Handiwork of the opposition'

Interview with B.S. Yeddyurappa, Karnataka Chief Minister.

B.S. YEDDYURAPPA'S stint as the Chief Minister of Karnataka has never been short on controversy and tears. On November 12, 2007, he was sworn in as Chief Minister after the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (Secular) agreed to form another coalition government. But within a week, the junior political partner announced that it would not support his government, following differences over the sharing of Ministries. Yeddyurappa was forced to resign on November 19. He, however, led the BJP to victory in the Assembly elections held in May 2008. On October 14, 2010, soon after winning his second vote of confidence in four days, the Chief Minister agreed to answer questions e-mailed by Frontline as he was unable to sit down for an interview at short notice. Excerpts:

Now that you have won the trust vote, what is the next course of action? Any steps to improve the administration and clear the government of its corrupt and inefficient Ministers?

The next course of action is, as has been until now, the development of the State. The administrative machinery will be geared up to make it more responsive and responsible. I will take up development work without any further delay. I also apologise to the people of Karnataka for the unfortunate incidents (in the Assembly on October 11). Inefficiency, if any, will be firmly dealt with and eliminated.

During the first vote of confidence on October 11 there was bedlam in the State Assembly; the unprecedented scenes tarnished the image of the State.

Yes. Those who had no business to be in the Assembly barged in and created chaos. I will file a complaint with the Speaker and appropriate action will be taken. The chaos was the result of a conspiracy by those who are hungry for power. Neither my party nor I was responsible for it.

Karnataka is going through a political and constitutional crisis. The opposition says you and the BJP are to be blamed for this and that it would be better if you stepped down.

Neither myself nor my party is responsible for the crisis. The opposition Congress and the Janata Dal (S) are to be blamed for these developments. Some of our legislators were misguided and they have paid the price for it. The crisis is almost over, and everything will become alright soon.

Is the BJP's Operation Lotus the reason for much of the horse-trading and defections?

There was nothing like Operation Lotus. After the May 2008 Assembly elections a simple majority had to be attained. This was accomplished. What other way out was possible when our party was not given a simple majority?

Your latest Cabinet reshuffle has angered many people in your party. Did this cause the revolt?

Not at all. None of our party leaders has been angered by the recent Cabinet reshuffle because everyone who mattered was consulted before the reshuffle.

The high command had permitted me to go for it. The cause of the so-called revolt is again the handiwork of the opposition parties.

The BJP rebels and the opposition members have complained to the Governor that your government is corrupt and that the administration has failed badly. There are inquires against many of your colleagues. What is your reaction to this?

There is no basis for this allegation of corruption and poor administration of my government. As for the inquiries, suitable action will be initiated on the basis of the inquiry reports.

The opposition has accused the Speaker of being partisan. For example, he did not give the BJP rebels seven days' notice to reply to the disqualification notices. They also did not defy the BJP party whip. Then why take action against them?

I have the highest regards for the institution of the Speaker. I have in no way interfered in the functioning of the Speaker. The Speaker is discharging his duties as per constitutional norms. It is not fair for me to comment on the Speaker's actions. All I can say is that the Speaker has done his duty. The opposition is unnecessarily targeting him. He is not at fault.

Since you have a very slender majority, in the event of the High Court verdict going against you, would you prefer the dissolution of the Assembly and the holding of midterm elections or the formation of a coalition government?

I do not want to comment before the High Court verdict is pronounced. Appropriate action will be taken at an appropriate time.

Do you still want the Governor to be recalled? What was Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's reaction?

I leave it to my party seniors to decide about this. The Prime Minister has always given us a patient hearing.

How do you hope to deal with people in your party who are still not reconciled to your position as the Chief Minister? They accuse you of being arrogant and not accessible and want to see a change of leadership?

Our party is united and all of us enjoy good rapport and clear understanding. I am always open and accessible to everybody. Nobody has demanded a change of leadership and everyone has reconciled to my position as the Chief Minister.

Finally, what role do you think the Janata Dal (S) and the Congress have played? They have accused you of being power hungry.

The dubious role played by the Janata Dal (S) and the Congress in Karnataka is known to everyone. However, the Congress high command and the Union government acted sensibly. The people of Karnataka know who the power-mongers are. Destabilisation efforts against my government started immediately after the formation of the government on May 30, 2008.

I hope sanity will prevail and the mischief-mongers will stop such attempts at least hereafter. I have proved my majority in the House twice and the opposition knows our strength.