Karnataka has been infamously famous in recent times. From being the cradle of the hijab row in Shivamogga, to the turbulent belt of anti-missionary vitriolic in Mangaluru, to saffron fringe elements and their moral policing on I-Day, each week has seen the state in the not-so-good news. And now, the ride seems visibly bumpy for the Basavraja Bommai-led BJP government in the state.
While the Opposition accuses Bommai of being a “puppet chief minister” with strings clearly in the hands of the high command in Delhi, there is some rumbling with the party itself. Not all appear to be comfortable with the “remote controlled” state of affairs. In fact, fearing a political change of guard, MHA Amit Shah made a quick appearance for a one-day visit earlier this month, palpably for a CII event.
This is the second time that the Union Home Minister pulled up chief minister Bommai and advised him to concentrate on development. Earlier, in April 2022 as well, the BJP’s top brass had advised CM Bommai to focus on implementation of the budget and avoid getting embroiled in communal politics in the state.
The trip was amidst unrest among a section of the BJP cadres who are upset with the spate of murders of Hindutva activists and the tension prevailing in the coastal Karnataka, which is a Hindutva stronghold. The most recent casualty being Praveen Nettaru. Repeated accusations of corruption against Bommai’s colleagues in the government have just worsened matters.
Criticising Bommai over his silence on multiple scams, repeated attacks on minority groups, the Congress and JD(S) have called him Gombe Bommai, which translates to “Puppet Bommai” accusing him of being “handled” by right-wing Hindutva groups. The Opposition also sneered at him for failing to celebrate Janotsava on July 29, cancelled last minute as a fallout of the Nettaru murder. The rally will now be held on August 28 at Doddaballapur.
Sources close to the chief minister have let out word that MHA Shah also questioned Bommai and Jnanendra for the prevailing law and order situation in the state. “He has asked the CM to prove his mettle and ensure that he takes stringent action against those accused,” added the tight-lipped sourced.
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