Karnataka CM dumps politics for development

M. Gautham Machaiah

When it comes to development, keep politics aside. That is the message Karnataka’s BJP Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa seems to be sending out loud and clear.

In what may be described as an extremely gracious move, the Chief Minister personally visited the houses of the Union Ministers from Karnataka and felicitated them, unmindful of the fact that they belonged to the rival Congress.

Karnataka politicians have always complained about the State receiving a raw deal from the Centre, be it the Cauvery water dispute or developmental work. Unlike neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Karnataka has consistently failed to utilise the services of its MPs and Union Ministers to lobby with the Centre. Political one-upmanship has always taken precedence over the interests of the State.

By extending a hand of friendship, Yeddyurappa has sent a strong signal that there is no longer any room for petty politics. One hopes that the Union Ministers too reciprocate his gesture.

(Picture sourced from: bjpkarnataka.org/.../?album=KarnatakaMinisters)

COMMENTS

(This article was also posted on MSN. Some of the responses received are reproduced below)

Good move, Mr Yeddyurappa. We hope the Union Ministers deliver the goods and work towards development.
-Subramanyam K.V., Hyderabad

I hope these politicians will keep politics away and concentrate on development and infrastructure till next elections.
-Uday, Bangalore

It is Bangarappa who brought Bangalore, Mangalore and Karnataka on the path of development. Karnataka takes advantage of the fact that it is centrally located in South India. I for one had the best pleasure and memorable trip to Bangalore, Ootacamund and Kodaikanal before I boarded the flight back to Mumbai from Coimbatore, in 1987. Bangalore is second to Mumbai in the pace of infrastructure development in the country.
The writer welcomes comments and views of readers at prashant.pscl07@gmail.com
-C.A. Prashant Chavan, Mumbai

Gautham, I totally agree with you. These days it appears the Chief Minister is concentrating on development. Let Yeddyurappa follow in the footsteps of Narendra Modi.
-Shankar, Bhadravathi

Kannadigas have high hopes on the Chief Minister. We Kannadigas expect a lot from him and hope that he excels in all sectors, especially agriculture.
-Vijayalakshmi, New Delhi

The MPs from Karnataka should set a good example by persistently lobbying with the central ministries to get all the help so that the IT Capital of India will become a "Jewel in the crown". In this regard, the Chief Minister, has taken the right step in calling upon the Congress ministers and MPs from Karnataka.
After all, improving the infrastructure and other facilities in the State is a collective effort. As for Tamil Nadu MPs (especially DMK) they have shamelessly arm twisted the Centre to get all the facilities. The DMK ministers have set a bad example by being highly corrupt, inefficient and controversial.
Karnataka MPs and ministers should set a good example by safe guarding the interests of the State by being efficient and enterprising in their work. The Union Ministers should be impartial in extending facilities to all the States of the Indian Union.
-S. Ravindran, Mysore

It a good move by Yeddyurappa. Karnataka MPs should work for development of only Karnataka, not Tamil Nadu..
-Gireesh, Hyderbad

I wonder if this is the reason for the powerful ministers and legislators trying to revolt against the Chief Minister. If so, God save the party!
-Rao, Bangalore

This is a very good move by the Chief Minister. We hope the Congress Ministers in the Centre will agree and work for the development of Karnataka. We have a good Chief Minister in the State and experienced Ministers at the Centre. Please work together for Karnataka's development
-Vijaykumar Gotakhindi, Bangalore

I am sure if BJP continues to be in power, Yeddyurappa will make a difference to the State. He will develop Karnataka as one of the most modern States and help people living below the poverty line.
-KH Shettigar, Bangalore

.Gautham has rightly pointed out that Yeddyurappa has kept politics aside for the sake of Karnataka. Other BJP members should follow suit instead of attacking the Chief Minister for the entry of his son into politics. Why is nobody raising an issue about the kith and kin of Congress leaders contesting elections?
Union Ministers from Karnataka should also forget their political affiliations and work for the development of the State.
-Sukanta, Bangalore

Yes, a good beginning. I request the Chief Minister to urge all MPs and MLAs to start educational institutions right from school to college level in their constituencies. This should include polytechnics, science, arts, engineering and agriculture institutes, so that our State becomes the hub of educational activities. Free education should be provided up to the degree level for the benefit of the poor.
-S. R. Shetty, Mumbai

It is too early to comment on this issue. It is only one year since this government came to power. I believe we should wait patiently. Let us hope this government considers aam aadmi over politics.
-Sahil, Bangalore


Good move by Yeddyurappa.
Ven, Delhi