Kalaburagi: BJP MLA Basanguda Patil Yatnal characterized the closure notices sent to ethanol plants in Kalaburagi district as a politically motivated move.
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board recently issued an order mandating the shutdown of Siddashiri's ethanol and power generation unit run by Siddashiri Suharto Sahakari Niyamit (SSSN), a cooperative bank headed by Yatnal in Chincholi in Kalaburagi district.
Alleging that it was politically motivated, Yatnal claimed: “The Congress government, unable to confront me directly for political reasons, has resorted to targeting our ethanol plant. The main objective of setting up the plant was to support farmers and create employment opportunities. “We intend to challenge this decision in court. I am not daunted by these notices and directions. My resolve to fight the parliamentary rules has only grown stronger,” he said. announced on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Yatnal said, “Closing the factory due to political pressure will not achieve anything. The factory will inevitably restart operations, but I am ready to fight this legal battle vigorously.'' .”
Expressing skepticism about the sudden environmental concerns, Yatnal asked, “Is the pollution that was not there for the last two years now visible to a blind government?” Those who do not have the courage to confront me directly in the political arena should know that these notices are not meant to intimidate me. “Please tell the 'corrupt ones' behind this notice that the fight against you will continue,” he added.
Meanwhile, Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre refuted Yatnal's claims. Mr. Khandru pointed out to reporters that a year and a half ago, the union government had imposed a fine of Rs 1.5 billion on the factory.
“Will he now claim there is a political agenda behind it as well?” Kandol asked.
He explained that a recent review meeting had directed authorities to take strict action against factories contributing to the pollution. As a result, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued notices to all such units, including the factory in Yatnal.
