The heat raised by Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s characterisation of the Janata Dal (Secular) as the ‘B’ team of the BJP has refused to die down. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at a meeting on the final leg of the Karnataka poll campaign, chose to sing praises of JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda only to deride the party — that has a tie-up with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) led by Assaduddin Owaisi — two days later.
Political observers say leaders say such statements back and forth with an eye on votes. The Congress, which has accused the JD(S) of having a “secret pact” with the BJP, is trying to ensure that Muslim votes do not drift to the JD(S). The BJP is hoping to consolidate non-Muslim votes — especially the Vokkaliga votes in the Old Mysuru region.
Muslims constitute 12.91% of Karnataka’s population and are electorally significant in at least 20-odd urban seats. Informal estimates by political parties indicate that they are capable of changing the fortunes of candidates in at least 90 seats across the State.
The debate around the Muslim vote and accusations of “appeasement” began long before the elections. When the Congress government in 2015 announced the official observation of Tipu Jayanthi to mark the 19th-century Mysuru king’s birth anniversary, the State witnessed violent protests and even a death. It continues to resonate through election rhetoric.
At an election meeting, Modi asked why the Congress government was keen on observing the Sultan’s birthday and not that of Onake Obavva, a woman who is said to have fought the forces of Tipu’s father, Hyder Ali. Sangh Parivar outfits have constantly called Tipu “anti-Kannadiga and intolerant”.
The BJP manifesto has promised a Vivaha Mangala scheme to counter Shaadi Bhagya.
“The common Muslim voter is right now more concerned about safety and security of the community. Other issues come later. The voter is not bothered about celebration of Jayanthi. Shaadi Bhagya has benefited only a section of the community,” former IAS official Mohammed Sanaulla says.
“People have been voting for the Congress and the JD(S) and in some elections, even for the BJP depending on the candidate all these years. But this time, there may be a greater consolidation in favour of the Congress,” Sanaulla says.
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