- People closely following the fortunes of the Karnataka state political churning in the last few years would have noticed how things have panned out over who heads the government after the Congress party won the assembly elections handsomely and with an absolute majority to boot. We know the five guarantee schemes announced during the electioneering played a defining role in impressing upon the electorate the need to vote overwhelmingly for Congress. The election results affirmed that the people of the state were convinced that Congress would be the right choice to further their cause. Looking back, we know what transpired soon after the Congress party won the majority on its own to form the government.
PC: The Times of India
- The tussle between the two stalwart leaders viz. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to head the government eventually went in favour of the former. While the promised five guarantee schemes were introduced by the government, a backdoor power-sharing arrangement between the two leaders kept hogging the limelight despite the leaders and the high command vociferously denying any such arrangement. However, people privy to such an arrangement, especially the supporters of the two leaders, kept up the issue of power-sharing right through. So much so that it must be mentioned here that the administration and the governance were affected since the ministries/officials were pulled in different directions by the two warring factions.
PC: Mint
- As expected, the party high command stepped in to ask Siddaramaiah to resign from the CM post, paving the way for the eventual coronation of Shivakumar. With the long-cherished dream of adorning the top executive post of the state fulfilled, CM Shivakumar has begun a new innings by initially inducting a few ministers and subsequently following up with a fresh set of ministers to focus on the governance aspect. Mind you, right after the initial swearing-in of ministers were met with opposition from some of the disgruntled leaders not happy with the portfolio allocation commensurate with expectations. The CM did douse the fire by pacifying the miffed senior leaders. The full extension of the cabinet was still due. Now, that too has been filled up.
PC: India Today
- As is their wont, the sworn-in ministers will fight for preferred portfolios after the allocation. Some of the senior MLAs not considered for the cabinet have already expressed their resentment by threatening to resign. The CM was quick to mention that such resignations will be accepted in no time. Further, the CM and the party brass visited a couple of senior MLAs to cool down the rising tempers. Once these usually expected paraphernalia are behind, the CM and his team should speed up the government aspect with renewed vigour and intent. The administration must pick up pace to ensure not only the promises are fulfilled on expected lines but also all necessary measures to further give a boost to the growth prospects of the state are in place as well.
