Kundapur/Basrur: Former Union Minister and Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal said he will continue travelling across the state to work for the protection of Sanatan Dharma. He claimed that in 2028, a government that ensures protection for Hindus and follows an administration model similar to Shivaji’s rule will come to power. He also said that a bulldozer action model like Uttar Pradesh would be implemented. He warned that if stones are thrown at their religion or if Ganesh festival celebrations are obstructed, strict action would follow and houses of those responsible would not be spared.

He was speaking at the 13th Basrur Freedom Day celebration organised by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Abhimani Balaga at the premises of Sri Devi Temple in Basrur on Friday. The event marked the 361st anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s first naval expedition against the Portuguese and his victory at Basrur.

Yatnal alleged that people are still criticising great freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar and Chandrashekhar Azad because many are unaware of true history.

Dr. Sandeep Raj Mahadev Rao Mahind of Pune, National Organising General Secretary of Bharatiya Sant Sabha, and entrepreneur Sampath Shetty S., also spoke on the occasion.

A procession was held starting from Gangolli by boat up to Basrur Mandikeri river point, and then proceeded via Moodkeri to the bus stand and finally to Sri Devi Temple. VHP taluk president Sudheer Merdi and Shivaji Abhimani Balaga member Sadashiva Kharvi were present. Rakesh Kelamane welcomed the gathering and Sarika Ashok compered the programme.

Yatnal said Shivaji should not be seen only as a king of the Maratha kingdom but as an emperor who stood for the protection of Sanatan Hindu Dharma. He alleged that leftists have limited Shivaji to a particular community. He expressed happiness that Basrur in the coastal region commemorates Shivaji every year by celebrating it as a freedom day, even though Shivaji is repeatedly insulted in the state.

State government may fall, says Yatnal

Speaking to reporters at Koteshwar, Yatnal said legislators who went abroad did not go for study purposes but to show their strength. He claimed they wanted to display how many MLAs support them and alleged that D.K. Shivakumar is trying to become Chief Minister and has been making strong statements in recent days. He said it would not be surprising if the state government collapses.

He questioned the purpose of MLAs going abroad for study and suggested they should instead study ways to reduce corruption. He alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah did not answer questions about the percentage of corruption reduced in the state. He claimed that transfers have become a major source of corruption and accused the Chief Minister’s son and Byrathi Suresh of leading it. He alleged that Siddaramaiah would retire as the most corrupt Chief Minister in the state.

Yatnal also said that incidents of “love jihad” are increasing in the coastal region and urged Hindus to remain alert and monitor their children. He described it as a large global network and warned of danger if not taken seriously. He said marriages should not be allowed without parents’ consent and alleged that the government is not enforcing the law.

He further stated that the number of infiltrators is increasing and said the Supreme Court has directed that there should be no obstruction in implementing SIR. He alleged that many Bangladeshi nationals are present in the state and demanded that police be given a free hand in this matter.