group Demands Action Against BJP Leader for “Degrading” Remarks on Dalit Women
ಯತ್ನಾಳರನ್ನು ಶಾಸಕ ಸಭೆಯಿಂದ ಅನರ್ಥಗೊಳಿಸಬೇಕು: ಮಹಿಳಾ ಮುನ್ನಡೆಯ ಕೋರಿಕೆ
BENGALURU – A prominent women’s organisation has called for the immediate disqualification of former BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and stringent legal action against him, following his controversial remarks that have been widely condemned as insulting to Dalit women and a promotion of untouchability.
The demand comes after Yatnal allegedly stated that no Dalit woman, not just the former Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan’s mother, would be allowed to offer prayers to Chamundeshwari during the Dasara festival. The comments have sparked outrage, with critics accusing the BJP leader of flouting the constitutional principles of equality and dignity.
Condemnation of “Unconstitutional” Mindset
In a strongly-worded statement, Pavithra, a member of the Mahila Munnade’s state committee, expressed sharp criticism of the legislator. She asserted that Yatnal’s comments are not merely offensive but represent a dangerous disregard for the foundational values of the Indian Constitution.
“Our Indian Constitution mandates equal opportunities for every citizen,” Pavithra stated. “By making statements that are diametrically opposed to these core aspirations, Yatnal, who holds a responsible position as a legislator, is sowing the seeds of untouchability, communalism, and poison among the people of the country.”
She further accused Yatnal of consistently displaying a pattern of disrespect towards women and prioritising the spread of communal hatred over fostering harmony between castes and religions.
ದಲಿತ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರನ್ನು ಅವಮಾನಿಸಿದ ಯತ್ನಾಳರ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಕಠಿಣ ಕಾನೂನು ಕ್ರಮಕ್ಕೆ ಆಗ್ರಹ
Calls for Disqualification and Legal Action
The women’s group has urged both the state government and the judiciary to take swift and decisive action. They have called for Yatnal to be rendered ineligible to hold his legislative seat and for a formal case of caste-based abuse to be registered against him.
“The government and the courts must teach a fitting lesson to such legislators who always speak disrespectfully about women,” Pavithra said. “A person with such a ‘Manusmriti mindset’ is unfit to be a people’s representative.”
The organisation has demanded that Yatnal issue a public apology to the Dalit community, specifically targeting the women he insulted. The incident has reignited debates about caste discrimination and misogyny within political discourse, putting pressure on the BJP to address the conduct of its member.
