BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal targets Congress schemes in Bagalkot by-election, promises higher direct benefits and jobs focus
Bagalkot: In a bold political statement during the Bagalkot by-election campaign, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal said, “If I were the Chief Minister, I would give ₹3,000 to women and ₹2,000 to men,” positioning himself against the existing welfare framework of the state government.
Campaigning for Veeranna Charantimath, Yatnal intensified his attack on the Indian National Congress government, alleging that its guarantee schemes have increased the financial burden on the public.
Direct Cash Promise vs Existing Schemes
Yatnal’s statement comes as a direct counter to the Congress-led welfare initiatives, where he argued that current schemes provide limited financial relief while increasing indirect costs through taxes and tariffs.
He claimed that if given the opportunity, his approach would ensure higher direct benefits to both women and men, making welfare more inclusive.
“People deserve better support, not schemes that burden them elsewhere,” he said during the rally.
Criticism Over Rising Costs and Unemployment
The MLA further alleged that the Congress government has increased service charges and electricity tariffs, citing examples such as higher fees for certificates and rising power costs.
He also highlighted the issue of unemployment, claiming that nearly three lakh government posts remain vacant, and stressed that job creation should be the government’s top priority.
Call for Unity and Political Shift
Reiterating his ideological stance, Yatnal called for unity among voters and urged them not to fall for electoral inducements.
He appealed to the electorate to vote decisively in favour of Veeranna Charantimath, stating that it would lay the foundation for a larger political change by 2028.
