Koppal, September 16, 2025 – An FIR has been registered against Vijayapura BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Dalit women during a public statement on a private TV channel. The complaint, filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, accuses Yatnal of insulting the Dalit community in the context of the ongoing controversy over the Mysuru Dasara inauguration.

Mallikarjun Poojar, the Koppal district convener of the Dalit Vimochane Human Rights Forum, lodged the complaint at the local police station on Tuesday. Poojar highlighted a viral video from Suvarna TV where Yatnal, opposing Booker Prize-winning author Bhanu Mushtaq’s invitation to inaugurate the Dasara festivities, stated that even Dalit women are not allowed to offer flowers to Goddess Chamundeshwari, reserving the right only for followers of Sanatan Dharma.

The incident stems from Yatnal’s comments made on September 12 during a visit to Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, amid protests against Mushtaq’s selection due to her Muslim identity. Poojar condemned the remarks as an open insult to Dalit women and the entire community, arguing that such statements reflect a “vile mindset” and promote communal discord. He demanded Yatnal’s immediate arrest under the SC/ST Atrocities Act, citing the MLA’s history of inflammatory speeches that allegedly incite youth and demean Dalits.

Yatnal, who was expelled from the BJP earlier this year but continues as an MLA, has been embroiled in multiple controversies, including recent FIRs for provocative speeches in Mandya and Maddur. In those cases, he faced charges under sections related to promoting enmity and outraging religious feelings.

Police have confirmed the FIR and stated that investigations are underway. Yatnal has not yet responded to the latest allegations, but in similar past incidents, he has defended his remarks as upholding religious traditions.