Yatnal Claims 'Real Opposition Leader' Title in Karnataka Assembly

Senior MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, expelled from the BJP, asserted his position as the 'real leader of opposition' in the Karnataka Assembly. He urged for front-row seating due to his seniority. Yatnal and two fellow MLAs now sit in back benches after expulsion, voicing complaints about perceived disrespect.

In a bold move at the Karnataka legislative Assembly, Senior MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, expelled from the BJP, declared himself the 'real leader of opposition'. Yatnal pressed for front-row seating, citing his seniority and service record in the Assembly.

Despite being reassigned to back benches post-expulsion, alongside MLAs S T Somashekar and A Shivaram Hebbar, Yatnal argued that senior legislators deserve front-row positions, a request he hopes the Speaker will consider positively.

Speaker U T Khader responded by emphasizing that political power, rather than seniority, dictates seating arrangements. Yatnal, countering this, criticized BJP's alleged 'adjustment politics' with Congress, while seeking recognition as the true opposition leader.

(With inputs from agencies.)