The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Dishonourable indeed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Dishonourable indeed

This refers to the editorial “Dishonourable to the core” (Nov. 9) and other related reports on the political crisis that gripped Karnataka. The BJP, which has always prided itself on being a party with a difference, has revealed its true colours. It has exposed itself as a party that succumbs to money power and opportunistic politics. The compromise formula worked out between the Reddy brothers and Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa has granted the former immense powers and influence. The BJP’s central leadership has reinforced that it exists only in name.

Abdul Muqhtadir,

Manvi

Money, muscle and clout have prevailed yet again. The truce declared in Karnataka between Chief Minister Yeddyurappa and the Reddy brothers saw the rebel camp winning hands down. But the situation resembles the calm before the storm. What could have been nipped in the bud by the BJP leadership is sure to grow into a crisis with monstrous proportions.

Sanjukta Kundu,

Visakhapatnam

The so-called ‘deal’ effected to resolve the political crisis in Karnataka has set a bad precedent. The situation clearly reflects the growing influence of money power in politics. The rolling back of the transfer orders of officials who are pro-Reddy brothers, and the transfer of Principal Secretary V.P. Baligar show how politicians play havoc with the bureaucracy.

Viraj Deshpande,

New Delhi

For over a fortnight, the nation witnessed with dismay the sorry spectacle of a few politicians representing the mining lobby holding an elected government to ransom. As the editorial rightly says, the BJP, after using the financial muscle of the Reddy brothers to its advantage, lost the moral high ground to take a no-nonsense stand on the issue. What makes the state of affairs more despicable is that the ugly politics was on when many districts in Karnataka were in desperate need of flood relief.

R. Hariharan,

Auckland

There is no doubt that the BJP central leadership’s decision has tarnished its image in the State. It has yet again proved that it is not a party with a difference. By giving in to the pressure from the mining lobby, the BJP has lowered its image in the eyes of the public in the country.

Tilak Subramanian,

Chennai

An impression is sought to be created that the political stalemate in Karnataka has come to an end after the BJP’s decisive intervention. But the peace-keeping formula has cost Karnataka heavily. Mr. Yeddyurappa preferred to protect his seat of power, rather than the nation’s natural resources.

A. Raghunatha Reddy,

Kadapa

Democracy is in peril with moneybags taking centre stage. This is an ominous trend and should be seen from a larger perspective. With hundreds of crorepatis in Parliament and all parties using funds for elections, it is possible that an attempt similar to what was made in Karnataka is made at the Centre too. Political parties should learn a lesson or two in fielding candidates for election.

S.S. Rajagopalan,

Chennai

The truce in Karnataka is temporary. It marks the beginning of more such political bargains in other States as well. The need of the hour is effective and honest leadership. We need leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri and Kamaraj if we have to make progress.

N.R.U.K. Kartha,

Thiruvananthapuram

This refers to the picture of the jubilant Chief Minister with his colleagues in New Delhi (Nov. 9). What are they happy about? For the selfless services they have rendered to the people of Karnataka? For the progress made by the State under the BJP rule?

It is shameful to see them celebrating. Can we afford to allow politicians to hold the country to ransom thus? People should raise their voice for a change in the existing system.

R. Madhavan,

Salem

Money-ridden politics and infamous lobbying have defamed Karnataka politics. The “rebel factor” has assumed alarming proportions in all parties these days. It has made small but rich leaders important. The BJP might have used the money and muscle power of the Reddy brothers during the elections but that should not lead to the party tolerating them forever.

It is unfortunate that instead of throwing out their unreasonable demands and suspending them, the BJP leaders effected a “truce.”

A.R.K Vidhatha,

Secunderabad

The BJP would have won people’s respect had it taken disciplinary action against the Reddy brothers. That there is no difference among political parties when it comes to staying in power at any cost has been proved yet again. Is this the democracy our leaders envisaged?

K.R.A. Narasiah,

Chennai

Whether it was the case of the Bellary Reddys exercising their money power or Mr. Yeddyurappa dropping Ministers and transferring officials to stay in power, what the Karnataka public was exposed to was politics of the worst kind. Getting the government to withdraw the toll on iron ore trucks will save tonnes of money for the Reddys at the cost of the State treasury. Compliant bureaucrats have got back their favoured positions. But for the people silently watching the drama, nothing ever changes.

Leo Kamath,

Mangalore

That a national party of the BJP’s stature was rendered toothless in curbing flagrant indiscipline is deplorable. This only shows its desperation to remain in power.

D. Srinivasan,

Chennai

Mr. Yeddyurappa would have gone down in history with glory had he resigned. By clinging on to power after conceding the unreasonable demands of the Reddy brothers, he has put the entire country to shame. The so-called BJP high command — neither high nor in command — should learn from the Congress, which put its foot down in the face of demands by pro-YSR MLAs to make Jagan Mohan Reddy the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

R. Gangadhara Sastry,

Anantapur

Mr. Yeddyurappa has confessed that he ditched people who trusted him. What he said was self-incriminating but his confession does not absolve him of guilt. Had he been even remotely remorseful, he would have stepped down.

V.S. Vaidyanathan,

Chennai

Breaking down, the Chief Minister admitted that for his selfish ends, he had to sacrifice his trusted people. His dilemma can be compared to that of Duryodhana who admitted jaanaami dharmam nachame pravruttihi/ jaanaamyadharmam nachame nivruttihi (I know what dharma is but I cannot follow it. I also know what adharma is but I cannot escape from it).

A. Gajanana,

Bangalore

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News Update

Stories in this Section

A revenue raising exercise

The Heisei Reformation

Trial reveals depth of China’s corruption

IP rights create a secure environment for investment in innovation

The Wall: hype and reality

In twilight at 91, Mandela endures as South Africa’s ideal

Corrections and Clarifications

Dishonourable indeed

On childhood