As BJP bets big on him, a look at the many controversies of Nalin Kumar Kateel

Karnataka BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel always maintained a low profile except for the times when he makes controversial statements that turn into headlines for the media. After advising party cadres to focus on 'love jihad' than development, Kateel has now called Rahul Gandhi as an "impotent".

During speech at Ramnagara, he said,''RahulGandhi is not getting married cause he is impotent* #BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel. During speech at #Ramnagara. RG & Siddaramaih asked people not to take vaccines. Saying you won't have kids. But, in the night secretly they took. That's y our MLC said he is impotent.''

Tipu vs Savakar

Earlier, Kateel had said that the State polls will be fought between Savarkar and Tipu. "Karnataka Assembly elections, due later this year, will not be fought between Congress and BJP, but between the ideologies of Savarkar and Tipu," Kateel said during his public address in Shivamogga. He also dared former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to havea debate with him on who among the two is important for the State.

"They are allowed to celebrate Tipu Jayanti which is not required in this State. They also spoke disgracefully about Savarkar. I challenge Siddaramanna to hold a debate. Let's discuss and find out if this country requires a patriot like Savarkar or Tipu," Kateel added.

'Prioritise Love Jihad'

Kateel had kicked up a massive controversy after advising party workers to focus on fighting "love jihad" instead of civic issues such as road and sewage issues. Addressing party workers at 'Booth Vijaya Abhiyana' in Mangaluru, Kateel said, "Do not discuss civic issues like roads and sewage... If you're worried about your children's future, and if you want to stop love jihad, then we need BJP. To get rid of love jihad, we need BJP."

Kateel further said that BJP is the only party that can bring a law against 'love jihad'. "BJP was the one that brought a law against cow slaughter, and which introduced a law against religious conversion. BJP will be the one which will bring in a law against love jihad," he asserted.

'Hindus living in fear'

In 2021, Kateel kicked up saying that Hindus in Dakshina Kannada (DK) district were living in fear due to the actions of a minority community. The remarks were met with criticism by several political leaders and organisations.

Moreover, during the COVID wave, Kateel was criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Karnataka. He was accused of downplaying the severity of the virus and failing to take adequate measures to contain its spread.

Remark against Sonia

In 2018, Kateel was accused of making a weird claim about Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. He reportedly said that Gandhi had no "moral right" to speak about women's safety because she had "never been married." He later apologized for the remark.

Even though critics called his appointment a controversial choice as his statements have often put the party in a spot, many still see his appointment as the BJP leadership's desire to intensify its Hindutva thrust in Karnataka.

Who is Nalin Kumar Kateel?

Kateel is currently serving as the president of the ruling BJP's Karnataka unit, and has been a member of the Lok Sabha since 2009, representing the DK region in Karnataka, that is widely known to be communally polarised, with a sharp Hindu-Muslim divide.

Kateel belongs to the affluent peasant Bunt community who have a considerable influence in the DK region. This sets him apart from CM Yediyurappa, who is a Lingayat. He claims himself to be an RSS 'pracharak', having joined the organisation as an 18-year-old. He credits the RSS for guiding him and teaching him to face challenges after his 'difficult childhood' in a nondescript village.

Kateel's importance to BJP

Kateel's importance to the BJP lies in his organizational skills and his ability to mobilize party workers and supporters. He has been instrumental in expanding the BJP's base in the DK region, which has traditionally been a stronghold of the rival Congress party. Under his leadership, the BJP has made significant gains in the region, winning the parliamentary seat in every election since 2009.

Kateel is also known for his close ties to the RSS, the ideological mentor of the BJP. His elevation to the post of Karnataka BJP president is seen as a sign of RSS' growing influence in the party.

Overall, Kateel is an important leader for the BJP in Karnataka, and his organizational skills and grassroots support make him a valuable asset to the party. However, his importance is limited to the State only and he is not known as a national-level figure.