Bengaluru, Dec 9 – Commenting on BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal’s allegation that he shared a dais with a person allegedly linked to ISIS, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said the real target of the BJP leader was Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he did not get the coveted posts in the state party unit.
Yatnal had verbally assailed the CM for sharing a stage with Maulvi Tanveer Hashmi, whom he alleged had links with ISIS, during a Muslim religious conference in Hubballi recently.
“Despite BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal using a photo of me with Maulvi Tanveer Hashmi to levy accusations against me, it is slowly becoming evident that his real target is Prime Minister @narendramodi,” Siddaramaiah posted on X.
Siddaramaiah attached photographs of Narendra Modi who is seen having a conversation with a group of maulanas, including Maulvi Hashmi in an event, implying that the PM may have connections with Hashmi.
“It is suggested by photographs shared in the media that not only other BJP leaders but also Narendra Modi may have connections with Maulvi Hashmi. It looks unlikely that Yatnal, who has been a close associate of Hashmi for a long time and a neighbour in the locality, was unaware of this,” he said.
Siddaramaiah alleged that Yatnal actually targeted PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as he was frustrated for not getting the post of state BJP president and Leader of Opposition.
“Yatnal appears to have made these allegations against me with the actual intent of taking revenge against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. Following this allegation, the details of PM Narendra Modi’s connection with Maulvi will also come to light, which Yatnal was undoubtedly aware of. The nature of these accusations suggests an attempt to create embarrassment for the Prime Minister and other BJP leaders,” Siddaramaiah said.
Siddaramaiah admitted his relationship with Hashmi, but challenged the central government to investigate the allegations against him and PM Modi should respond to the accusations against him.
“Should there be any truth to the claims about Maulvi Tanveer Hashmi’s connections with ISIS, it’s imperative for the PM to order a thorough investigation and disclose any related details. If this is not done, then action must be taken against Yatnal for making such false accusations,” he said.
The Chief Minister said according to newspaper reports, it had been revealed that Yatnal has business ties with the family of Maulvi Tanveer Hashmi.
“If, as Yatnal alleges, Tanveer Hashmi has connections with ISIS, then didn’t Yatnal, being a business partner with Hashmi, know about it? What is the reason for his silence even if he knew? The Union Government must also investigate the reasons behind making such accusations after so much time,” the CM posted on X.
