Karnataka Bandh: A wrong step forward
Ironically enough, BJP staged a walk out on the very first assembly meet of the new government. The leader of opposition, Yeddyurappa was unable to provide an appropriate reason for his decision to stay out of this democratic process. And, on the same note, he has also gifted a ‘Karnataka Bandh’ on Monday, to the people of the state. This is a clear indication of the things to come from BJP’s side. The party has decided to post hurdles in the administration of the government. The Karnataka Bandh seems to have zero interest about farmers, and total selfishness of a political party that missed its date with the power. Their main agenda now is to get father-sons party (JD(S)) into some quagmire.
The occasion of trust vote of the new government held everybody’s attention for many reasons. Though the new CM Kumaraswamy was in the focus that day, the highlight of the occasion was former CM Siddaramaiah. He made a very touching and informed speech regarding the duty of a speaker before the election for the post took place. He referred to the greatest personalities of the past who had adorned the chair such as Vaikunta Baliga among the others. Finally, Suresh Kumar of BJP withdrew from the race and added a lot of dignity to that position.
Ramesh Kumar was chosen unopposed to that position and he conducted the session to seek trust vote with utmost dignity and grace befitting a veteran.
He praised Siddaramaiah’s visionary administration and his ability to run the government smoothly without any financial mismanagement. Though Siddaramaiah announced many welfare schemes, not a single cheque issued by the government bounced causing loss to the bearer. He meant to say though Siddaramaiah launched schemes especially for the poor, none of them took away the share of what’s due to the other members of the government. This is the biggest reward a CM could get from a speaker. This made Kumaraswamy turn towards Siddaramaiah and the entire session on that day was laced by this positivity.
On the other hand, Yeddyurappa’s speech immediately after lacked clarity and seemed like continuation of his campaign speeches. He reduced the dignity of the session. His desperation of having been unable to hold the reins of state administration despite 104 seat victory while HDK was sitting in the CM’s chair with mere 38 seats, must have pushed him to some limits.
He tried to split the government, with his speech. Surprisingly he praised Siddaramaiah, to drive the damage a bit deeper into the psyche of those sitting in the assembly hall. He said the results had ensured Parameshwar and DK Shivakumar came to the forefront, pushing Siddaramaiah to the background. He was highly sympathetic towards Siddaramaiah in his speech. He said Congress and its leaders need to hold on to their self respect, else the father-sons party would erode all their dignity by pitching leaders such as DKS and Siddaramaiah, Parameshwar among others, against each other.
This surprising change in BSY’s tone and tenor must have a solid reason. He knew he’d need the help of JD(S) should his party not garner enough number of seats. But, the overconfidence of BJP led the party into this situation today. While he sees HDK being the CM, BSY sees Congress as lesser enemy and JD(S) as a bigger enemy.
Hence, BSY spoke in a manner that he’d never need the help of JD(S) to form a government ever again. And also called for Karnataka Bundh, in the context of farmer loan waivers. This might come back to bite BJP because this bundh comes at a time when bypolls are being held. Though HDK had said he would do loan waiver, he is not in a position to take unilateral decisions owing to the fact that the state has coalition government. If BSY indeed had such love for farmers, why didn’t he push the central government into waiving off loans of farmers?
Having lost the trust vote, BSY who is also the leader of opposition is taking wrong steps. He needs to understand if he slips up, his own partymen would be more than happy to see him falter.
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Axar shifts focus to next IPL after KKR all but end DC's campaign
New Delhi (PTI): A beleaguered Axar Patel admitted that both his team's batters and bowlers let the side down after Delhi Capitals suffered a humiliating eight-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders, virtually ending their IPL 2026 playoff hopes, while indicating the team had already begun looking ahead to the next season.
DC endured a miserable outing at home, managing only 142/8, which Kolkata Knight Riders chased down in just 14.2 overs, powered by a blistering unbeaten 100 from Finn Allen and his destructive stand with Cameron Green (33 not out) as the visitors tore apart the bowling attack.
With just eight points from 11 matches, DC are eighth on the table, while KKR revived their playoff hopes with a resurgent run, moving to seventh with nine points from 10 outings, though their road to the knockouts still remains difficult.
"For now, we'll go back and think about the mistakes we made. After that, obviously there's still a long journey ahead and next year will come too. So we'll think about what plans we can make for next year and what approach we should take," said Axar after the match.
"Based on that, we can also look at the players sitting on the bench and decide who can be given opportunities and what changes we can make," he added, hinting at a possible major overhaul next season.
With 200-plus totals becoming the norm this season, 142 was always going to be inadequate, and Axar admitted the score was well below par while also pointing out at poor judgement shown by the spinners while defending the modest total.
"I think the runs were definitely below par and at the same time the spinners made quite a few mistakes. Looking at the way the pitch behaved, I feel the spinners did make errors.
"At the same time, we lost five wickets in two-three overs, and I think that's where the momentum slipped away from us. That's probably something we need to think about because the same thing happened against CSK...we started well, and then suddenly wickets kept falling," he added.
He admitted the solutions to the issues could be found but players need to show the right mindset and character.
"See, you can't solve it in a complicated way. So, I think it's more about applying the right mindset. Even if you lose one or two wickets, you can still spend time at the crease and play through it. I think that's what needs to be applied, when wickets are falling in clusters, you need to absorb the pressure for an over or two," opined Axar.
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane was pleased to see a struggling Finn Allen finally rediscover his touch with the bat.
"I'm really happy for Finn Allen. He was struggling first four or five games, working really hard, but the way he batted tonight was fantastic. But I want to praise our bowlers again.
"We did well because of them. And they've been doing it so well consistently, especially those middle overs and the death overs. Our spinners, Sunil Narine, Varun (Chakravarthy) and Anukul Roy, have been fantastic," he said.
"Fielding-wise, yes, we are working really hard. Our fielding coach has been really strict with us. And that's what has been helping us. The result which you've been seeing about the catches and the ground fielding, credit goes to our fielding coach as well," he added.
