Expelled BJP leader joins JDS

Former union minister Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who was expelled from BJP, joined JDS along with his followers.

Former union minister Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who was expelled from BJP, on Friday joined JDS along with his followers.

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Speaking at a function organised to mark his entry into the party, Yatnal criticised BJP and vowed to strengthen JDS in the state.

JDS leader and former Prime Minister HD Devegowda said quitting of his party's two MLCs,-- B R Gurudev and N Thippanna would not have any impact on his outfit, and added that "they were never leaders. I made them leaders".

Former Chief Minister and JDS state unit President HD Kumaraswamy appealed to the people not to 'punish' him again and forgive his misdeeds and give a chance to come back to power, obviously referring to his party's rout in parts of North Karnataka in the polls.