Karnataka elections: Cultural icons in the limelight as parties milk historical memories

BENGALURU: That the major political parties are seeking to appropriate Karnataka’s plethora of historical and cultural icons, especially ahead of elections, is not just rhetoric, but a strategy driven by smart electoral mathematics.
From social reformers and poets to freedom fighters and women warriors, Karnataka has no dearth of icons, but the two that often take centre stage are social reformer Basavanna and Kempegowda, widely considered the founder of Bengaluru.

With his vachanas being recited by national leaders even Prime Minister Narendra Modi quoted him while laying the foundation for the new Parliament building to Congress introducing his photo in government offices, Basavanna has been a go-to icon election after election.
Kempegowda has been a prominent figure especially in Bengaluru with the city’s biggest bus station and the international airport being named after him among other things. But the limelight on the Vijayanagara Empire chieftain has increased, particularly this season, with a slew of new statues being unveiled. The two are widely used by all parties because of the caste base Lingayats and Vokkaligas who have dominated Karnataka politics since the state’s inception.
“Any party using icons to polarise society is unfortunate,” said BL Shankar, KPCC vice-president who oversees Congress’ cultural cell. “This happens when they lack self-confidence, achievements, and don’t have a vision. They instead rely on historical figures to divide people.
Congress has been particular not to do this.” While Tipu Sultan the introduction of his Jayanti (birth anniversary) in 2015 opened a new chapter of polarisation politics in the state is used by both Congress (to attract minorities) and the BJP (to garner Hindutva votes), Chhatrapathi Shivaji is used more often by BJP.
Prabhudev Kappagallu, convenor, BJP state cultural cell, said: “The PM is particular about using historic and cultural significance of various regions and we provide him with relevant material about icons and other significant information. This is so that his speeches appeal to locals.
It has little to do with electoral politics.” Besides these, Congress, mainly, is seen using Sangolli Rayanna and Kanaka Dasa to woo Kuruba voters, while Congress and BJP both use poet-saint Valmiki to woo the Valmiki caste, also known as Bedas and Nayakas.
To counter Tipu, BJP uses Rani Abbakka and Keladi Chennamma, who fought the Portuguese and the Mughals, respectively. Another icon used by BJP and Congress is Kittur Rani Chennamma, whose battles against the British brings her to prominence. Akka Mahadevi (Lingayat), Kuvempu (Vokkaliga) and others are also routinely invoked by parties.