B.S. Yediyurappa
Immediately after taking over as the chief minister of Karnataka for the fourth time, B.S. Yediyurappa, 76, had to lead the flood relief operations in the state. The grim situation resulted in a delay in the cabinet expansion. On August 20, more than three weeks after he was sworn in, Yediyurappa expanded his cabinet. A major challenge was to balance the caste equations in the allocation of berths, which, to an extent, has been taken care of. Of the 17 cabinet ministers, seven are Lingayats, like Yediyurappa; three are Vokkaligas, and the rest represent other forward and backward communities in the state.
Just as things were settling down, the Vokkaligas took to the streets to protest the arrest of Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar by the Enforcement Directorate. Even though Yediyurappa told THE WEEK that the law would take its course in Shivakumar’s case, he knows well that the fallout will test his government.
Excerpts from an interview:
How confident are you of your government completing a full tenure, till 2023?
Despite the people of Karnataka giving a mandate in favour of the BJP in the 2018 Assembly polls, we could not form the government immediately for want of clear majority. The people had rejected the ruling party [Congress]. However, they entered into an unethical alliance and formed the government under a JD(S) chief minister. But, the alliance of convenience could not click and the government went out of power within 14 months. Their sole aim was to keep the BJP out of power. This was against the wish of the electorate. We have now formed the government to fulfil the aspirations of the people and I am confident of completing the tenure.
The BJP is strongly rooted in Karnataka and has the highest membership ever. Problems do arise in governance. However, we are equipped very well to tackle the issues that confront us.
The Congress and the JD(S) allege that the BJP bribed the MLAs.
Allegation is part and parcel of public life. The coalition government fell due to inner bickering and the incapability of the head of the government. It is unfortunate that such allegations are being raised against us. There is not even an iota of truth in these allegations.
The timing of the resignations of the rebel MLAs was questioned. It happened when former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy was in the US and Congress president Dinesh Gundu Rao was in Europe. Does it not raise suspicion?
The resignation of MLAs is the internal matter of their party. I do not want to comment on that.
You have been sworn in as the chief minister for the fourth time in 11 years. What are your immediate priorities?
Welfare of farmers and the unorganised sector are my priorities. But right now, my government has the mammoth task of providing relief and rehabilitation for lakhs of flood victims.
Floods caused widespread damage in Karnataka. Were you prepared to take on the challenge? What kind of help are you seeking from the Centre?
Karnataka witnessed unprecedented floods, in a week, from August 3 to 10, immediately after I took oath of office. We plunged into action, and with timely support from the Union government, we were able to provide relief to the victims. I have been constantly monitoring the situation across the state. Around 103 talukas in 22 districts are flood-affected and the losses amounts to more than Rs 38,481 crore.There have been instances of agriculture lands being totally damaged and becoming uncultivable. Hence, apart from seeking relief, we intend to seek special grants from various Central departments for the relief and rehabilitation process. I have visited almost all the flood-hit districts and I am very well aware of the ground situation. My government, within its limitations, will lend maximum support to the victims to rebuild their lives. An immediate relief of Rs 10,000 has already been distributed to every flood-affected family. Makeshift sheds are being built to settle the houseless. We propose to sanction Rs one lakh for the repair of damaged houses and Rs five lakh for the reconstruction of fully-damaged houses. The Central team has also visited the state and we are confident that its report would be complementary to our efforts of relief and reconstruction activities.
Seventeen seats will see by-elections. The BJP needs to win at least eight to ensure majority. Will the BJP win that many seats?
Development is our agenda and I am sure that we will win the required number of seats in the by-elections.
Do you think a BJP government in Karnataka will pave the way for BJP-led governments in other south Indian states? The focus has shifted to Telangana and the BJP’s central leadership hopes to form the government there in 2024.
Karnataka is the first south Indian state where the BJP formed government, way back in 2008. The BJP’s national leaders certainly have plans and strategies to strengthen our base in south India and we will work together to accomplish this aim.
It is said that there were attempts on your part to resist the appointment of deputy chief ministers in the state. You have three deputies now. Was there any disagreement between you and the BJP central leadership over portfolio allocations?
These are all unfounded rumours. We are a disciplined party and development is the mantra of our administration. We, wholeheartedly, accept the advice and guidance of the central leadership.
D.K. Shivakumar has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The opposition allege that the BJP is using Central agencies to suppress voices of dissent.
The arrest of any person is not something to rejoice about. The law has taken its own course and whoever is facing any charges will have an opportunity to defend themselves legally. I have no comments to offer on this development.