Davangere: Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal made an inflammatory statement during a Dasara celebration in Davangere, declaring that if he were to become the Chief Minister of Karnataka, he would arm the police with AK-47 rifles to deal with "anti-Hindu elements." Yatnal also asserted that the wave of Hindutva is spreading rapidly across the state and launched a scathing attack on the "appeasement policy" of the current Siddaramaiah government.

Speaking at a program in Davangere on September 26, Yatnal declared: "The Siddaramaiah government will be in power for two more years. After that, if I become the Chief Minister with the blessings of all of you, the first thing I will do is give AK-47s to the police." He went on to issue a warning, stating that those who dare to raise their voice against Hindus would be shot.

The controversial remarks were made while Yatnal was inaugurating the 5th day of the Sri Devanagari Dasara Cultural Festival, held at the Sri Jodibanni Mahankali Durgaparameshwari Temple premises in Sri Siddheshwara Mill.

Yatnal also sought to expand his political base, stating he is no longer limited to North Karnataka. "Earlier, people only knew me up to Davangere. But now, I am spread across the entire Karnataka," he said. He claimed that the wave of Hindutva has even risen in Maddur, Mandya, where he was recently welcomed by around 20,000 young people in a spontaneous bike rally. Also Read: "Don't Test Our Patience": Yatnal Issues Strong Warning After Davangere Flex Board Clash.!