Two unholy

Two mantras that Deve Gowda believes in are ‘family’ and ‘power’. For the BJP, it is ‘vote-bank’ and ‘power’. As both converge on the mantra of power, all democratic norms are thrown to dustbin. The JD(S)-BJP combine in Karnataka is the manifestation of this unholy alliance. The reasons for this unholy nexus are worth analysing. One, Deve Gowda is prudent enough to understand that the narrow margin his party secured in the local body elections cannot be replicated in the event of an assembly election. Two, the divisions within the JD(S) are so wide that Gowda finds it difficult to retain the legislators without power. Three, time and again, the JD(S) has proved to be an unreliable ally. This can also cost him dear as Gowda eyes a second run in national politics.

For Kumaraswamy, who wants to come out of the shadow of his father, the major consideration is the corruption and other criminal charges leveled against him even by his own party men and legislators.

Therefore, as these unseemly games are quite obvious, the governor should not invite the new JD(S)-BJP combine to form the government. In my view, a fresh election would be ideal to uphold democratic principles and the aspirations of the people.

The writer is a Congress MP in Rajya Sabha