Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE FUTUTRE TENSE SADANANDA WINS MLC SEAT. WILL HE SURVIVE FULL TERM?

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE FUTUTRE TENSE!

 SADANANDA WINS MLC SEAT. WILL HE SURVIVE FULL TERM?

 Nobody was in doubt about the victory of Sadananda Gowda to the Legislative Council. The BJP enjoyed majority and a seat in the council was vacated to make room for Sadananda. It was only a formality as he had to become a member of either of the house, to continue as Chief Minister. The ‘neutral’ stand of JD(S) made his victory, a cake walk. But the confusion, secret Parleys anxiety, and uncertainty of the BJP MLAs loyalty et al was created by former CM Yeddyurappa who is on a comeback trail as CM.... 

D. V. Sadananda Gowda had to become either MLA or MLC within six months of becoming the CM. MLC elected from the Assembly Constituency was made to vacate his seat for Sadananda Gowda. As the BJP enjoyed majority in the Assembly, there was no doubt in victory. But in the last few days, an atmosphere was created casting doubts about his victory. 

 As far as numbers are concerned, the BJP enjoyed the support of MLAs including the Speaker nominated MLA and independent MLA Varthur Prakash. The opposition has 71 Congress, 26 JD(S) and six independents making a total of 103. If the three suspended MLAs voted with Sriramulu, the strength would have been 106 against 119 of BJP. If Sriramulu managed 10 of his loyal MLAs to vote against CM, then the result would have been different. Even if 8 MLAs did cross vote, Sadananda Gowda would have lost the election. 

 But the ground reality was different. The BJP President Eswarappa revoked the suspension of three suspended Sriramulu loyalist MLAs. They made a ‘deal’ with five independents and Sriramulu was also convinced to back Sadananda Gowda. So, there was no danger of Sadananda losing the election. As the MLAs were given whip, nobody could dare violate it, inviting disqualification and subsequent ‘ban’ of contesting the elections for six years. 

 Still, there was suspense and anxiety and it was not about the opposition fielding a common candidate. In fact both Congress and JD(S) together had 97 MLAs and even if the six independents voted for them, the number was far less than required. Then, why did the BJP leaders burn mid night oil to ensure Sadananda Gowda’s victory? In fact, there was no fear of opposition or the cross voting by Reddy Brothers loyalists, but, it was the Yedurappa factor that created panic and confusion in BJP and kept them on tenterhooks till the last minute. 

 Yedurappa had started his operation comeback even before Sadananda filed the nominations. Yedurappa, who while resigning had declared that he will be CM again within six months, suffered a serious blow when he was sent to Jail on corruption charges. And the moment he was released on bail, he started making attempts at regaining his lost crown. 

 The day after Sadananda filed the nominations, Yedurappa air dashed to New Delhi to meet the BJP’s national leaders to stake his CM claim. When it was rejected outright, he mobilised MPs from Karnataka who submitted a memorandum to the national leaders for making him the CM again. Yedurappa’s argument was that he should be made CM and he will fight the corruption related cases like the Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalitha. 

 When he could not get a firm assurance from the national leaders, he was back to his black mailing tricks. He threatened to ask his loyalist MLAs to vote against Sadananda and defeat him. Finally, the High Command successfully sent him back with some assurance of his proper rehabilitation. 

 So, it was the Yedurappa factor that created panic. As such, no BJP leader except his loyalists, were willing to let him manage the election of Sadananda. They were afraid that he may ask his loyalist MLAs to vote against Sadananda. If Sadananda was defeated, he would have had to resign from the CM post and then Yedurappa could step in for the post. 

 The BJP therefore was serious in the Sadananda election. Besides, revoking the suspension of their MLA’s and convincing the Independent MLA’s, it successfully cajoled the JD(S) Boss HD Kumaraswamy into remaining neutral and Congress was left with 71 MLA’s. 

 Now that Sadananda has won the elections and secured his CM post, the question is - how long will he remain the CM or how long will Yedurappa allow him to function? As on now, Yedurappa has set a deadline of January end, to ascend the CM throne. As usual, he has started his ‘Temple Tour’ and Homa-Havanas for reclaiming the CM gaddi. He has also undertaken other religious functions to get the required ‘divine’ strength to become the CM again. 

 Of course, Sadananda as CM is now firmly in the saddle after his win in the council elections and the State BJP President Eswarappa has already declared that he will be CM till the end of Assembly term. On the contrary, Yedurappa may form a regional party if he is not made the CM or join Sharad Pawar’s NCP. Whatsoever, if he walks out of BJP he will take along at least two dozen MLAs from BJP making way for midterm polls. 

 One thing is sure that Yedurappa will not sit idle and Sadananda will have to use all ammunition in his armour to neutralise him. But that is easier said than done. At the end of the day, Sadananda may not be able to complete his term as CM. 

And that is all.