JD(S)-BJP govt takes oath

Ministry formation in Karnataka likely to be difficult with more contenders than berths

Janata Dal (Secular) rebel leader H D Kumaraswamy and B S Yediyurapppa of the BJP today took oath as chief minister and deputy chief minister of Karnataka respectively, ending a fortnight-long political drama in the State.

But more drama is likely to follow. The process of ministry formation, sources say, is bound to be contentious with more aspirants than ministerial berths. To avoid any mishap too early in the day, the new leaders will announce their teams only after the trust vote on February 8.

The future of the government, sources say, is likely to hinge on the extent to which the BJP seeks to play a dominant role in view of its larger numbers.

The government begins with a disadvantage, a lack of experience, as a large number of its members are first-time MLAs. This at a time when the pressure to perform will be high.

Should the new government fail to deliver, observers see a cakewalk for a possible Congress-Siddaramaiah combine, which will be able to garner the backward and minority votes.

The coalition's strong point is cohesiveness, both the parties having their support base among the two dominant communities, the JD(S) among the Vokaligas and the BJP among the Lingayats. This, however, disappears once the issue of mass support comes up.

Mindful of the need to deliver, Kumaraswamy, at his first press conference as chief minister said the new government was committed to providing "a pro-people, pro-farmer and transparent governance." Efforts would be made to curb corruption by giving the Lok Ayukta more powers, he added.

Seeking to don the pro-rural image of his father H D Deve Gowda, who was against the JD(S) tying up with the BJP, Kumaraswamy said he wanted to be with the people and would not attach much importance to protocol and security, adding he would visit some villages for a week every month to redress people's grievances.

Assuring that the new regime would not resort to vindictive politics, he said the welfare programmes of the previous government, including distribution of foodgrain at subsidised rates, farm credit at a 6 per cent interest rate and interest waiver schemes would be continued.

He outlined various administrative initiatives the new ministry chalked out at its first Cabinet meeting saying the secretaries would be issued "strict instructions" to quickly respond to people's grievances.

The budget the new government would present shortly would give priority to agriculture, irrigation, education and health, Kuraraswamy said.

The moment has a special significance for the BJP as this is the first time it has assumed power in a southern state. It has always considered Karnataka its "gateway to the South".