Yadgiri: The Gurumatkal police in Karnataka’s Yadgiri district have registered a suo motu case against MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal over alleged derogatory and inflammatory remarks made against Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru during a Shivaji Jayanti event.
The case was registered following a speech delivered by Yatnal at a public function held in Gurumatkal town on February 21. According to police sources, the action was taken under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 196, 299, 302, 352 and 353, citing allegations of hate speech and statements capable of promoting enmity and disturbing communal harmony.
Alleged Remarks Trigger Controversy
During his address, Yatnal reportedly questioned Gandhi’s status as the “Father of the Nation” and disputed Nehru’s position as India’s first Prime Minister. He claimed that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose should be regarded as the country’s first Prime Minister.
He also made remarks related to Article 370 and Kashmir, alleging links between Nehru and Farooq Abdullah. In addition, he questioned the role of Gandhi in India’s freedom struggle and made provocative comments referencing religious communities and Pakistan.
The speech also included references to “love jihad” and statements targeting a specific community, which have since drawn criticism across political and social platforms.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Officials stated that the case was registered suo motu after authorities took note of the speech and its potential to create unrest. The move comes amid widespread debate on television channels and social media platforms, where clips of the speech circulated extensively.
Police said further investigation is underway and that appropriate legal procedures will follow based on the findings. Authorities have also increased vigilance in the region to prevent any law and order issues.
The development has intensified political tensions in Karnataka, with opposition leaders demanding strict action and supporters of Yatnal defending his remarks as personal opinions.
