Published Oct 03, 2024 | 5:00 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 03, 2024 | 5:32 PM
KS Eshwarappa MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal Rayanna Chennamma Brigade. (Supplied)
An important meeting is scheduled for 20 October in Bagalkot. It is the beginning of a bloc that hopes to influence power dynamics in Karnataka politics.
Although everyone behind it claims it is completely apolitical, it is clear that the consequences for state politics could be immense. Former Deputy Chief Minister KS Eshwarappa and BJP Bijapur City MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal are poised to launch the Rayanna Chennamma Brigade (RCB) this month.
The RCB is named after prominent freedom fighters Sangolli Rayanna and Kittur Rani Chennamma. Rayanna, a military leader of the Kittur princely state, was hanged to death from a banyan tree in 1831 for his vigorous opposition to the Doctrine of Lapse, introduced in early 19th century by the British to annex princely states. Chennamma, the ruler of Kittur, fought bravely to retain hold over the kingdom in modern-day Belagavi, North Karnataka after her husband and son died.
Putting it in the context of Karnataka politics, Rayanna is seen as a Kuruba icon and Rani Chennamma a Lingayat (Panchamasali) warrior. Two leaders in Karnataka now want to use their identity to bring together a formidable bloc of Lingayats and Kurubas.
The RCB is meant to provide a voice to the marginalised, the Dalits, Backward Classes and minorities. The hope is that the same protective umbrella will cover all the deprived communities in the northern region of the state, along the lines of the more overtly political group called AHINDA (from the Kannada acronym for “Alpasankhyataru” or minorities, “Hindulidavaru” or backward classes and “Dalitaru” or Dalits.) Incidentally, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is seen as a AHINDA leader.
The setting up of the new group indicates a strategic effort to consolidate the support of not just backward classes and oppressed communities, but also Lingayats, a dominant community.
It is reported that the political leadership was inspired to take this move by Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha Seer Basava Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swamiji. Eshwarappa and MLA Yatnal are set to consolidate the unity of the Kurubas and Panchamasali, sub-sects of the Lingayat community, with Dalits and Backward Classes.
Eshwarappa and Yatnal have called a meeting of like-minded people, expected to be attended by about 30 seers, including Basava Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swami. Following the meeting, the senior leaders are likely to make an official announcement on the launch of the Rayanna Chennamma Brigade.
What is noteworthy is that in 2016, Eshwarappa established the Rayanna Brigade. Former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa vehemently opposed the formation of the new group. Senior BJP leaders smelt something fishy, alleging that the new group would eat into the base of the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS). Following directives from the BJP high command, Eshwarappa distanced himself from the brigade and its activities in 2017.
Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Eshwarappa decided to contest as an independent candidate from Shivamogga and was expelled from the BJP. He was upset that his son Kantesh had been denied a party ticket by the BJP for the Haveri-Gadag Lok Sabha seat.
It is reported that KS Eshwarappa and BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal are joining forces after Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha seer Basava Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swami mentored them on the need for a concerted campaign to bring the marginalised in the state under one common umbrella.
Former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi of the BJP and former MLA Gulihatti Sekhar were among senior party leaders who have reportedly coalesced behind Eshwarappa and Yatnal in setting up RCB.
Speaking with reporters in Vijaypura, Eshwarappa said, “I had constituted the Rayanna Brigade in 2016. I discontinued it on the advice of the BJP high command Amit Shah, currently the Union Minister for Home Affairs. I regret my decision to discontinue the brigade.”
The former deputy chief minister said he had been urged by several people to restart the organisation. “Kudalasangama Peeta Seer Basava Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swami and MLA Yatnal also asked me to reconstitute it. I will deliberate with my followers on constituting the Rayanna Chennamma Brigade,” he said.
He explained that the meeting on 20 October at Bagalkot will bring together pontiffs from Backward Classes, Lingayats, Dalits and other communities.
Seer Basava Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swami told South First: “I suggested to Eshwarappa that he must constitute the Rayana Chennamma Brigade. I told him that there is a need to continue the bond of mother and son between Chennamma and Rayanna.”
The seer said he had advised Eshwarappa that the need of the hour was an apolitical organisation that would work for all oppressed communities, and forge bonds among such groups in North Karnataka. The pontiff explained that the RCB would not close its doors on members of any caste, and the aim was to forge bonds, political party affiliation, caste and religion.
Former MLA Gulihatti Sekhar of BJP told South First: “When Eshwarappa set up the Rayanna Brigade in 2016, it was functioning well. The main intention of the Rayanna Chennamma Brigade is to raise a collective voice for the uplift of oppressed communities, who suffer social or financial disadvantages.”
When asked about the political leaders who are likely to support this initiative, former MLA Sekhar said, “We have invited several leaders, cutting across party lines.” He added that he would not name names, since those associated with political parties would have to keep commitments to their own parties.
“This is not against any political party, it is instead the voice of the oppressed, crying for justice,” Sekhar said.
A close aide of Eshwarappa who did not wish to be named told South First: “We are expecting around 1,500 to 2,000 people from each community during the meeting at Bagalkot. Around 25 to 30 pontiffs including Athani’s Muneshwara Maharaja Swami, and Jaknur’s Madhulinga Mahaswami are expected to participate.”
Pointing to the short life of the 2016 group Rayanna Brigade, political commentators say the Rayanna Chennamma Brigade too will fall short of success unless it finds a committed leadership and a cause capable of inspiring and uniting people.
When Eshwarappa launched the Rayanna Brigade in 2016, it was largely believed to be dominated by the Kuruba or traditionally pastoralist community. This brigade was also inclusive of Dalits and Backward Classes.
State leaders of the BJP, however, especially Yediyurappa and leaders in the party high command came down heavily against Eshwarappa, who was compelled to distance himself from all activities connected to the Rayanna Brigade in 2017.
As a fresh grouping is imagined, there is still some fear in the ranks of the BJP — Kurubas, Dalits, Backward Classes, Lingayats and others are expected to be drawn into the RCB. Commentators say this is indeed a political project, meant to extend Eshwarappa’s base from Kuruba or Backward Classes to influential Lingayats through Panchamasalis.
Political commentator Ashok Chandaragi told South First: “Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Eshwarappa was expelled from the BJP. He does not have the face to return to the party now, and his new brigade is a public demonstration of his strength.”
“When he set up the Rayanna Brigade earlier, he tried to blackmail BJP leaders through his brigade. He was cautioned by the BJP high command. In the backdrop of these developments, he surprisingly distanced himself from the Rayanna Brigade,” Chandaragi said, adding, “I strongly believe that except the Kuruba community, no one will follow Eshwarappa. He is not a reliable leader. It will succeed if, and only if, there is strong leadership.”
“Eshwarappa has been expelled and Yatnal appears to have been sidelined in the BJP. This will be a challenge to consolidate these communities. I believe this brigade won’t be a big success in terms of changing political dynamics in the state,” Chandaragi said.
A former MLC who was associated with the Rayanna Brigade told South First: “Rayanna Brigade was gradually getting support from the people. Some of the leaders in the BJP spread canards about the brigade. There was fear it would erode the support of the saffron cadre and affect Yediyurappa.”
Leaders who had earlier joined Eashwarppa appear wary this time. “Several leaders who followed him were left suddenly orphaned when he withdrew support last time. Some of them are still furious. This new brigade won’t succeed unless Eshwarappa takes a firm stand and stays committed to it,” a former MLA said.
(Edited by Rosamma Thomas)
