Turmoil in Karnataka coalition deepens

The political turmoil in Karnataka appeared to deepen yesterday with Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy claiming that the transfer of power to BJP in the State would dent the secular principles of the JD (S).

Speaking to reporters after participating in a function in Bangalore, Kumaraswamy justified his statement on the damage to secular image of the JD (S) on account of its alliance with the BJP, causing anxiety among its coalition partner, which is looking forward to assuming the reins of power on October 3.

Earlier in the day, the signs of growing rift between JD (S) and BJP became apparent when BJP Ministers led by Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa kept away from the Cabinet meeting.

The BJP Ministers, who were reportedly upset over the Chief Minister’s public statements against the BJP, gathered at the residence of Minister for Science and Technology Ramachandra Gowda. The BJP Ministers were also angry with the Chief Minister for “usurping” the BJP’s quota in the membership of Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) by appointing its candidate G T Chandrashekar.

The BJP Ministers apparently urged Yediyurappa to boycott the cabinet meeting in protest against the Chief Minister’s statements and denial of KPSC membership due to the party. The BJP Ministers, however, went to the Cabinet meeting, albeit almost an hour late, after Kumaraswamy promised to convene a meeting of the co-ordination committee of the two parties on Friday.

Meanwhile, JD (S) supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda said his son and Chief Minister Kumaraswamy need not repent over his decision to align with the BJP to form an alternative Government.

He cited the example of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati, who had joined hands with BJP twice. Similiarly, he said DMK had aligned itself with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before joining forces with the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (NDA).
Gowda also predicted a realignment of political forces not only in the country, but also in Karnataka in the next two to three months.