The government in Karnataka should focus on developmentdespite political uncertainty

The BJP government in Karnataka won a trust vote in theAssembly on Monday, but that does not end the political instability. B.S.Yediyurappa, who has become Chief Minister for the fourth time at the age of76, can breathe easy for six months now. The irony of his trust vote victory isthat his government does not have an absolute majority of the total strength ofthe House. The exact numbers in favour of the government were not clear asthere was no division of votes on Monday, but it is apparent that the BJP isshort of the halfway mark of the Assembly’s full strength, which is 225,including one nominated Anglo-Indian representative. Winning 105 seats, it hadfallen short in the 2018 Assembly election but Mr. Yediyurappa had neverconceded defeat. Supreme Court intervention ended his third tenure as CM injust three days then, but he is back in the saddle 14 months on, riding arebellion in the ranks of the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) which hadformed a post-poll coalition and government in 2018. While the coalition hadinherent contradictions that weakened it from the very start, it was the BJP’srelentless and amoral pursuit of power that led to its collapse. The BJP isevidently elated, and Mr. Yediyurappa said he believed in the principle of“forget and forgive”.

Many other characters in the months-long political drama inKarnataka may not be able to “forget and forgive” the machinations thatpreceded the vote. K.R. Ramesh Kumar, who resigned as Speaker on Monday,disqualified 17 rebels from the Congress and the JD(S) under the anti-defectionlaw. By disqualifying them for the Assembly’s remaining tenure, he sought topre-empt their inclusion in the new government, but the issue is headed for thecourts. It might be a while before by-polls are held, and those could alter theAssembly’s composition. The bitterness among political parties will linger, andthe government will have uncertainty hanging over it. The State houses some ofthe best companies and has built for itself a reputation as a destination forinvestors and job-seekers. A dishonourable political culture that involvesrent-seeking, high-handedness and rapacity by leaders has dented thatreputation in recent years. Karnataka continuing its success as an economicpowerhouse is in the interest of the country. While these are medium-termconcerns, the State has some immediate challenges to tackle, particularly waterscarcity and urban management. With such tasks ahead, the Chief Minister willneed all the time and focus he can possibly garner for governance. Now that Mr.Yediyurappa has realised his dream and taken command, he should ensure that hisrivals who ended with bloody noses in this battle are drafted for bettergovernance and the progress of Karnataka.