The compromise formula to resolve the Karnataka crisis was worked out around the main point that Mr. Yeddyurappa would continue as Chief Minister. Some other aspects of the deal are: a Cabinet reshuffle to take place soon will see Rural Development Minister Shobha Karandlaje dropped and several new faces accommodated, including some MLAs close to Janardhana Reddy and his brother Karunakara Reddy, spearheading the rebellion.
While Speaker Jagadish Shettar, earlier supported by the Reddy brothers as a replacement for Mr. Yeddyurappa, was also to get a Cabinet berth, Sunday’s development suggests he may prefer to remain the Speaker rather than accept a portfolio not considered heavy enough.
The Chief Minister’s principal secretary V.P. Baligar has already been shifted, meeting one of the demands of the Reddys. It has been further agreed there will be an administrative reshuffle “in consultation with the Reddys” relating to officials, especially in and around the Bellary district where the Reddys’ main business interest is in iron-ore mining. Finally, a proposed levy of tax of Rs. 1,000 per truck-load of iron-ore or other minerals would be dropped.
The truce was announced in the presence of Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani, party president Rajnath Singh and senior leader Sushma Swaraj.
The Chief Minister has apparently been told to “take everyone along” in decision making and change his “style of functioning.” It is also apparent, and admitted by BJP leaders, that in some crucial decisions the Reddys would be consulted. Thus, their considerable financial clout would now be complemented by an increase in their political weight.
Though Ms. Swaraj did not announce what the compromise formula was, she hinted that all the decisions would begin to be implemented from Monday. She said the State government would focus on relief and rehabilitation work for those affected by the floods, while apologising to the people that the “feud” in the party had distracted the government away from that important task.
While Mr. Reddy, who seemed to be disappointed that his anti-Yeddyurappa demand had to be given up, reluctantly said his misunderstanding with the Chief Minister had been resolved, Mr. Yeddyurappa told The Hindu that he was happy and would complete his term. He would work with the Reddy brothers for the betterment of the State and claimed that the issue had been resolved without any pre-conditions.
Asked whether he had any reservation as he had been forced to accept some of the decisions, Mr. Yeddyurappa quipped: “I have no reservation. I am happy and satisfied and will go back to Bangalore to concentrate on flood relief works.”
