Bengaluru, March 28 (NationPress) BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, has raised questions about the Congress party's approach, particularly regarding its reliance on the Muslim community's support through fear tactics against the BJP.

Speaking to reporters at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, Narayanaswamy's comments came in light of the ongoing political dynamics in the Davanagere South constituency.

He expressed that the younger, more informed members of the Muslim community are likely to evaluate the contributions of various political parties and make their own choices, urging them to maintain their dignity.

Narayanaswamy noted that the withdrawal of rebel candidate Sadiq Pylwan from Davanagere South wouldn't have a major impact on the constituency's political landscape.

He stated, “a worn-out fabric can only be patched; it cannot be renewed,” implying that such political shifts are unlikely to change the fundamental conditions. He further commented, “a frayed rope can be tied, but it doesn’t become a new rope.”

Regarding voting trends among minorities, Narayanaswamy admitted that he cannot guarantee that all Muslim voters would back the BJP, claiming that Congress has manipulated their perspectives. He accused the party of treating Muslims merely as a vote bank, asserting that despite opposition from some factions, the BJP remains dominant at the national level. He also highlighted that Muslims continue to live securely in India.

In contrast to neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, which face significant internal strife, he emphasized that the Constitution, crafted by B. R. Ambedkar, provides essential protections for all citizens, including minorities.

Narayanaswamy further lambasted the Congress, insisting that the idea of “Manuvaad” exists solely within the party's ideology. He asserted that it is the BJP's duty to ensure equitable rights and opportunities for all societal segments, claiming that the party is actively fulfilling this obligation.

The Congress is experiencing backlash from certain Muslim demographics and progressive factions for allegedly fostering a political dynasty. The BJP has nominated Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa as its candidate for Davanagere South, who represents an underprivileged community and is the son of a porter.

Following Sadiq Pylwan's withdrawal from the race as an Independent candidate for the by-election in Davanagere, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed optimism about the Congress securing victories in both Davanagere and Bagalkot.

Pylwan had previously filed his nomination as an Independent, challenging the candidacy of Samarth Mallikarjun, the grandson of late veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

His father, S.S. Mallikarjun, serves as the Minister for Mining, Geology, and Horticulture, while his mother, Prabha Mallikarjun, is a Lok Sabha member representing the Davanagere constituency.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah noted that he has known Sadiq for many years, having met him during wrestling events in Mysuru, and remarked that aspiring for candidacy is not an issue.

He added that on Friday, 11 candidates withdrew their nominations, thanking Sadiq for stepping down at the party's request.

He acknowledged that there are approximately 70,000 Muslim voters in Davanagere, noting that Pylwan was a ticket aspirant. The party leadership decided to grant the ticket to Samarth, the son of Minister S.S. Mallikarjun, in accordance with its tradition of fielding family members of deceased leaders.