Editorial – The latest crisis that rocked the BJP government in Karnataka has only added to the disillusionment of the people of the state who most probably are cursing themselves for bringing  a ‘party with a differnece’ to power only to get the state’s image tainted beyond repair. Karnataka, a once proud state today has a dented image. Thanks to Yeddyurappa and Co and not to forget the mine lords.

After all what’s ailing the BJP in Karnataka ? It’s nothing but the sheer thirst for power which will never get quenched. The first ever BJP chief minister in a southern state of India, who ought to have made the state proud through his acts, has however landed the party in total embarrassment. The saffron party and its central leadership which boasts of giving top priority to discipline has failed  to discipline Yeddyurappa who  is playing his own dirty game every now and then.  The proximity which the erstwhile Yeddyurappa government  in the state had maintained with the Reddys by  inducting them into cabinet and even reportedly using their illegally gotten money for operation lotus, has all landed the party in trouble for ever. If the Lokayukta report on illegal mining finally paved the way of Yeddy’s exit amid high drama, the drama never seem to be ending.

The latest one that began very soon after the Supreme Court ordered a CBI probe into the case against Yeddyurappa in the mining scam, though shook the position of Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda for a while, it couldn’t do much as Gowda as earlier had the blessings of the high command which by any count cannot back Yeddy.

However, questions arise as to why Yeddy has not yet been expelled from the party after his open rebellion an umpteen times. The answer is simple-the community to which Yeddy belongs. The Lingayat community is a powerful community and the major vote bank and the high command is dead sure the community would turn up against the party in case Yeddy is expelled. And that’s what Yeddy is banking upon.

Now the only grouse of Yeddy is that the man whom he was instrumental in bringing to the CM’s post has ‘betrayed’ him and has gone back on his words to relinquish his position when he(Yeddy) says so. When that has not happened, Gowda was a ‘liar’  and ‘betrayer’ for Yeddy,

As of now the crisis is tided over with Yeddy saying he won’t quit. And of course he who had declared that he would announce his decision on May 14, postponed it as he had no other option but to remain in the party. His open praises for Sonia earlier even hinted at his wish to join the Congress which later came out in clear terms that it would not touch Yeddy even with a bargepole. That  made things clear for  Yeddy –that he has to remain in the BJP for the time being.

On the other hand, with the sword of CBI probe dangling on his head, an FIR has already been filed against the former Chief Minister who has not yet applied for anticipatory bail, What next ?  Developments are curiously awaited.