- Ever since the BS Yediyurappa led Bharatiya Janata Party formed the government in Karnataka after toppling the then Congress-JD (S) alliance in 2019, talks were always around when the tallest leader of the Lotus party would be relieved of his responsibilities. It is obvious since the beginning that the BJP Central leadership was not in favor of the leader continuing to hold reigns beyond the age of 75 years. Political and caste-based compulsions as also necessity to firmly hold onto the gateway of the southern region forced the party to back the four-time Chief Minister despite the unwritten policy of easing leaders crossing 75 years. That Yediyurappa was subjected to constant scrutiny and challenging situations vis-à-vis leadership changes is well documented.
PC: Pearl Maria DSouza
- He was under tremendous pressure from different quarters including from some of the most vociferous dissident leaders openly baying for his resignation needs no further elaboration. Bowing to party diktat, Yediyurappa finally had to resign making way for the coronation of his trusted aide is a known recent development. What transpired in the interim leading up to the formation of the new Karnataka cabinet will surely pique the interests of keen political observers. There were strong indications that many of the old guards from the party would be eased out to shoulder organizational responsibilities. Younger and relatively untested leaders were tipped to don the mantle of ministers. Such a move was ostensibly envisaged keeping in mind the state assembly elections scheduled in less than two years.
- Hopes of many contenders did rise considerably, but what emerged, in the end, is completely unexpected. All those conjectures remained just that dampening the soaring spirits of aspirants by the recent developments. The former CM still appears to wield enough power, traction, and heft going by the recently undertaken cabinet induction by the incumbent CM. Few of the trusted aides have made it to the cabinet and are expected to be entrusted with important ministries. The fulcrum of turncoat MLAs too has found a place in the cabinet. The biggest setback in the unfolding political drama must be the vociferous opposition voices finding no place in the cabinet despite expressing confidence about making it to the coveted team.
PC: N Munirathna
- It is precisely here that Yadiyurappa has essayed a defining role by ensuring that none of the dissenters make their presence felt in the cabinet. Leaders prematurely alluding and celebrating with gay abandon to have subjugated the old warhorse tamely find themselves left out of the reckoning. This amply demonstrates that the former CM had his way whilst inducting members into the newly formed cabinet. As the unraveling events indicate, it will be interesting to note how the newly sworn-in CM will resist the former CM from influencing decision-making processes. Any further leeway granted on the matter would grossly negate the very purpose of easing out the aged leader. But again, politics is the art of the possible, you see! Anything can happen!
