Will 'Dharmasthala Oath' Prove Costly for Yeddy?
Daijworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Jun 20: Nation's eyes are once again set on Karnataka politics with Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and former CM from JD (S) leader Kumaraswamy planning to take oath in the name of Lord Manjunathaswamy of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala on June 27. This was an outcome of an attempt by Yeddy to 'buy peace' with Kumaraswamy, it is learnt.
Yeddyurappa, currently in Kerala for Ayurvedic medical treatment though earlier denied that he wanted to buy peace with former CM for keeping silent on corruption issues, later contacted Kumaraswamy through BJP MLC Lehar Singh. However, when Kumaraswamy made this public, Yeddy again made volte-face and challenged Kumaraswamy to swear in Dharmasthala. Followed by this, he reportedly spent over Rs 75 lac to publish advertisements in state's Kannada and English daily newspapers about his 'oath' taking challenge.
The incident of mixing God and politics has invited the ire of many intellectuals and politicians statewide.
Speaking to media persons in Udupi, Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde ridiculing the act, advised both of them not to bring 'God' in such things. Instead of swearing in the name of God, independent inquiry should be formed to bring out the truth, he said.
On the other hand, opposition leader Siddaramaiah has strongly criticized CM for using government funds to advertise his personal agenda. "Yeddyurappa should spend money from his pocket to advertise in the paper, and not the public money. It is a shameful step both by CM and Kumaraswamy to swear in the name of God like 'innocent' kids, he added.
"If these things can be sorted out by taking oath, then where is the value for Democracy? Why do you need assembly if everything can be sorted out in front of the temples" he lamented. "Yedyurappa and Reddy brothers are fearing their arrest and are aware of the fact that they will be lodged in jail for Karnataka scams if referred to CBI. This is
the reason why Yeddyurappa and company is not in favour of order CBI inquiries, noted Siddu.
It is further learnt that even the state BJP leaders were not happy with the duo resorting to 'oath' taking. When state BJP leanrt that, government money was being spent on advertising Dharmastala issue, some leaders quickly chipped in for damage control by contributing BJP fund instead of the government funds.
Speculations apart, it is only wait and watch policy one has to resign into until the D-day. Will both Yedyurappa and Kumaraswamy visit Dharmasthala on the day and disclose the truth, only time will tell.
Today's Times of India daily has reported that though Lehar SIngh admitted that he met Kumaraswamy, he stressed that it was just a casual visit. Reading the report on the paper, Kumaraswamy remarked that "Half truth is out..and the whole truth will too come to light, with that the CM's lie too."