Yadgir, 25 Feb

The police have registered a case against Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for allegedly delivering a hate speech against Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru in Yadgir.

The incident occurred in Gurumathkal town of this district, where the expelled-BJP MLA attended an event as the chief guest following a grand procession on the occasion of Shivaji Jayanti on 21 February.

According to the FIR, Yatnal allegedly made several controversial remarks during his address. He quoted a Hindi poem targeting a particular community and made statements concerning Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. He referred to Gandhi as the ‘Father of Pakistan’.

He also referred to “love jihad” while allegedly targeting a particular community, and made derogatory remarks on certain historical figures.

Police said the speech triggered backlash across the news and social media platforms, with many accusing the leader of inciting communal disharmony.

Following a preliminary enquiry, including examination of the video recording of the speech and preparation of its transcript, legal opinion was sought from the district police office.

Based on the opinion received, a case was registered on 23 February under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The case has been registered at the Gurumathkal Police Station, and an investigation is underway.