Karnataka emerges saffron

Karnataka emerges saffron



Rajashekara SFirst Published : 17 May 2009 04:17:00 AM IST
BANGALORE: A thumping win in the Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka by the BJP has only reaffirmed the increasing acceptance the saffron party has received in the state besides putting an end to speculations over Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa’s “waning popularity”.
The Congress’ poor show is a continuation of its infighting and indecision, while the JD(S) has retained its fort in the Vokkaliga stronghold with three seats.
Despite the occasional whines against the CM’s style of functioning by a few men in the party, Yeddyurappa has proved everyone beyond any doubt that he “is the BJP’s mascot,’’ in Karnataka.
With several northern states falling short of expectations, the BJP’s sweeping victory by bagging 19 of the 28 Lok Sabha Constituencies has catapulted the CM into the league of Narendra Modis and the like, while his detractors within the party have been silenced.
His son, BY Raghavendra’s convincing victory against former CM and political heavyweight S Bangarappa is a shot in the arm for the CM, who despite a strong resistance fielded his son from Shimoga.
On the other hand, difficult victory for BJP’s J Shantha, sister of the powerful health and family welfare Minister B Sriramulu is a big setback to the Bellary Reddy brothers — Ministers G Karunakara Reddy, G Janardhan Reddy and MLA G Somashekhara Reddy. For HN Ananth Kumar too, the victory was no cakewalk.
This is likely to provide more teeth and muscle to Yeddyurappa within the party in the coming days both at the national and State level.
This apart, the party’s base in the Coastal and Malnad regions remained intact despite the hype over the pub and church attacks. Similarly, the Mumbai- Karnataka region remained a BJP’s strong bastion.
Infighting in the Congress has resulted in victory of just six candidates. The party failed to announce candidates on time and there was the usual back-biting where Congress leaders worked against their own candidates.
This apart, the party also failed to get caste the chemistry right.
Defeat of seasoned party leaders CK Jaffer Sharief, B Janrdhan Poojary, Margret Alva was also a blow to the party which was pinning its hopes on them.
For the JD(S) the results have proved beyond doubt that its roots are still strong in the Vokkaliga belt in Old Mysore region.
With just three seats, the JD(S)’s dreams of joining the UPA government and plans to topple the BSY government are waning after a tremendous performance of the UPA at the national level.
Lest there was an invitation by the Congress, the JD(S) may choose to continue in the Third Front.