Date:20/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/20/stories/2006012011360400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Bangaloreans unimpressed by tug-of-war

Staff Reporter

They say that it is a fight for power, and the average politician has no concern for the welfare of the people

BANGALORE: The political developments in the State over the past two days do not seem to have had an impact on the common man. The average Bangalorean does not appear to be concerned over which parties are in power.

Insecurity

Shwetha, a BCA student, said a change in government will not affect her in any way. "How can I believe that a new government will change life in Bangalore? We do not feel safe to walk alone on the roads now. We will continue to feel insecure because any new dispensation will be no better than the present one."

P.R. Kini, a retired engineer, expressed similar views: "This is just a fight for power. Politicians have no concern for the welfare of the people." Mr. Kini said the political strategy being worked out between a Janata Dal (S) group and Bharatiya Janata Party is only to ensure that they get a chance to rule the State. "They fear they may never get an opportunity again."

Some persons, such as A. Nagaraj, expressed unhappiness about the formula being worked out. "The ongoing political strategy is without principles and ideologies. A coalition of the Janata Dal (S) group and the Bharatiya Janata Party might not work for a long," Mr. Nagaraj said. Raymond George, an accountant, said he does not favour a coalition government. "I favour a two-party contest. If only two parties contest elections, the single largest party will form the government and the other party will sit in the Opposition. This will not give a chance for a coalition between parties," he said. His wife, Josephine, expressed concern over "a gimmick played to fool the common man".

Touhid, an Arabic teacher, said it is unfortunate for a Janata Dal (S) group to part ways with the Congress and join hands with the BJP, a party which was termed communal by JD(S) leaders.

Faith

Srinivas, an autorickshaw driver, said he would have confidence in a new government led by Mr. Kumaraswamy. "This is a good combination (JD-S and BJP). I am sure that under the dynamic leadership of a young leader such as Mr. Kumaraswamy, issues related to civic amenities and infrastructure in Bangalore will be resolved," he added.