Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Karnataka politics

After failing to get the support of the Congress in the wake of H.D. Kumaraswamy’s resignation, and fearing a split in its ranks, the Janata Dal (Secular) extended unconditional support to the Bharatiya Janata Party paving the way for the first-ever BJP government in the south. It was unfair on the part of JD(S) leader Deve Gowda to impose conditions subsequently and withdraw support to the government, forcing Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa to resign. As for the BJP, it has only itself to blame for accepting the JD(S) support. The people of Karnataka should learn a lesson or two from the happenings and give a decisive verdict in the next elections.

R. Thirumalai Muthu,

Kallidaikurichi

The editorial “End of a sordid political chapter” (Nov. 21) was right in saying that the JD(S)’ insistence on an MoU, to be signed on stamp paper, was not an auspicious beginning. Thankfully, the BJP did not accept the condition. The Karnataka Assembly should be dissolved and fresh elections held.

Gururajan Ramachandran,

Udhagamandalam

The unholy alliance between the BJP and the JD(S) was born out of brazen opportunism and greed. The Yeddyurappa government collapsed not because of ideological differences but because of the dubious play of power mongers. The promulgation of President’s Rule in Karnataka is welcome. Keeping the Assembly in suspended animation for long is not desirable. It will lead to further political games. The best way to end the present tangle is to dissolve the Assembly and conduct fresh elections as early as possible.

Lvb. Selvaraj,

Chennai

Mr. Yeddyurappa’s resignation is bound to show the BJP top brass in a poor light. Instead of sticking to their earlier stand of fresh elections, the BJP leaders fell prey to the JD(S) machinations. Given the track record of that party, how could the BJP take its support for granted? Fresh elections alone can rescue Karnataka from political uncertainty. The sooner they are held, the better.

J. Akshay,

Secunderabad

The political farce in Karnataka over government formation has led to the imposition of President’s Rule in the State twice, which is unfortunate and shameful. One thing is clear: the JD(S) is gradually losing the people’s faith.

Ramaniranjan Behera,

Bangalore

Knowing the JD(S) and its ways, the BJP should have exercised caution before allowing itself to be let down for the second time in two months. Mr. Yeddyurappa can derive consolation from the fact that he became Chief Minister for eight days. The Congress’ decision to have no truck with the Gowdas has made the JD(S) vulnerable for poaching.

Capt. T. Raju (retd.),

Secunderabad

What happened in Karnataka was a cruel joke. The question we must ask ourselves is: “should we allow space in our society for such politicians?” The State will be better off if the people exercise their franchise judiciously in the next elections.

K. Anilkumar,

Tirupur

As national parties, both the BJP and the Congress should learn a lesson or two from the Karnataka episode. Regional parties are not dependable allies as they are ambitious about expanding their base within their States, marginalising the influence of the national parties in their turf. Earlier, the JD(S) lured the Congress with power to form a coalition government and after pulling it down, lured the BJP just to pull it down too. The reason — it was not willing to dance to the JD(S) tunes.

At least now, the BJP and the Congress should resist the temptation of clinching opportunistic alliances with State-level parties just for the sake of power.

T. Ramaswamy,

Chennai

Regional parties have proved to be an impediment to the stability and progress of the nation. Parties of identical ideologies should come together under two main political parties.

Regionalism and parochialism should give way to broader national interest. At present, the Congress and the BJP are the two national level parties around which smaller parties can join together to establish a two-party system.

R.K. Kutty,

Bhopal

How does one describe the Karnataka drama — a comic opera or Greek tragedy? Whatever it is, it clearly shows the depths to which politics has plunged. Democracy in India has come to mean a government by, of and for political parties. There is no place for the people.

G. Gururaj,

Chennai

The political developments in Karnataka are a lesson for us, the educated masses, to vote in the elections and give a decisive verdict. We who understand the state of affairs must exercise our right to vote for those who can serve the state.

P. Deepak,

Mysore

I would like to thank Mr. Gowda very much. He proved that all the parties in Karnataka are power hungry. He also exposed the BJP which, after accusing the JD(S) of having betrayed it, agreed to lead the coalition government with it as an ally.

E. Arvind,

Bangalore

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