Mandya: Former Union minister and MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal on Friday visited Srirangapatna, where he offered special prayers at Mudalabagilu Anjaneya Swamy temple and extended support to the long-standing demand of right-wing organisations for the reconsecration of the deity at its claimed original location.The idol, currently installed on Pete Street in Srirangapatna, was earlier located in the River Cauvery before being shifted and consecrated at its present site several years ago. Right-wing organisations have been conducting annual protests seeking reinstallation of the deity at what they claim is its original place and have also been demanding action regarding the Jamia Masjid site.Yatnal alleged that the Congress govt was pursuing an “anti-Hindu” policy, and asserted that the reconsecration of Mudalabagilu Anjaneya at the original site was the resolve of Hindus. Referring to Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue, he claimed there were visible signs indicating the existence of a temple at the site in Srirangapatna and said there was no need for excavation to establish this.Yatnal told reporters and also launched a sharp attack on the Congress govt and minister Priyank Kharge over his criticism of the RSS. He claimed RSS route marches had never led to communal riots and accused the Congress of encouraging communal tensions for electoral gains. He further criticised Priyank Kharge over his remarks against the RSS and alleged that attacks on the organisation were politically motivated.Commenting on the political situation in Karnataka, Yatnal said the BJP in the state had failed to function as an effective opposition. He reiterated his criticism of the party’s state leadership and said future political decisions, including whether to remain in the BJP or chart a different course, would depend on changes in the party leadership.
