As BS Yeddyurappa gets ready to lead the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the south with the help of Janata Dal (Secular), the ride ahead will not be as easy as it seems. For, the biggest hurdle that he faces in completing his full term of 19 months comes from none other than JD (S) supremo, HD Deve Gowda.
The former Prime Minister is known for making the government pander to his whims and fancies, and this is what is going to keep the BJP leader under constant pressure. The latest salvo that Gowda seems to have fired under the garb of secularism is cosying up once again to the Congress, whom his party had earlier offered support to run the government in Karnataka, only to later withdraw and form their own government with the help of BJP.
If he manages to placate the Gowda family, Yeddyurappa may be able to get down to business provided he keeps a fine balance. To begin with, there is a view in political circles here that Yeddyurappa may bring Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) retail outlets under government net. The reason: during his first stint as finance minister, he brought liquor wholesale distribution from private players under the control of state-owned Karnataka State Breweries Corporation Ltd. He also announced abolishing arrack sales when he presented his second budget in 2007.
Though both these decisions were seen as public-friendly, it was said that these had led to a rift between the two coalition partners. Now, official said, Yeddyurappa might show interest in bringing IMFL retail business directly under the government to increase the inflow into the state exchequer. But, then, there is also a view that JD(S) will stall this move.
Another major problem for Yeddyurappa would be the BJP?s Bellary wing, which had made several allegations against former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy. The murder complaint lodged against Kumaraswamy by former BJP minister, Sriramulu, from Bellary was seen as a major reason for JD(S) refusing to shift power to BJP a month ago. Even after JD(S) has announced its support to BJP, the saffron party?s local heavyweights in Bellary are said to be against Gowda and his family. ??Any time a fresh set of allegations is expected against Gowda?s family by Bellary’s BJP leaders,?? said BJP sources.
In addition, political observers are speculating that Gowda himself might create problems to show his party?s firmness in supporting minorities, which may create a major problem for BJP, particularly at a time when the Sangh Parivar-sponsored Datta Jayanthi is to be held at Baba Buddangiri Hills.
Also, decisions on various issues related to implementing the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise (NICE) is expected to create friction between the two partners.
For now, it is a marriage of convenience between the two strange bedfellows. It remains to be seen whether this marriage actually translates into a fruitful partnership that will help Karnataka achieve its development goals.