'Coalition politics has never been successful in Karnataka'

For politicians in Karnataka, the ongoing power tussle is just another game, but the common man in the state is confused about these power games and uncertain about their final outcome.

We spoke to a cross section of the society to find out their views on the political drama created by the ruling coalition comprising the Janata Dal-Secular and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Most people feel that the JD-S should hand over power to the BJP as per their agreement, while some feel that if the relationship between the coalition partners has soured to this extent, the state should opt for mid-term elections.

V K Nadig, businessman, Frazer Town, Bangalore: H D Kumaraswamy has done a
wonderful job. He has gained a lot of respect from the people of Karnataka. Even when the MLAs from Bellary made allegations of corruption and attempted murder against him, people never believed it. However, if Kumaraswamy doesn't hand over power now, he will lose his reputation. He has age on his side and he can always come back and rule the state. He should convince his father and JD-S supremo H D Deve Gowda and hand over power to the BJP.

Sainath P, gym instructor, Malleshwaram, Bangalore: There is no point in continuing with this government. It is evident that the coalition partners just can't get along with each other. If they were really allies, they would not have been fighting like this. If power is transferred with such bad blood between them, then one can only imagine what will happen to the government. Both parties are bound to create problems for each other and ultimately the people will suffer due to bad governance. It is best to opt for elections. Then, it would be up to the people to give a clear mandate to one party so that we do not have to undergo the trauma of having a coalition government.

Vanuja Bambani, housewife, Koramangala, Bangalore: We cannot afford an election at this point of time. The BJP had supported the JD-S with the belief that it would get power at the end of 20 months. Now it is for the JD-S to honour that commitment. Not only will the JD-S lose face in public, but it will also cause a terrible crisis in the state. The people of Karnataka need a stable government and not mid term polls. I think the present coalition should continue. If the JD-S teams up with the Congress then everything has to start from scratch again.

P K Kumar, advocate, Bangalore: It is sad to see two parties, which have been ruling the state for 20 months, fighting like this. At this point it seems unlikely that power will be handed over to the BJP. Although it is a very expensive affair, I feel that it would be best to go in for elections and end this confusion. However, it is important that the people give a clear mandate in the elections.