The battle lines are drawn in Karnataka. Who is going to rule (read loot) the people of Karnataka will be known in a few days from now. The first phase of election is scheduled on May 10.
The irony is that not much discussion is happening on this forum on this very important election of the year which may probably change the course of many national parties before the Lok Sabha elections scheduled next year.
While there are squabbles among the three main contenders viz BJP, JDS and Congress owing to poll ticket allotment issue, the recent tantrums of former union minister and very senior Congress leader in Karnataka Jaffer Sharif who was finally tamed by Sonia Gandhi after assuring him and his offspring a place in the Polls, have further widened and exposed the bitter political rivalry within the Congress to the electorate.
The grand old man of divisive politics in India Deve Gowda is now busy burning midnight oil to fix their men in all the constituencies to take on both Congress and BJP. His intention is very clear: Either win decisively or create hung assembly like before so that he can extract maximum from his Foe -turned-Friends.
No doubt he is singing secular tunes now. But once the elections are over and god forbid if party was in a position to form coalition with either of Congress and BJP, he would sing a different tune altogether notwithstanding the promises made to the people about his party going to polls alone.
For BJP, too desperate to prove its mettle, would do anything to grab the power. If they win, they would firmly fix their feet on southern soil. Their next stop would be Kerala where the party has got a sizable base in southern pockets.
And for Congress, it's a do-or-die battle. Having lost in many of the poll battles in north including the recent Punjab and Himachal assembly polls, the party is in no mood to lose Karnataka, the party's once strong fort. The party’s head for Karnataka SM Krishna is striving hard to keep the flock together to win the confidence of Soniaji as well as the electorate.
The new face in the 'battle for Karnataka' is none other than Behanji of Uttar Pradesh - Mayawati. She also wants her share and hence announced her party's decision to contest in 224 assembly segments. Her intention is very clear. Get as many votes of backward class people and create a dent in the vote bank of BJP, JDS and Congress.
Even if she gets 10 to 15 MLAs they will have their say in state assembly. Also, Karnataka polls will create a platform for Behanji to expand her base to emerge as National Leader; All for cheap politics. Will the people know the intention of these political heads? Unlikely.
Like in the past they are going to fall pray to the goodies thrown by these parties. For example, the BJP has promised to provide Rs 2 per kg rice. Everyone knows that the party is not going to provide Basmati rice for poor. It's going to be the worst quality rice without much of health vitamins. That is enough for poor, otherwise, they will grow intellectually and question the politicians.
Congress, to counter BJP has announced FREE colour television sets and Rs 2 per kg rice for poor. With JDS analysing its strategy to come out with plans for poor electorates (pun intended) a lot (read Crores) in stake for the major big wigs in Karnataka Polls. God bless India.
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