Over a Decade of Despair

For many, watching the recent political drama in Karnataka could be like waiting for an unusual twist to unfold any time after some people join the opposition group in an action movie. But for those who follow politics in this South Indian state, it could be just another political development that was expected when the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition government was formed a little more than a year ago. Many might have a hapless sense of déjà vu as different political parties have been playing musical chair game for years. If you take a closer look at the political picture in Karnataka in the last two decades, you will realise that the State has produced more political actors and opportunists than those with the will to serve the people and make a change. The State has seen 11 chief ministers, President’s rule being imposed on two occasions and only two governments completing the full term in the last 20 years. During this period, SM Krishna’s government (1999 – 2004) was the only one that worked and gave the people of the state a sense of good governance. The state witnessed a boom in information technology (IT) sector during his reign and Bengaluru was known for cleanliness and good infrastructure, attracting not only investors from across the world but also people from various part of the country because of the opportunity the city had to offer. However, it was all downhill for India’s IT capital after 2004. Cost of living kept rising but not opportunities. Potholes, garbage, water and traffic woes continued to increase, turning the once dream city into an unliveable place. If the State’s capital city is in such a poor condition, one can only imagine what the situation would be like in smaller towns and interior villages. But how did it all happen and who is responsible for it? Such state of affairs happens when people in power are visionless. Unhealthy political marriages between two or more parties just to form the government have cost Karnataka dear over the years. It seemed like the Congress and JD (S) too formed the government in the State last year just to disallow its common enemy BJP from claiming power, and not based on common goals and ideals. This is why their coalition didn’t last long. Divorce is inevitable when two incompatible entities are brought together under one roof. Moreover, many lawmakers in the State are power-mongers, willing to trade their principles and ideals for money and power even if they have to betray their supporters. This trend seems to have confused even the voters as they don’t know when their candidates would jump to another party. Amid such a scenario, BS Yediyurappa became the chief minister of the State for the fourth time; he held the top post only for a few days on two occasions. Now, the question is whether he can keep his troop of horses together till the next assembly elections or let the traders buy them. While it is important to ensure that the BJP lawmakers don’t defect to other parties, it shouldn’t prevent him from performing his main responsibility, that is, to provide good governance. If Yediyurappa can’t provide that, his reign could be short-lived again. All that people of Karnataka yearn for at the moment is a visionary leader to bring back the past glory.