KARNATAKA FIASCO

The Karnataka coalition drama has provided an opportunity to the administration, the protectors of the constitution and the well wishers of the Indian constitution to re look at the issues that affect the Indian polity today.

Given the increasingly fractured verdict which the Parliamentary system of selecting the representative is throwing up, coupled with voter''s apathy, it is time constitutional experts got their act together to preserve the intent and main aim of the provisions in the constitution regarding constitution of the governing machinery; namely provide stable governance.

Citing judgments of decade old cases in politics, is akin to citing the Red Herring to decide the course of next action. We need to look at the political realities of the day and take decisive actions to provide the bench mark for the future, lest future generations are compelled to live by what our fore fathers decided.

If the current combination of BJP - JD(S) is allowed to form the government, it will set a bad precedent. They have gained power at the first instant based on numbers, but with the solemn promise that they will provide stable governance. Now that they have failed, the Executive must exercise his powers to reject this alliance which has failed to stick to its original commitment made to the people and the constitutional authority in words (!) and spirit.

If the opportunistic alliance is once again allowed to assume power, be that as it may be for a few weeks, it will embolden those elements who think that merely winning a seat to the legislative assembly, guarantees them power and opens up many revenue streams. It would also encourage further splitting of the Parties and render the coalition exercise a mere number game. Coalition politics by intent and practice should not be degraded to a number game as it is being made out to be.

This opportunity shall be exploited by the administration and the judiciary to spell out clearly what is the form of Coalition government, that is acceptable to provide a stable governance. Opportunistic alliances can not be handed over power just because a judgment says that it should be decided by the numbers.

1 comment:

Vasu said...

The subsequent fiasco of JD (S) pulling out at the last minute has added strength to your contention that the constitution seriously needs an overhaul. This can happen only with judicial interference. We have to now look upto our honourable judges to safeguard us from such unscrupulous politicians.

V.Viswanathan