Crisis in Karnataka reveals simmering discontent

The turbulence that is rocking the 29-month-old Yeddyurappa
government in Karnataka is a reflection of governments formed on the basis of bargains and trade-offs.

The decision that has triggered the latest crisis is the dismissal of four of the ministers, all independents — Shivaraj Tangadagi, D Sudhakar, PM Narendra Swamy and Venkataramanappa — whose support was needed to form the government in the first place and who were given ministerial berths as a reward for the support.

They have been joined by 14 of the BJP legislators and one independent. This has reduced the Yeddyurappa government’s strength in the assembly to 104 in a house of 224. Governor HR Bhardwaj has asked the chief minister to prove the government’s
majority on the floor of the house before October 12.

Chief minister Yeddyurappa has been running a disaffected government. His cabinet and party colleagues are unhappy with his manner of running the government. The rebel legislators say that the chief minister is not paying attention to matters concerning their respective constituencies. Whatever may be the accuracy of the complaint, what seems pretty clear is that the BJP is riven by intense factionalism and that leaders encourage this
tendency to embarrass the chief minister.

Attempts to mollify the angry legislators seem to have failed. The chief minister’s bete noire, tourism minister G Janardhan
Reddy played the emissary and flew to Chennai where the rebels were camping but failed to win them over. It is interesting to note that Reddy and his brother Karunakara have been strident critics of Yeddyurappa and they made it difficult for him to choose his cabinet.

Some of the senior BJP leaders are blaming the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) for creating dissensions within the ruling party but it does not wash. The BJP has now to face up to the fact that it is vulnerable to the temptations of power. Chief minister
Yeddyurappa cannot escape the blame, at least partially, for the problems. He does not seem to inspire trust and confidence. Both the chief minister and the party will have to realise that playing the old game of winning support by offering office does not ensure stability.

Of course, BJP is not the only party riven by factionalism and personal ambition. Now that it is in power, it will have to learn to deal with the problem as best as it can; blaming political rivals is not helpful.