Bengaluru, Sep 14 (Reporter) Karnataka BJP MLA from Vijayapura on Saturday stirred controversy by questioning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s claims of being a Brahmin. Yatnal’s comments, made with his characteristic flair for provocation, have ignited a new debate over Rahul Gandhi’s caste identity and his push for a nationwide caste census. The BJP MLA , never one to shy away from controversy, took to the spotlight with a provocative question: "If Rahul claims to be a Brahmin, what kind of Brahmin is he? Does he even wear the Janivara (sacred thread)?" This inquiry, which some might view as a mere jab, quickly escalated as Yatnal suggested that Gandhi’s lineage might be murky, insinuating a need for an investigation to uncover whether his ancestors were Muslim or Christian. This latest outburst from Yatnal comes at a time when the former Congress President is making headlines for his vigorous campaign for a nationwide socio-economic caste census. The Rae Bareli MP had promised that, if Congress is elected to power, a comprehensive caste survey will be conducted to assess the various castes, sub-castes, and their socio-economic conditions across India. Yatnal’s comments didn’t stop at questioning Rahul Gandhi’s Brahmin identity. He further mocked the Congress leader by referring to him as a "country pistol"—a local expression used to describe someone deemed ineffective and inconsequential. This jibe, loaded with both personal and political undertones, reflects Yatnal’s strategy of leveraging caste issues to undermine Gandhi’s credibility. The controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s caste is not new. Earlier this year, during a parliamentary debate on the caste census, BJP leader Anurag Thakur had made a veiled comment questioning how someone whose own caste identity is unclear could advocate for a caste census. Thakur’s remark, although indirect, added fuel to the ongoing debate. Yatnal, known for his inflammatory and often controversial statements, has a track record of making controversial remarks. In December 2023, he claimed that it was Subhash Chandra Bose, not Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister. His remarks about the Muslim community, including urging voters to avoid Muslim leaders and comparing them to Tipu Sultan, have drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters...////...