A responsible opposition party: Much needed today
Having defeated every conspiracy planned by the BJP to collapse the Cong-JD(S) coalition, the government has been successful in presenting its first budget. Normally opposition parties cause embarrassment to ruling parties by exposing their lacunae and lack of good administration. The opposition parties must show their efficiency in the first few months after they sit in their position. Unfortunately, when we look at the last few months in Karnataka, the opposition party is trying to turn resorts into assembly house and is attempting to weaken the government.
BJP tried to create unrest with its ‘operation Kamala’ instead of the failure of administration if any, in the session. Yeddyurappa and his team insisted that the coalition government did not have majority and it should be allowed to present the budget. They even ensured a few days of session were lost with this ruckus. But One wouldn’t ever understand how they were claiming that the government had lost its numbers.
MLAs have not gone in groups to the Governor to claim they had withdrawn support. Even if that happens, vote of trust needs to be proved on the floor of the house. There have been no developments amounting to this step, even by the BJP. Some MLAs are in Mumbai and are expressing their displeasure about the government, and that they are in touch with the BJP should lead to the fall of a government? This is the biggest mockery of democracy.
After all this, it’s not the government that needs to resign but the BJP leaders who are claiming to form the government every fortnight or so. They need to quit their posts. They are indulging in horse trading in daylight which is against the spirit of constitution. Only an immature politician can claim the government has lost its support with the assurance that MLAs can be “bought”. Two days of session lost is a big loss for the state. BJP owes people an explanation on this.
Along with this, CM Kumaraswamy has released audio recording of Yeddyurappa’s ‘horse trading’ attempt in the session on Friday. Such an audio was released even before the government was formed and BSY was speaking to a JD(S) leader offering him a price for detracting. The recent audio only proves Yeddyurappa’s efforts have not stopped after all this, and he is still hopeful of collapsing a government. Though the BJP leaders are trying to sweep this under the carpet saying the voice is not that of Yeddyurappa, it does not quite seem like a mimic of his voice since he has openly made such efforts in the last few months.
A BJP leader who was victim of this horse trading had even held a press conference on this. Now this audio needs to be vetted to understand whether this is fake or original. And if indeed the horse trading is on, the culprits engaging in this have to be arrested and their financial statuses should be investigated into. Since centre has BJP government, this seems to be impossible as of now. But the horse trading has surely affected the administration. Hence JD(S) and Congress MLAs who are often seen in BJP camp trying to blackmail, have to be acted upon. The sale happens only when there’s something to be sold. If buying is a crime, selling too is one. Hence the MLAs have to be controlled as a primary step.
This horse trading has affected the image of BJP and especially of BSY. His claims of ‘government is weak, and we’ll be in the chair soon’ are weakening the already battered BJP. Party insiders say the leaders within BJP are prompting him to act this way so that his image suffers a beating. This way, he is projected like a power hungry leader. Operation Kamala is creating a tentative insecurity to the government and the government has to spend time taming the MLAs from going to BJP over carrying out developmental works.
More attempts of Operation Kamala will also mean there’d be more corruption within the government. To buy MLAs or to retain them, both parties will have to spend a lot of money. This may put the government into the hands of corrupt. Having lost the race to form the government, BJP should behave like a responsible opposition party and perform its duty. It should work towards the welfare of the people by exposing any inefficiencies in governance and administration by the government. Else, in this petty fight for power, a voter will be the biggest loser.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
