Lambani votes hold key as Congress walks tightrope in Bagalkot

Bagalkot

A 45-year-old Lokesh, smoking a beedi in a secluded corner while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was delivering a speech at Neelanagar, summed up the uncertainty gripping the Lambani community. “I am uncertain this time due to internal reservation that will have a huge impact on our community,” he said.

His words reflect a broader mood in the rural landscape of Bagalkot, where the Lambani vote could turn decisive in a closely contested election. Perhaps sensing this pulse at Neelanagar tanda, Siddaramaiah assured that the interests of Lambani, Bovi, Korama and Koracha communities would be protected. 

The Congress leadership believes this outreach may help pacify anger among voters in a constituency witnessing a electoral contest between Umesh Meti and BJP’s Veeranna Charantimath.

Lokesh, who runs a petty shop in his village, Neelanagar, expressed cautious scepticism. “In actuality we cannot trust any parties, but some of the community leaders in the Congress are far better than the BJP,” he said, even as he added that the promises may turn out to be hollow. His statement underlines a reluctant preference rather than firm support.

The unease stems largely from the issue of internal reservation, which continues to dominate political conversations in the region. In April 2023, the community had protested against the BJP government when the reservation was announced. This year, the Karnataka Governor gave assent to the internal reservation Bill. Within the overall 17% reservation for Scheduled Castes, the Bill provides 6% each for Dalit Left and Dalit Right, and 5% for “touchable” castes including Bhovi, Lambani, Korama and Koracha along with 59 nomadic communities.

However, despite receiving the green signal, the Congress government has not implemented the provisions. Instead, it has proceeded with recruitment under a government order that retains the Scheduled Castes quota at 15% without internal reservation, effectively skirting the sub-categorisation issue.

Lakshman L, a resident of Rampur tanda (settlement), pointed this out, stating that the government may have deliberately avoided implementation fearing electoral backlash. He questioned what would happen after the elections, particularly when a significant number of Lambani voters are at stake. In Bagalkot, the community has traditionally supported Congress, making the current uncertainty a matter of concern for the party.

Lakshman further noted that the BJP, which has been actively campaigning in the tandas, is highlighting the internal reservation issue. This, he said, has made it challenging for Congress to convince community leaders and retain its voter base.

In response, Minister for Public Works Department Satish Laxmanrao Jarkiholi has intensified campaigning in the tandas, attempting to keep the support intact. Siddaramaiah, during his visits, continues to reiterate assurances about protecting the interests of Lambanis and other communities, indicating that the Congress is treating these votes with utmost seriousness.

According to Darshan Kumar R, Haveri District Youth Congress President and son of Deputy Speaker (Legislative Assembly) Rudrappa Lamani, the constituency has about 20 tandas accounting for nearly 18,000 votes. It must be noted that Lamani is regarded as a veteran leader of the community in the North Karnataka region.

Kumar told blrpost.com that his youth team has been camping in the constituency to ensure polling in favour of the party. “The BJP is misleading the Lambani community but the people are not buying it. There may be some disgruntlement but it is being effectively quelled,” he said.

Meanwhile, a source close to BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath expressed confidence that in a close fight, the BJP may gain an edge due to anti-incumbency. He said the people of Bagalkot are looking for change to bring in development.

As the election approaches, the Congress finds itself walking a tightrope—balancing assurances with inaction, and legacy support with rising discontent. In this shifting landscape, the Lambani vote, once considered a reliable base, may ultimately emerge as the deciding factor in Bagalkot.