Four years ago, for the first time when BJP came up with the clear majority,in Karnataka, all eyebrows where raised. It was for the first time, BJP had come to power in South. No wonder BJP received sympathy, largely because of JD(s), who were in power previously and failed to keep the word of offering Mr Yeddyurappa the post of Chief Minister. Four years down the lane and we know what it is…!Huge advertisements, scams , scandals, power craze, crisis and selfish politics. BJP led Karnataka government has presented to the nation the ‘Dirty picture of Karnataka Politics’.

BJP came into power amidst lots of hopes on them. “We have waited for long. It’s our time now”, said Yeddyurappa rejoicing over the massive victory that they had. I suppose BJP began well. But somewhere on the way they lost the focus of service as there was no long term, people oriented vision. The state was privileged to have a strong Lokayukta under the leadership of  SanthoshHegde. No doubt, Bharadwaj, the Governor, a just and an honest man had constant watch over the proceeding of the government. Soon, more and more scams came to light. It is very clear that BJP had plenty of hiccups all through, as initially few rebel leaders withdrew from the government and then for worse, the then chief minister Yeddyurappa, himself was arrested on corruption related charges. Isn’t this a national shame…?

One of the major achievements of this government was, orchestrating attacks on the minorities especially in Mangalore and also in other parts of the state. I was pained and wonder struck to see the response of the government during these riots. As Yeddyurappa had to exit from the active picture soon, with his arrest,  SadanandaGowda came into the picture all of a sudden as the chief minister, toppling all other calculations. Meanwhile Lokayukta was snubbed and systematically killed. I congratulate Gowda for the corruption free administration so far. But, it’s unfortunate that he failed to empower Lokayukta- A loyal watch dog of the state.It was now the playground for all the corrupt acts of selfish minds. At times we fail to realize that it is not only by doing something that we falter, but also we falter by not doing, what we are supposed to do. The fault of Gowda was more of omission than that of commission.

Now we are in the midst of yet another major political drama, under the direction of  Yeddy, titled-Changing the party leader, despite the good works of  Sadananda Gowda. The projected reason is that Gowda will not be able to pull the votes in the upcoming elections. Thus Jagadish Shettar, one time political rival of  Yeddyurappa, has come into the centre stage, projected candidate for the post of chief minister. Whatever the projection be, the common man of Karnataka is capable of perceiving the reality. It’s quite evident that Yedyurappa pushed the government, party and the state into crisis when CBI came hard at him, investigating on various allegations and he couldn’t find the expected protection and shelter from Sadananda Gowda, the chief minister of Karnataka.

It is very unfortunate to see that even after 65 years of independence, we are still running on the caste based politics. The whole drama is veined around pulling the votes from Lingayats and so called high caste crowd. What’s wrong with the educated men and women of Karnataka? Despite all this, I am sure, that BJP will be back in power in the coming elections again. It would be wrong to blame the people of Karnataka, as there is a terrible drought for leadership in the state. The other two major political parties-JD(s) and Congress have failed miserably in providing a good and a solid leadership. In fact there is no choice for the common man to vote other than BJP. We were taught in our primary schooling, that ‘Government's work is God’s work’. Recently when nine ministers who were loyal to Yeddy resigned what did they communicated to the common man who elected them? The state is today at the mercy of a selfish man, who plays his cards for his own comforts. The common good of the people is least heeded. We have the right to expect responsible behavior from the representatives and ministers as we elected them.
The recent crisis, two polarities within BJP, Eshwarappa and Shettar, both aspiring for the post of CM, the intervention of  Pradhan, and BJP leaders meeting the high command in Delhi and finally the signs that Shettar will soon be swearing in as the new CM of the state, only depicts the dirty picture of the state politics led by BJP , before the nation.

Dear Sadananda Gowda, we feel sorry for you. There’s no place for the just and the honest in today’s politics. There might be further twists and turns to the whole drama , as politics is like the game of cricket, anything may happen at any time, in the final year to come.

Let’s not lose hope

 We hope to see a government, which is just and a people oriented

A leader who aims to serve than to grab

And to build a state where everyone has a say and every good intention is respected

‘Into that heaven of Conscience my Lord, Let my State awake…’