Karnataka MLA and former minister Basangouda Patil Yatnal has triggered widespread condemnation after a video surfaced of him promising ₹5 lakh to any Hindu man who marries a Muslim woman.
The remarks, made during a meeting with a Hindu youth’s family in Koppal district, have been denounced by Muslim organisations, women’s rights advocates, and opposition parties, who called it an attempt to target the minority community and inflame communal tensions.
“This is not a marriage scheme this is a communal trap. It aims to use Muslim women as tools in a political game,” said Abdul Rahman, a community leader in Bengaluru. “Our daughters are not prizes to be given away for cash.”
Yatnal, expelled from the BJP in March for six years over repeated inflammatory statements, told the gathering, “From now on, if a Hindu boy marries a Muslim girl, I will give him ₹5 lakh,” adding that he intends to launch a campaign promoting such unions.
Critics warn the proposal could encourage coercive or manipulative relationships. “We already face enough prejudice. Now leaders like Yatnal are openly encouraging men to hunt for Muslim girls,” said Farhana Begum, a schoolteacher from Bijapur.
Human rights activists have urged authorities to act, arguing the statement amounts to incitement. “This is not free speech it is a clear provocation. If the law values equality, there must be a case registered,” said senior advocate Shabbir Ahmed.
A Congress spokesperson condemned the comments as “a shameless attempt to divide Karnataka on religious lines ahead of elections.”
For many in the Muslim community, the controversy underscores a troubling trend while Hindutva groups accuse Muslim men of “love jihad,” some leaders simultaneously encourage Hindu men to marry Muslim women for financial or social gain.
Community elders have appealed for calm but expressed deep anger. “We will not allow our daughters to be dragged into politics. Muslim women are not political trophies they are human beings deserving of respect,” Abdul Rahman said.
