BJP MLA: Karnataka contest is Ram v/s Allah
Congress and BJP MLAs have begun making provocative and outlandish statements signifying that the Karnataka polls are truly upon us. In the most recent episode, BJP MLA Sunil Kumar said that the polls were a contest between Ram and Allah, i.e., BJP and Congress, respectively. A case was filed against him under the Indian Penal Code for promoting enmity between different communities/religions. Here's more.
But, why did Kumar make these remarks?
So, what led to these controversial remarks? Kumar was reacting to Bantwal MLA and minister Ramanatha Rai crediting his successive victories from the constituency to "Allah's grace and Muslims' secular credentials." Since 1985, Rai has almost consistently won Bantwal and occupied ministerial berths. He only lost the 2004 elections. In the above statement, Rai was expressing gratitude to about 38% Muslims in Bantwal.
Now, what did Kumar say?
Karkala MLA Kumar, at a rally, termed the election in Dakshina Kannada's communally sensitive district as a "question of Hindu self esteem." Referring to Rai's statements, he asked, "Whether we will repeatedly make Allah win or will we make a person who loves Ram win, people of Bantwal have to decide." Kumar was appealing to the "pride" of Bantwal's 54% Hindu population.
How did the Congress react?
Congress obviously didn't let this go lightly. Rai retorted that elections should focus on issues related to development. He said, "The discussion should be focused on whether I've worked for the constituency." He claimed BJP "always radicalizes issues." He added "We believe in what Mahatma Gandhi believed in - 'Ishwar Allah Tere Naam...' Our Constitution mandates elections should be held without religious interference."
What is the current situation in the poll-bound state?
A case was filed against Kumar under the IPC Sections 153(a) and 505(2). Additionally, pre-election exchanges suggest that it's going to be the usual plot: religion, caste and regionalism. Presently, the narrative focuses on BJP's Hindutva versus Congress's secularism, considering the rise in anti-Hindi sentiment and political activists' murders. So, will Congress retain its last big bastion or will BJP claim its 20th state?
