Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Karnataka politics

This refers to the editorial "Tragicomedy in Karnataka" (Jan. 20). While the Congress, the BJP and the JD (S) are equally to blame for the crisis, it is time to understand the many faces of Deve Gowda. Without taking away the credit for his commitment to secularism, it has to be said he inflicted enough damage on the ruling coalition. He played a puppeteer instead of partner, indulged in class politics and, in the process, annoyed the industrial class. Like a regional satrap, he groomed his sons for the gaddi. His moves have backfired on him and the State.

Jayasree Saranathan,
Mysore

You have been a little harsh on the BJP saying it displayed rank opportunism in embracing an ideological enemy. It was the BJP that won the maximum number of seats in the Assembly. And it was Mr. Gowda who entered into a coalition with the party that treated him so shabbily when he was Prime Minister. Was that not opportunism? As for the Congress, how opportunistic it can get when it smells power is history!

S. Sudhir Kumar,
Waltham, Massachusetts

The Karnataka fiasco shows it is time for the Left parties to be pro-active even in States where they are not strong. Opportunistic defectors from regional formations to the communal camp are increasing in number.

Robin Thomas,
Kochi, Kerala

Mr. Gowda's son, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has justified his action saying the Congress humiliated his father and his party legislators for 20 months. But has he also not done the same? In spite of his father's determination to save the coalition, he has shifted loyalties and destabilised the Government.

N. Jayaraj,
Chennai

As the political drama unfolds, one cannot but feel there is more to it than meets the eye. Mr. Gowda has vowed to save the coalition but he stands to lose nothing in the latest turn of events.

Pavitra Ramaswamy,
Bangalore

The forthright editorial has not touched on one shameful aspect that has become a common feature in such political dramas — lodging of rebels in luxury resorts for fun and frolic and then herding them to faraway States, obviously to prevent their being lured away by higher bidders! Such unscrupulous acts by parties strike at the very root of democracy. Is it not time for a law that bans such manipulation aimed at preventing legislators from acting on their free will, whatever its worth?

R. Tarun,
Kollam, Kerala

With the BJP and Mr. Kumaraswamy equally desperate to occupy the Chief Minister's post, democracy has once again become a kissa kursi ka! The latest developments have made a mockery of the people's mandate.

R.S. Swaminathan,
Ch. Pothepalli, A.P.

Instant heroes like Kumaraswamy who propel rebellions do not last long. The BJP's Sancho Panza M. Venkaiah Naidu does not add to the credibility of his party by seeking power through such manoeuvres.

T. Santhanam,
Chennai

The political crisis triggered by Mr. Kumaraswamy clearly demonstrates the politics of power. As for Mr. Gowda's lament of betrayal, it is not unusual for politicians to let down their relatives for power.

S. Chandrasekhara Rao,
Narsipatnam, A.P.

No government in India will be safe as long as power hungry politicians are part of it and have a say. Karnataka is another case in point.

S.T.C. Sudhakar,
Tuticorin, T.N.

It is unfortunate that Mr. Gowda's son is bent on breaking the party his father has diligently nurtured over the years.

Noble John,
Thodupuzha, Kerala

Will politicians ever understand the importance of stable governments in our pursuit of becoming a developed nation?

Kiran Annapragada,
Atlanta, Georgia

By trying to prop up a splinter group, the BJP will definitely lose its credibility and image among the people.

S. Vasudevan,
Chennai

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