Former Karnataka CM Accuses State Pollution Board of Political Bias Against BJP MLA

Former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai accused the state's Pollution Control Board of bias against BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal by denying permission to his sugar factory, alleging it is a political move to finish him. Bommai claims this action disrupts thousands of farmers relying on the factory.

In a striking accusation, former Karnataka Chief Minister and current Member of Parliament, Basavaraj Bommai, has claimed that the state's Pollution Control Board is engaging in political bias by not granting permission to the sugar factory owned by BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal. Bommai suggests this is an orchestrated attempt to politically undermine Yatnal.

Bommai made these remarks while addressing the media after joining a protest led by Yatnal against what he termed 'injustice' by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. Bommai alleged a decay of law and justice in the state, asserting that political hatred is on the rise.

'Yatnal established his sugar factory in full compliance with legal requirements. However, last year, the Pollution Control Board withheld the necessary permissions. Despite a court order mandating the reopening of the factory within four weeks, the Board continues to deny permissions citing technical reasons,' said Bommai. He further claimed that the Board is displaying blatant bias by allowing other sugar factories to operate while discriminating against Yatnal's establishment.

Bommai argued that the KSPCB has permitted factories even where laws were violated. He pointed out the importance of Yatnal's factory for thousands of farmers in the region, especially given this year's significant sugarcane crop. The former CM condemned the government for its contradictory actions: on one hand, promoting industrial growth in North Karnataka, while on the other, engaging in political maneuvering to shutter the factory.

(With inputs from agencies.)