The Karnataka files

The Karnataka files

* APROPOS 'BJP latest: Gowda out, Shettar in' (IE, July 8), a game of musical chairs seems to be in progress at the Karnataka assembly, much to the dismay of the people of the state. Only a year ago, former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa had been forced to step down after charges of corruption were levelled at him. At Yeddyurappa's instance, Sadananda Gowda was appointed the next CM. However, relations between Gowda and Yeddyurappa soon soured. Yeddyurappa then backed Jagadish Shettar, making him the third CM Karnataka has had since the BJP came to power in 2008. The BJP central leadership has allowed itself to be swayed by Yeddyurappa at every juncture. It has proved unequal to the task of making strong regional leaders — such as Narendra Modi and Vasundhara Raje — toe the party line. What may seem politically expedient now could cost the party dear in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

— Shahabuddin Nadeem

Bangalore

Post script

* THIS refers to 'Rao aides dismiss criticism on Babri Masjid demolition' (IE, July 9). It is unfortunate that former prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao should face so much flak now. During his tenure, Rao made significant decisions that changed India's destiny. He must be given credit for bringing in Manmohan Singh as finance minister and setting in motion the reforms that would transform the Indian economy. In the case of Babri Masjid, he has been accused of not taking adequate action. However, the state government in Uttar Pradesh at the time must also share the blame for failing to protect the mosque. In spite of criticism now, Rao will be remembered as the prime minister who helped India become a powerful nation.

— K. Vittal Shetty

Bangalore

Great game

* ROGER FEDERER is back where he belongs — at the top ('Great beats Britain', IE, July 9). The Swiss master played some of his best tennis to win his seventh Wimbledon title. Lesser players might have been daunted by the overwhelming home support for his opponent, Andy Murray.

... contd.

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