Date:31/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/31/stories/2007053107730400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Has the BJP leadership shifted its focus to State?

Special Correspondent

Yashwant Sinha

BANGALORE: After the drubbing in Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, the BJP central leadership seems to have shifted its focus to Karnataka where it has joined hands with the Janata Dal (S) to form the coalition Government.

BJP circles in the Karnataka feel that the appointment of prominent leader Yashwant Sinha as the party's central leader in-charge of Karnataka on Tuesday has indicated that the central leadership is keenly watching the developments in the State.

Mr. Sinha's appointment comes at a crucial time when a debate is on in Karnataka on whether the BJP will be given the Chief Minister's post by its ally JD (S) as per the power-sharing pact between the coalition partners.

Confusion

As per the understanding, the JD (S) is supposed to hand over the Chief Minister's post to the BJP in October. But confusion has gripped with JD (S) Minister Iqbal Ansari claiming that 30 of the BJP MLAs want H.D. Kumaraswamy to continue as Chief Minister even after his 20-month term.

It is in this context of uncertainty that the appointment of a seasoned political leader and experienced administrator Mr. Sinha has assumed significance. Meanwhile, Mr. Sinha's appointment is also being viewed as a move that has provided an upper hand to the Ananth Kumar faction in the State BJP because of Mr. Ananth Kumar's proximity to Mr. Sinha.

Interestingly, the former Union Minister V. Dhananjay Kumar, who is also said to be close to Mr. Ananth Kumar, has again been brought to mainstream politics by appointing as in-charge central leader for Puducherry. But it is unlikely that Mr. Sinha, a tough and disciplined leader, will allow any efforts by the rival factions in the State BJP unit to play the game of one-upmanship.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has welcomed the appointment of Mr. Sinha as the party's in-charge for the State.

In a release, Mr. Yediyurappa said Mr. Sinha, who has worked at various levels in the party and also in the government such as the Minister for Finance and Minister for External Affairs, has proved his acumen as an able administrator.

The Karnataka unit of the BJP would benefit from his experience and leadership qualities, the Deputy Chief Minister said.