Special Report
Belagavi.
C.T. Ravi’s recent visit to Belagavi has stirred political speculation, signaling a potential shift in Karnataka’s power dynamics. While his visit may appear routine, insiders believe it is a calculated move tied to the BJP’s long-term Hindutva strategy and power consolidation in the region.
Reigniting Old Rivalries?
The visit comes months after a heated clash between Ravi and Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar during the Belagavi Assembly session.
Though Ravi carefully avoided direct comments on the past altercation, his presence itself is being viewed as a challenge to Hebbalkar’s political hold. With Belagavi being a Congress stronghold and Hebbalkar emerging as a key leader, Ravi’s entry signals the BJP’s intent to unsettle the status quo.
Hindutva as a Weapon
The timing of Ravi’s visit coincides with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent budget, which has been perceived as favoring minority communities. BJP, under pressure to regain lost ground, appears to be deploying Hindutva politics as a countermeasure.
Ravi, known for his aggressive Hindutva stance, is seen as the party’s trump card in mobilizing Hindu votes, particularly among Lingayats and other influential communities.
Target 2028: BJP’s Long Game
Political analysts suggest that the BJP is already laying the groundwork for the 2028 Assembly elections. In the previous elections, the party secured a massive lead in the Belagavi rural belt, despite facing setbacks elsewhere. Strengthening its hold in this region is crucial, and Ravi’s visit is seen as a move to consolidate BJP’s voter base. His presence signals the party’s intent to challenge Congress’s dominance by rallying both Hindutva supporters and caste-based voter blocs.
BJP’s Leadership Puzzle: A New Face for Karnataka?
With the decline of B.S. Yediyurappa’s influence, the BJP is searching for a new Lingayat-Vokkaliga leader who can counterbalance Congress’s growing dominance. There is growing speculation that Ravi is being groomed for a larger role within the party’s state leadership. His visit to Belagavi could be a test of his ability to connect with the grassroots and project himself as a formidable alternative to Congress’s rising leaders.
What’s Next?
Ravi’s visit is not just a routine political tour—it is a statement. Whether it translates into electoral gains for the BJP remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Karnataka’s political battlefield is heating up, and Belagavi is at the center of the storm.
With the BJP sharpening its Hindutva pitch and the Congress strengthening its grassroots leadership, the coming years could witness a fierce political showdown in Karnataka.
