Different stroke: Karnataka crisis: poor Congress choice is the devil
Different stroke: Karnataka crisis: poor Congress choice is the devil
New Delhi,July 08(HS)The central Congress leadership is to blame for the present situation in Karnataka.The marriage with the JDS was a mismatched marriage.The JDS was not a natural ally.Before the Assembly elections in the state the two had fought bitterly and made no-hold- barred attacks on each other.There were not many things in common between the two.Yet,the party leadership,in hurry to grab power,joined hands.The result had to be same as is being witnessed.
Right after a few months,differences came to the surface.Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy cried publicly on more than one occasion and said a few uncomplimentary words against the party.Still,the party continued to support the government headed by him.
The rival BJP which was waiting in the wings, sees an opportunity after 13 months,to form government again.It is unlikely to leave anything to chance.Whether it is stoking fire or not,the crisis is deepening by the hour.A few hours ago an Independent MLA,H.Nagesh,resigned.Some more may resign to support the BJP.
Ten Congress members have already resigned,embarrassing the party.This was avoidable..Secondly,it had allied with the party in the past only to part with it later.In the light of this experience and also with its dealings with the BJP,the best thing was to keep away.
It is still trying everything possible to remain in power in the state.Party and JDS ministers are reported to have resigned to accommodate the rebels.The Congress may also try another option,hold a meeting and issue a whip,asking its members to be present in the House and support the party’s moves.Defiance would spell a doom.
Much also depends on the Speaker.Fourteen members,10 Congress,three JDS and one Independent, have resigned so far from the Assembly. If the Speaker accepts their resignations, the Congress-JDS combine will be reduced to a minority.The BJP will have an upper hand.
These members have adopted a safe course.Resignation from the party and joining another party would have invited anti-defection law which only calls two-thirds defection legal.
Of course, if the resignations are accepted,by-elections will have to be held within six months.They may win again because BJP’s current popularity.In the recently held general elections the BJP had grabbed 25 of the total 28 Lok Sabha seats.
