Operation Kamala: Shameless show of lust for power
People are seething with the developments in state politics since the last few days. BJP had tried to clinch power through the ‘Operation Kamala’ route soon after the assembly election results had been out. It had even submitted a memorandum to the governor seeking permission to form the government despite knowing the fact that the party didn’t have required number of seats to do so. But owing to the strong political acumen of DK Shivakumar Operation Kamala fell flat on its face.
Yeddyurappa was humiliated to no end during that time even by his own party members. Owing to BJP’s hunger for power, HD Kumaraswamy’s installation as CM was delayed. Just when people assumed that BJP has taken the role of a responsible opposition leader allowing the coalition government to work on its duties, BJP has started out to play dirty politics again to clinch the chair of the CM. Since the last two weeks, BJP has taken all its MLAs and is sitting in a resort outside the state. Those MLAs who have totally forgotten their duties towards the people who voted for them and are totally drowned in luxury. Yeddyurappa has undergone humiliation second time over. The media kept crying hoarse that the government would be toppled by Sankranthi and dissenting MLAs would join the BJP soon. But that hasn’t happened, and the dissidents have returned to identify themselves with Congress.
This has given rise to some anxiety in the Congress camp and they have now taken their MLAs to another resort in the state, and have been safeguarding them with great care. This bad politics by the BJP is having a negative effect on the state administration. This has not only led to the loss of face for Yeddyurappa, his image is suffering a beating with every such move of his. People are viewing BJP with a lot of mistrust. Normally when the election results are out, every party would consider its possibilities of clinching power in some manner or the other. BJP did that and unsuccessfully too since they couldn’t get even a handful MLAs to be on their side.
With this being the case, Yeddyurappa should have spent time consolidating and organizing people to turn into a successful opposition leader passing on the benefits to the people of the state. A leader needn’t be a CM to serve the people. One can do that even as the leader of opposition by identifying the mistakes of the government and forcing the administration to correct its course. If the ruling party has to work well, it needs to have a good opposition party. Yeddyurappa is a very able opposition leader. But instead of using that, trying shortcuts to gain access to the seat of CM does not suit Yeddyurappa. His repeated failures do not show him in good light. Some leaders within the BJP are encouraging Operation Kamala most probably to turn Yeddyurappa into a laughing stock. And BSY is falling into their trap.
But one cannot blame only BJP for these developments. When goods are on sale, there’d be prospective buyers too. Those who are ready to sell their integrity for the sake of money, despite having won elections from one party and now all set to defect to another, are enemies of democracy as well. They are selling all the faith people have placed on them. Those who are in coalition government should know when they slip into the cesspool of operation Kamala, they are going to lose the faith of people forever.
They are using the greed of BJP to gain power, to ensure their own greed for power and money is met. Had they joined hands with other parties over ideological differences with their party leaders, that move would have had some weight. Instead, they are ‘using’ the BJP like the party is using them. They are pretending to join BJP only to threaten the leaders within JD(S) and Cong. And BJP is jumping with joy even at the mere projection of their willingness to join. Even the dissenting MLAs know BJP can never clinch the power. But the victims of lust for power, the opportunism within the coalition government and the others happen to be the hapless voters.
The BJP is spending crores on resort politics hosting their leaders in luxury resorts away from the state. MLAs who had to attend to people’s works are spending time in the resort. Tragically enough, some media are projecting ‘Operation Kamala’ as some moment of pride for the BJP. Media is an inseparable part of this dirty exercise. This happens when media and politics become illicit partners to defeat the democracy. BJP needs to gain foothold in the next elections in some states at least. Since it lost base in the five central states, it is now being anxious. As a result of this, BJP leaders are wondering if they can gain some power in Karnataka by hook or crook.
Recently, a Modi bhakt had said people had to walk for Modi, leaving hesitation behind. ‘Lajje Bittu Hejje Haaki’ when written in Kannada also means leave the ‘shame’ behind. This slogan was for people, but looks like the leaders themselves have taken this way too seriously that they have left shame behind. These are the most tragic moments in the history of democracy in this country.
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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.”
