Karnataka: After Congress promise to ban Bajrang Dal, BJP tries to tap 'Hindu sentiment'

The Congress party's move to include the banning of Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of Vishva Hindu Parishad, in its manifesto released in the run-up to the Karnataka polls has given the BJP another tool to seek to consolidate its Hindu supporters in coastal as well as nearby regions of Chikkamagaluru and parts of Hubli-Dharwad region.

The BJP has kept its focus on attacking the Congress, accusing it of giving preferential treatment to the banned Islamic organisation Popular Front of India (PFI). Senior BJP leaders are also regularly raising the issue of revoking of four per cent Muslim reservation by the BJP state government. The Congress has been saying that it will restore the reservation once it comes to power. In several campaign meetings, Union home minister Amit Shah raised the question of on whose cost the Congress would provide reservation to Muslims.

In coastal Karnataka, Chikkamagaluru and parts of Hubli- Dharwad region, the impact of Hindutva vote bank extends to 20-25 seats, according to observers. Although the BJP appears to be well-placed in these seats, the defection of senior leaders like Jagadish Shettar and anti-incumbency against sitting MLAs, with people demanding more than Hindutva, has made the BJP double down on issues of religion, culture and heritage. It has changed candidates to beat anti-incumbency and is seeking to convince voters.


The Congress said in its manifesto, released on Tuesday, "The Congress party is committed to take firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations spreading hatred amongst communities on grounds of caste or religion. We believe that law and Constitution is sacrosanct and cannot be violated by individuals and organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities." This is not the first time the Congress has raised the issue of banning Bajrang Dal. In 2008, when the UPA was in power, the Congress had demanded a ban on Bajrang Dal. In 1992, after the demolition of Babri Masjid, a ban was imposed on Bajrang Dal which was later lifted with the order of the tribunal formed to hear the case.

With the Congress equating the PFI and Bajrang Dal, the Hindutva umbrella of the BJP is seeking to woo back those supporters who are unhappy with the party despite voting on ideology.

"This will cost dear to Congress in the upcoming Karnataka polls," Vijay Shankar Tiwari, VHP spokesperson told ET.