Karnataka CM Accuses BJP of Double Standards in Bypoll Campaign Strategy

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP for reinstating expelled leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal to campaign for Assembly bypolls, accusing the party of double standards. He suggested that the BJP's actions indicate a fear of losing the election and refuted allegations of Congress misusing power to win.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday for what he termed as 'double standards' in its election campaigning. The controversy arises as the BJP brought back expelled MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal to campaign for the Assembly bypolls.

Yatnal, known for his outspoken nature and formerly ousted from the party for anti-party behavior, was seen campaigning robustly in Bagalkote. He supports BJP candidate Veerabhadrayya Charantimath against Congress's Umesh Meti in a critical bypoll necessitated by the death of MLA H Y Meti.

Critiquing the BJP's decision, Siddaramaiah asserted that the party's reversal indicates its vulnerability in this election. He countered the BJP's accusations against Congress by declaring them as baseless, attributing such claims to the BJP's fear of losing the constituency.

(With inputs from agencies.)