Grapes of wrath in ‘Punjab’ of Karnataka, Vijayapura

Hailed as ‘Punjab’ of Karnataka, Vijayapura district has been at the forefront of several cultural transitions since medieval times. It is no surprise that the district, today, is at the centre of a political rhetoric surrounding development and religion.

Thanks to irrigation and District-in-charge minister MB Patil’s zealous role towards the fag end of the government, in seeking a separate religion status for the Lingayats has transformed the intense political fight into a ‘Dharma Yuddha’.

Seeking re-election for the fifth consecutive term (9th for the family) from Babaleshwara (earlier known as Tikota) on the outskirts of Vijayapura town, incumbent MLA MB Patil is being increasingly haunted and confronted by religious forces stemming out as an undercurrent. The resentment against Patil was such that several pontiffs of various influential mutts were touring the district on the pretext of religious ceremonies and appealing to the devotees to cast vote against divisive politics. The Lingayat fight is the only issue that has triggered dissent against Patil, who otherwise had delivered ‘brilliantly’ during the first four years of his tenure!

A few voters across Babaleshwar still back Patil for what he has done as an irrigation minister though. But many also feel that irrigation is not the only development needed as the constituency still lacks better roads, potable water and other civic infrastructure. “Just because canals have been built or lakes are filled, you cannot conclude Babaleshwara is developed as one needs to look at other parameters also,” says Sangayya Kashimat, a resident of Tikota. Interestingly, Patil is going around the constituency with an emotional appeal, “I have brought irrigation projects, built canals till your villages. If you want your fields to be drained, vote me again!”

When many hoping to drain their fields had made up their minds, Patil got involved in Lingayat issue. “We are now neither on this side, nor on the other. On the one hand we cannot over rule the words of religious leaders, on the other hand possibility of irrigation. Never in our lifetime had we faced this kind of dilemma,” revealed Ramu Jambagi, a grape grower in Tikota. The Panchamsali community which has the largest population in the constituency is in dilemma as pontiffs have been influencing the community. While MB Patil belongs to Koodu Vokkaliga sect, his opponent Viju Gowda Patil belongs to the same Panchamasali community.

Some of Patil’s actions have also added to the resentment.He chose to distribute crockery items and other goodies to voters through his Foundation prior to poll notification. Several villagers had thrown these items on to the road registering their dissent. “Was he of the opinion that we can be bought over by these”questioned Balavva, a resident of Dhanyala village.

Interestingly, Patil’s constituency is termed as California of Karnataka for its wine yards as they contribute 70 per cent of Karnataka’s grape output. Yet, the constituency has no irrigation facility for the grape growers since decades.

These incidents have worked in favour of Patil’s opponent BJP’s Viju Gowda Patil, who has lost twice before to MB Patil. In a way, the ensuing battle is do or die battle for both the candidates. While Viju Gowda Patil has gained sympathy for having lost twice with a small margin, MB Patil is fearful that losing the polls might spoil his entire hard work of over a decade at the last minute. Regardless of the high decibel campaign by both the leaders and assurances, Voters are still gripped by religious sentiments and worshipful of messages given out by their seers.

The situation at Babaleshwara has also left an impact on the politics of entire district. While the BJP is losing out to rebels, the Congress is facing anti-incumbency in at least three of the constituencies.