The Shiggaon Assembly constituency is currently the focal point of an intense political battle as leaders from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress escalate their campaigns. The verbal altercations between senior leaders from both parties have left the region on edge, with each side attempting to gain an upper hand ahead of the upcoming elections.
The BJP campaign, led by senior leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, has been particularly aggressive in its criticism of Congress candidate Yaseer Ahmad Khan Pathan. During a rally in support of BJP candidate Bharat Bommai, Yatnal made a pointed remark against Pathan, claiming, “There are 17 cases against the Congress candidate in Shiggaon. They’re fielding ‘wrestler Pathan’ as if this is a wrestling match rather than a democratic election. Are we supposed to wrestle with him?” This comment was aimed at questioning Pathan’s credibility and suitability as a representative for the people of Shiggaon.
Yatnal further stoked the flames by emphasising the importance of Hindu unity. He warned voters, saying, “If you split by caste, your properties may end up with the Wakf. This time, vote for BJP to send a strong message to the government attempting to make everything Wakf property.” This was a clear attempt to galvanise Hindu voters, cautioning them against what he described as an orchestrated effort by the Congress to favour Muslim interests, particularly through the control of Wakf properties.
In a scathing attack on Congress, Yatnal claimed that even “good Muslims have no place in the Congress.” He referred to the multiple legal cases filed against prominent BJP leaders like Pratap Simha, C.T. Ravi, and Soolibele, while also mentioning former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, all of whom he suggested had been unfairly targeted by Congress. Yatnal also levelled allegations against Congress leader Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, accusing him of misleading the Muslim community to take control of Wakf properties. He even took a dig at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging, “Siddaramaiah claims he will be born a Muslim in his next life, and that’s why he’s turning all Hindu property into Wakf property.”
BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate, Bharat Bommai, has been vocal in defending his party’s track record in Shiggaon. He has repeatedly pointed to the development initiatives that he claims have significantly improved the constituency. During his recent visit, Bommai responded to Congress criticisms, particularly regarding the development of roads in Shiggaon. He remarked, “People tell me about the development I brought to Shiggaon, while Congress leaders who are here today for campaigning walk on the very roads I built.”
Bommai has been keen to highlight the contrast between his party’s development initiatives and the alleged lack of progress in areas represented by Congress leaders. He challenged Congress leaders, saying, “Ministers and legislators who criticize my development in Shiggaon, what have they done in their own constituencies? Their own voters question them. Instead of blaming Shiggaon, they should focus on the development, or lack thereof, in their own areas.”
One of Bommai’s strongest retorts was aimed at Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, who had recently made a controversial statement claiming that no houses had been built in Shiggaon under the BJP government. Bommai countered this claim by highlighting the construction of 168 houses in NM Tadasa village during his tenure as Chief Minister. “Zameer built only 18 homes—those too were approved during my tenure,” he pointed out, stressing the disparity in development efforts between the BJP and Congress.
Adding to the campaign fervour, Bommai participated in a housewarming ceremony for a beneficiary in Timmapur. The house, which was funded by a ₹5 lakh grant during his tenure as Chief Minister, was inaugurated by Bommai as part of his continued outreach to the voters of Shiggaon. The beneficiary, Malleshappa Durappanavar, expressed gratitude for the new home and personally invited Bommai to inaugurate the property.
This gesture was seen as an attempt by the BJP to showcase its commitment to improving the lives of ordinary people in Shiggaon, particularly through social welfare initiatives. It also served as a contrast to the Congress’s allegations that the BJP has failed to address local issues.
With both the BJP and Congress ramping up their campaigns, the Shiggaon Assembly election is becoming increasingly contentious. Each party has attempted to capitalise on the other’s weaknesses, particularly regarding issues of development, communal tensions, and candidate credibility. As the election day nears, voters in Shiggaon are left to decide which party and which vision for the future will best represent their interests.
The BJP is emphasising its track record of development and Hindu unity, while Congress continues to target the alleged failures of the BJP government in addressing the needs of the local population. It remains to be seen whether the political rhetoric will sway voters or whether the focus will shift to the tangible issues that matter most to the people of Shiggaon.
