The situation in Karnataka points to a low point in Indian democracy. Apart from destabilising the region itself, the Reddy brothers seem to have put forth audacious demands before the Chief Minister or else they threaten to back out of the Government. At first, I thought that the main reason was corruption charges against the CM and his cabinet. I now know that it extends far beyond that. Here are a few of the demands made.
1. The Reddy brothers want all criminal cases against them dropped, but the chief minister says there’s no question of withdrawing them.
2. The Reddy brothers want all taxes on mining to be abolished, but the chief minister says the toll tax on trucks carrying ore will stay.
3. The Reddy camp wants Shobha, the Karnataka rural development minister to be removed, but the chief minister defends her.
4. The Reddy brothers also want Jagdish Shettar to be included as senior minister in the cabinet. The Chief Minister says he’s willing to include him, but the portfolio will be decided by the central leadership.
5. The rebels are also demanding the removal of the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister.
6. The Reddy brothers also want a greater say in the administration in the mining heartland of Bellary.
I know that the Cr. PC allows the governor to withdraw criminal charges against an accused. But must this be part of a political tussle (blackmail, I believe ) ? Must the levy of taxes succumb to the same political game ? If this were to happen, hopefully there would be some right thinking person filing a PIL against the same. Hopefully .
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merely to destabilize, sorry
It is unfortunate that the Reddy brothers and their unreasonable demands could create such political chaos in the state. The recent resignation of Shobha Karandlaje for no tangible reason further points out that the Reddy brothers demands are merely destablize the BSY government and the same should not be heeded to.
Its really shameful actually. The so called demands that are being made by the Reddy brothers just amounts to extortion and nothing else. I personally feel BSY should not buck to these demands. Instead of bowing out to such outrageous decisions should seek a fresh mandate.