The nearly weeklong political crisis in Karnataka has blown over and, by all accounts, the government headed by B.S. Yeddyurappa will stay although there is no official confirmation as yet about the Centre's stand on the recommendation for President's rule made by Governor H.R. Bhardwaj.
The Chief Minister told The Hindu on Wednesday: “I am one hundred per cent confident of a favourable response from the Centre. The President, Pratibha Patil; the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh; and the Union Home Minister, P. Chidambaram, have all assured us that nothing unconstitutional will be done. My focus now is on ensuring good governance in the State.”
Mr. Yeddyurappa, who returned here along with 114 party MLAs after a two-day stay in New Delhi after meeting the Prime Minister and the President, met Mr. Bhardwaj twice on Wednesday, and the meetings were marked by bonhomie. The Governor is reported to have told the Chief Minister that he was awaiting a reply from the Centre on his recommendation, and that a session of the Legislature would be convened thereafter.
Both of them, however, maintained that they would complete their full term in office, with the Governor saying that he would be in office at the pleasure of the President.
“I am performing the job of Governor. Till the President issues an order, I will carry on and complete my five-year term as Governor,” Mr. Bhardwaj said.
“The Chief Minister is an elected representative. Massive majority he has. Nobody ever disputes that. We are friends. These political tensions are irrelevant. We have to dedicate ourselves to the Constitution and to the laws,” the Governor said.
On the BJP launching a “Governor hatao” campaign, Mr. Yeddyurappa said it would continue although instructions had been given that it should be a peaceful agitation. After all the animosity, with Mr. Bhardwaj seeking to oust the government and the Chief Minister seeking the recall of the Governor, the two of them appeared to have put aside their differences, which had reached a crescendo over the past few days.
They were at their friendly best (at a public function) with Mr. Bhardwaj speaking on the commitment and hard work being put in by Mr. Yeddyurappa in the interests of the State and the latter, in turn, showering praises on the Governor.
