Karnataka

THE fractured mandate of the Karnataka Assembly elections provided the BJP an excellent opportunity to present itself as a party that is not power hungry (Cover Story, June 8). Instead, out of desperation to grab power by hook or by crook, it chose to form the government with help from the Governor, who was accused of playing a partisan role. The situation gave rise to the possibility of horse-trading at an unprecedented level. Soon after being sworn in as Chief Minister, B.S. Yeddyurappa behaved as if he had already proved his party’s majority on the floor of the House and transferred bureaucrats.

The dignity of the office of Governor is at an all-time low, which has led to a debate in certain quarters about the need to abolish the post.

SAMIUL HASSAN QUADRI

BIKANER, RAJASTHAN

NO one can disagree with Deva Gowda’s view on the need for alliances. It is not as if the BJP is the single-largest party and is running governments in other States without coalition partners. Out of the 21 States where the BJP is in power, it has a clear majority in only 10. Elsewhere, it is a partner in the ruling alliance. So, its homilies on coalition governments ring hollow. The opposition needs to come together if democracy is to remain a pivotal part of Indian politics. The opposition has this vital role to play if India is to be a democracy that is envied.

Europe is a classic example of the successful functioning of coalition governments, and one does not see why it should be any different in India. Democracy provides the opportunity for partnership in diversity. This is all the more needed because of the BJP’S oft-repeated claim that it will make India “Congress mukt”. The logical next step could be “opposition mukt”. Only a vibrant and active opposition can safeguard India’s democracy.

H.N. RAMAKRISHNA

NOVI, MICHIGAN, U.S.

IT was sad to witness the political crisis in Karnataka after the results of the election were declared. In such circumstances, the people of Karnataka cannot expect good governance from the regime. A strong government is essential for the welfare of the State’s people.

P. SENTHIL SARAVANA DURAI

MUMBAI

IT is sad and unprecedented that the Prime Minister felt compelled to go on a fast on April 10 because the unruly and unorthodox behaviour of the opposition parties prevented the working of Parliament during the Budget session.

The frustration of the Congress party is obvious from the fact that despite winning more than double the number of seats than the JD(S), it offered unconditional support to the JD(S) in a post-election alliance only to prevent the BJP from taking the reins of government.

The opposition parties seem unable to tolerate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the fact that within a short period of four years he carried out development work for the country, curbed corruption, provided facilities for the poor and for farmers and brought about economic reforms, which the Congress could not achieve during the several decades that it was in power.

Perhaps, the members of the opposition parties have forgotten that they too have been elected by the people of the country, who expect them to do some constructive work and not be negative and destructive at the cost of the country’s prosperity.

ASHOK K. NIHALANI

PUNE, MAHARASHTRA