In the wake of the tragic Delhi blast, Basanagouda Patel Yatnal’s controversial 12-point plan targeting madrasas, mosques, and Muslims draws widespread condemnation
NEW DELHI/BENGALURU – The nation remains gripped by grief and anxiety following the horrific blast near the Red Fort in Delhi that claimed multiple lives. Citizens, religious leaders, and social organisations have condemned the tragedy and extended condolences to affected families, urging peace and solidarity across communities.
Amidst this sombre atmosphere, Karnataka BJP legislator Basanagouda Patel Yatnal has sparked outrage by issuing a highly provocative statement targeting Muslims, mosques, and madrasas. Yatnal demanded that the central government close all madrasas, jail clerics, monitor journalists, and implement a separate National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Muslims.
In a 12-point plan released following the Delhi incident, Yatnal stated: “Shut down all madrasas that are teaching extremism to children. Jail clerics who are spreading anti-national ideologies. Keep a constant vigil on those who support terrorists, be they journalists or politicians. Delete social media accounts that spread Pakistani narratives. Create a separate National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Muslims. Keep a record of sermons in mosques. Cancel the OCI cards of Indian-origin citizens living abroad who are waging an anti-India campaign. Licenses of NGOs and companies that are involved in anti-national activities should be cancelled. Halal certification agencies should be banned, as they are providing financial support to terrorists. Licenses of doctors, lawyers and professionals who are working against the interest of the country should be cancelled. Buildings that are sheltering terrorists should be demolished. The Aadhaar card system should be further tightened so that it is not misused.”
He concluded with a warning: “Strike the enemy, before he strikes you. The Delhi blasts are proof that the enemy is among us. We have to take the first step.”
Central agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB), have clarified that the investigations into the Delhi and Faridabad incidents are still in the preliminary stages.
“It would be premature to say that both the incidents are linked to the same network. The investigation is ongoing, and it is not right to target any institution or section,” an official said. Sources confirmed that no evidence has yet emerged linking madrasas, mosques, or religious institutions to the blasts, though some technical samples of explosives in Faridabad bear similarity to those found in Delhi.
Yatnal’s statement has been widely criticised across political and social circles as irresponsible, provocative, and dangerous. Many observers have termed it a systematic attempt to polarise communities and defame minority groups.
Political analyst Anjali Mehta remarked: “Such statements are not only inflammatory but could destabilise communal harmony. Linking sensitive incidents to a specific community without evidence is deeply irresponsible.”
Yatnal has previously courted controversy for communal remarks. In 2023, he had said: “Anyone who marries a Muslim girl will be given a reward of five lakh rupees.” That statement was widely condemned as a provocation against democratic values and women’s dignity. Experts note that his latest remarks similarly politicise a sensitive tragedy.
Security agencies have intensified operations in Delhi, Faridabad, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Central authorities have stressed the importance of refraining from rumours or unverified claims at this delicate time.
Peace activist Rashid Khan appealed to the public: “The fight against terrorism should not become a source of political hatred or religious discrimination. Let us wait for facts and not spread falsehoods on social media.”
Security experts warn that hasty conclusions or politically motivated statements can obstruct investigations and endanger minority communities.
Several observers and social organisations have called for restraint and emphasised that accusations should not be made until official findings are released.
