“natak” in Karnataka

Recent events in Karnataka highlight the nexus between politics and money- as if we needed a reminder! Not that this is unique to Karnataka. Nor am I an apologist for the beleaguered CM, B S Yeddyurappa. However, I feel annoyed that a few politicians are able to hold the entire state to ransom- pretty much for their personal gain.

If the Reddy brothers are indeed so worried about governance and development, (even if the interest is limited to the Bellary and the erstwhile “Hyderabad Karnatak” area), they should have focused on flood relief work. The timing of the revolt is also suspect, as it comes soon after a toll was imposed on trucks carrying iron ore (the proceeds were to be used for flood relief and rehabilitation work, but that’s another story). And of course, with YSR’s untimely demise in neighbouring AP, the Congress government there has started tightening the screws on the Reddys’ alleged illegal mining activities in that state. (It has been widely reported in the media that the Bellary brothers were close to YSR and that let them get away with a lot of things although they were in opposite political camps).

Maybe Mr Yeddyurappa should seriously consider resigning and letting the Governor figure out whether to invite the Congress or JD or simply recommend President’s rule in the state. If the BJP (or indeed, any other party) cannot keep its rank and file above petty politics, then in my view, that party does not deserve to be in power. Period. It would be interesting to see how many of the “rebel MLAs” who are allegedly holed up in a resort in Hyderabad would be keen to face the people so soon after what has happened (sadly, public memory is short so 12 months later, all will have been forgotten).

Calling mid-term polls would not be in the interest of the state/country, as it would impose a huge drain on our exchequer. But I am rapidly veering to the view that spending a few hundred millions on elections (and hoping the people vote sensibly) may be better than cause protracted loss to the state’s economy- and of course, the nation’s as well.