Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned the BJP's decision to include expelled leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal in the campaign for the Bagalkot assembly by-election.
Yatnal was expelled after making allegations against senior BJP figures, but he has now joined the campaign alongside senior leaders, sparking a double standard accusation.
The move is seen as a weak position for the party, which is attempting to consolidate support among the Lingayat community.
Yatnal confirmed his involvement in the campaign and reiterated his ideological alignment with the party, but also indicated that he could return to the BJP before the 2028 elections.
Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah rejected the BJP's allegation that the state budget favoured minorities, saying that more than 14% of the population constitutes minorities and that the budget has provided for everyone, including them.
