Perhaps it may not be coincidental? BS Yediyurappa, Karnataka Chief Minister of the Bharatiya Janata Party government put his papers to relinquish the position he had been holding for the last two years. He quitting the position midway and before the tenure ended formally has been happening repeatedly in his political career and this is for the fourth final time!
Several theories are being propagated for his unceremonious sudden exit. One such, party insiders claim: This action is as per the "Understanding" BS Yediyurappa had agreed upon with the party top brass much before it was decided to hand over the mantle of the only state in the whole of South India wherein the saffron party enjoys power.
Prior Agreement: Some even pinpoint that initially, such "agreement" was limited only to a period of one year as BSY was already 75+. However, as the only exception in the whole country, according to BSY, he was allowed to continue for one more year, thanks to the magnanimity of the Prime Minister, Home Minister and BJP National President.
If so, why then the chief minister literally cried in public at the Banquet Hall of Vidhana Soudha while announcing his decision to quit. His voice suddenly became shrill choked by emotions. In no time, he hastened to add that he was making the announcement not in regret but with joy. But for onlookers, it didn't appear to be convincing.
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| source: newindianexpress.com |
Vijay and Surrender Diwas!: The chief minister's first official engagement of the day was to participate in the Kargil Martyrs' Vijay Diwas celebrations. He placed a wreath at the National War Memorial, saluted the national flag and turned up to the event organized to commemorate the completion of two years in office. It was at the fag end of his speech, he made the disclosure of resigning.
In fact, his appointment with the Governor, who had rushed back yesterday evening from the visit of Madhya Pradesh to receive his resignation, was at 3 PM today. But BSY didn't wait for the appointed hour and made it literally in a hurried manner.
The reasons put forth also look strange for the change in guard. BSY himself has claimed of staying back in the state to ensure that the party returns back to power in the 2023 Assembly elections while sending the maximum number of BJP Lok Sabha MPs' in the 2024 Parliamentary polls.
But what's intriguing is, if he's moving out to pave way for young blood and new leadership and the party has developed a new practice of putting 75+ years old leaders' into oblivion, in what capacity can he remain in the party to develop?
Opposition leaders' express displeasure: BSY's exit has not disturbed only his followers, admirers and sympathizers within the party. True to his nature and personality, people and leaders cutting across party lines have condemned the development. Probably for the first time in the state's political history top Congress leaders called on the chief minister to extend moral support to a BJP CM.
Shyamanur Shivashankarappa, nonagenarian and president of the All India Veerashiva-Lingayat Mahasabha chose to forget his Congress affiliation. Likewise did MB Patil, former Congress minister much to the embarrassment of the Congress leaders!
Even today, it was no different. KR Rameshkumar, former Speaker and veteran Congress leader regretted the way BSY was stripped from the CM's position. Satish Jarkiholi, KPCC Working President decried the way BSY was unseated. However, Siddaramaiah, former chief minister and leader of the opposition in the state assembly chose to comment: BSY is the most corrupt chief minister.
Tamarind seeds to Congress high command?: In fact, Siddaramaiah has made it a habit to term BSY as the most corrupt CM the state has ever seen. But till today, he has not disclosed whether he was sending Tamarind seeds to the party high command through Digvijay Singh, state party in charge and AICC General Secretary to continue in power for a full five years term.
There have also been sporadic protests across the state over the development with ordinary BJP workers weepingly challenging the prime minister to win the state without the help of BSY. On the face of it, as of now everything looks to be in tacit control. Once the successor is announced it may turn out altogether a different ball game to handle?
BJP digging its own grave?: K Vijaybhaskar Reddy, senior Advocate of the state high court opines: "BS Yediyurappa was doing a wonderful job as a chief minister. Whether it's handling the Covid-19 pandemic or state affairs. At such an advanced age what more anyone could have delivered? You have no parallel in the whole state who could be compared to him. It looks the BJP is digging its own grave in the state!
-Manohar Yadavatti
Well written sir.
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