Self-inflicted issues rocking coalition govt
The current congress is a fine example of attempts for early harvest without even giving the crop time to grow. The govt is a coalition of JD(S) and Congress. It came into existence under duress and as a result of anxiety that BJP and JD(S) may come together to claim their right over forming the govt. All this hurried coming together is showing its impact now. There were two main reasons for this hurried coming together. One was to keep BJP away from the seat of power. Second was to keep former CM Siddaramaiah away from the power centres of Congress. The latter reason was a lot more important to leaders within the congress since the party had become synonymous with his identity. The preparation for this had started even before the elections were announced. The failure of Siddaramaiah was more of a result of Congress conspiracy than the attempts made by leaders within the BJP.
HD Kumaraswamy, the declared antagonist of Siddaramaiah, was made CM for the same reason without even negotiating on any terms and conditions. Politically, giving up the chair of CM to JD(S) and make HDK the CM, with mere 37 seats, was not a well-calculated decision. Even worse is to believe that HDK will remain CM for all five years of his term since Congress is not too clear about this within the party lines. Amid all this, the dissidence has started within Congress with Jarkiholi brothers being unhappy with the treatment they were meted out since the formation of the govt. While Congress is writhing over this, BJP has used this opportunity to start on operation Kamala. They are just looking for a tender spot to start the surgery of destruction.
BJP has not forgotten the humiliation it had to undergo around the time of forming the government. Hence it is keeping a close watch on the developments within coalition partners. If there is a crack in the relationship of Cong and JD(S), the possibilities of JD(S) and BJP coalition government before the next Lok Sabha elections. Hence, the possibilities of coalition cannot be ruled out for sure. BJP has to secure all its forts in states to ensure Modi returns to the seat of PM in 2019. Hence, the party is willing to purchase MLAs at any cost. The party is waiting for such a weak moment to surface sooner than later.
With all these realities around, JD(S) and Congress have to reach a workable equation to ensure things work to people’s benefit. Kumaraswamy cannot always hold Congress to ransom over having BJP as a choice. This cannot work for a long time. JD(S) has already paid a heavy price for having done this musical chair for politics in the past. Devegowda and his sons have repeatedly regretted and cried in public, apologising over having practiced politics like this.
The recent complications within Congress have prompted BJP to believe it can make a headway into the situation. The Belgaum politics has had a direct impact on the government. On the outset, though the coalition looks like a result of being a convenient arrangement to avoid communal forces from clinching power. But the whole government set up stands on money and muscle power. Siddaramaiah is in the equation only for name sake. The whole responsibility of coalition equation rested on the shoulders of D K Shivakumar.MLAs were held together with money power. Or else, many would have jumped over to the BJP side owing to money itself.
The same moneyed politicians are responsible for the complications that have cropped up within Cong. Jarkiholi brothers have been at logger heads with the govt from the beginning. It was the responsibility of coalition partners to take them into confidence. Satish Jarkiholi has been working not only though his strong economic background but also owing to his social commitment as well. He comes from grassroots and from a marginalized caste. Congress shouldn’t have ignored his cautions. The party felt he wouldn’t jump the fence for whatever reasons and hence the issue grew out of control. Though a coalition partnership forces everyone to camouflage their small grudges, people often show it at a time when the moment is apt for the show.
Siddaramaiah does not have the numbers to show his mite, neither the money nor the backing of other factors. He can never stage dissidence. But he is using the situation as per his convenience. The disgruntled MLAs have put Siddaramaiah before them to show their dissidence. This is a momentary show. No sooner are their demands met, they’ll soon stop their show and move on with other things. They’ll then side with DKS. But Siddaramaiah cannot be held directly responsible for the dissidence that has arisen out in Congress. DK Shivakumar needs to make his moves like a statesman, and not with the confidence that money or muscle power can bring. It is his need too, that the government remains in power. He has to engage in talks with the dissenting MLAs, setting aside his personal glory. JD(S) also needs to understand the responsibility and the stakes it has in ensuring govt remains in power with its partner, to create a level of confidence among people. This may give at least two years of life for coalition govt. Just about enough to save its reputation.
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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.”
