Published 11:44 IST, October 5th 2019
Karnataka BJP MLA: 'I am not afraid, will answer at right time'
Karnataka BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal on Friday defended himself and stated, "he has not done anything that can be as considered as an anti-party activity"
Karnataka BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal during a press conference on Friday, October 5, defended himself stating he has not done anything that can be as considered as an anti-party activity. The BJP had issued a notice to him over his comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi citing the Bihar floods. Speaking to the reporters, he said, "I haven't done which can be as considered anti-party activity. Did I vote against the party in the assembly? Did I try to topple the ruling party by going with any other party? How is it an anti-party activity? I will answer it at the right time." He further added that he tried his best to convey the feelings and pain of the people of Karnataka to the Prime Minister and government. He reportedly also declared that he is not afraid and that he has a lot of respect for PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
BJP issues notice to Yatnal
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a notice to the BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal after the latter targeted PM Modi and the Central government allegedly accused of neglecting Karnataka and not providing any flood relief. Referring to the situation, the BJP MLA stated that PM Modi did not respond with any comforting words during the Karnataka floods, but provided immediate assistance in Bihar. The Central government had approved the advance release of Rs 1,200 crore for flood relief and rehabilitation from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for Karnataka on Friday.
Floods hit states
Several Indian states including Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar have been experiencing heavy rainfalls that have led to flood-like situations in the past few weeks. On September 28, Bihar had received 84.5 mm rainfall against the normal of 5.7 mm. Areas including Samastipur, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, and Bhojpur districts received rainfall above 130 mm in 24 hours, affecting lives to a high level. A red alert has been issued in most of the states. In Karnataka, reports stated that over 80 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents.
(WITH ANI INPUTS)
Updated 15:33 IST, October 5th 2019