Lokayukta Mining Report: Will Yeddy Get Another Lifeline?
Narayana Swamy - Mysore
Political Analyst
Daijiworld Media Network
Mysore, Jul 22: In the last three years, Yeddyurappa's reign as chief minister of Karnataka has not been smooth at all. He has survived at least three threats to his chair, when he came very close to stepping down, but escaped thanks to his powerful contacts within the BJP central leadership. Now, the mining report comes as yet another test for him, and all eyes are on his arrival from his holiday on Monday. Speculations are rife over whether he would put down his papers or continue in power.
Well, according to experts, odds are in favour of CM Yeddyurappa. There are a couple of crucial points, that may help the CM get yet another lifeline.
First and foremost, despite the leaked report on mining naming Yeddyurappa, the BJP central leadership has been defending him, and is not in favour of his resignation. BJP high command has strong reasons to support him, after all.
It may be recalled that Delhi Lokayukta (ombudsman) Manmohan Sarin recently came down heavily on Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, saying she had misrepresented facts about the completion of 60,000 low-cost flats ahead of their distribution in the run-up to the 2008 assembly elections. The Lokayukta has recommended President Pratibha Patil to censure her. But Sheila Dixit rejected the report, and continued in power. And now, BJP is making full use of this point to defend Yeddyurappa.
"Why should there be two yardsticks, one for Congress and another for BJP? Why has Sheila Dixit not resigned ?" asks BJP.
On the other hand, Karnataka JD(S) chief and MP Kumaraswamy who was considered as the strongest opponent to Yeddyurappa has little voice now to demand Yeddy's resignation, as his name too is included in the report.
Until and unless Kumaraswamy resigns as MP as well as state JD(S) chief, he cannot attack Yeddyurappa.
In Karnataka, though Congress is considered as the main opposition party with over 70 MLAs in the assembly, it has never been a strong opposition. Compared to JD(S), Congress has looked softer during Yeddyurappa's times of crises.
The only strong point that may see Yeddyurappa's ouster from power is state governor Bhardwaj's statement on Friday, when he said if the Lokayukta report finds Yeddyurappa at fault, he would take appropriate action according to the Constitution. Speaking to press persons in Bangalore, the governor praised Santosh Hegde, describing him as a great and clean person whose report should be honoured.
In Mauritius, Yeddyurappa spoke to Times Now channel and rubbished the demands for his resignation. He said, "I have done nothing wrong, on Monday I will fly directly to Delhi, meet the high command and discuss the issue. I will remain as the chief minister of Karnataka for the next two years."
Considering the prevailing situation, it looks like Yeddyurappa will survive another test, but surely not so easily, as he might have to face tough opposition nationwide, unlike in the past when it was limited to state.