The ongoing political row in Karnataka over the Congress’ election manifesto promise of banning the Bajrang Dal has intensified as Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to “punish” the Congress for its “culture of abuse” by saying ‘Jai Bajrangbali’ when casting their vote. The BJP has stepped up its attack on the opposition party, with Modi and other party leaders raising the chant of ‘Bajranjbali ki Jai’ at all their rallies. The BJP and its Karnataka unit have also tweeted with the hashtag ‘HanumaBhaktaModi.’ The Congress has defended its stand against the Bajrang Dal, citing the Constitution’s prescription for action against any individual and organization spreading hatred or enmity. Congress leader Randeep Surjewala has accused the BJP of looking for “lame-duck excuses to polarise the election” and ignoring the “scam-ridden” BJP government in Karnataka.
The Bajrang Dal has announced that it will conduct ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ recital programs across Karnataka to protest the Congress’ move. Karnataka Energy Minister V Sunil Kumar, who was the state convenor of Bajrang Dal, has accused the Congress of appeasing Muslims and targeting the organization without just cause. The political row has spread to other states, with BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state home minister Narottam Mishra calling on the Congress’ state chief Kamal Nath to clarify his stand on the issue as he is a devotee of Lord Hanuman.
The controversy has highlighted the growing polarization between the BJP and the Congress ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections. The BJP has accused the Congress of being anti-Hindu and appeasing minorities, while the Congress has accused the BJP of trying to divide the electorate on communal lines. The controversy has also raised concerns about the politicization of religion and the impact it could have on the country’s social fabric. With the elections in Karnataka just days away, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the final outcome.
