Fingers crossed; BJP to form Govt on May 30

The rising sun in Karnataka now-a-days appears saffron-in-colour, which would soon shower its radiant beam upon this southern state. New government, new regime and with new hope- people are eagerly waiting for the Bhartiya Janata Party to take the command into its hand. The Saffron Party united under B S Yeddyurappa is expected to be sworn in on Friday.

The BJP would taste the win for the first time with the formation of its own government supported by five independent candidates.

The Saffron party flaunted with 110 seats just short of three to prove its majority in the Legislative Assembly acquired the status of the largest party in Karnataka and naturally it was not even a little difficult for it to win over the Independent candidates, and by the Monday evening the BJP won the day. However it required only three supporters to gain simple majority, but eventually got five culminating into 115 seats in the 224-member Legislature Assembly.

The Bharatiya Janata Party formally staked claimed Monday to form the government. The swearing-in ceremony was to be held on May 28, but later it slated for May 30.

A Saffron Party delegation including the chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa and the senior leader and the Party's in-charge of Karnataka held a meeting with Governor Rameshwar Thakur and submitted him a letter revealing party's strength and support by the Independent candidates. The letter was signed by all 115 legislators- 110 from his own party and five other Independents.

The significant fact that went in favour of BJP in this election was that it registered its victory over 110 seats, while the Congress won 80 seats (15 seats more than last election) followed by mere 28 seats gained by JD (S).

Now the political equation for the Congress and the JD (S) to gain power in the state can favour only in one case, first, if both forms coalition supported by at least five Independents, which does not seem possible as five Independents already vowed their support in favour of BJP.

Secondly, as per the laws, the Governor invites the largest party to come and form the government and only if it remains fail to prove its majority on the floor, the Governor invites the second largest party to form the government. However, exception to this rule has been taken place sometimes in the past, but the Governor had to face the flak all the times.

Thirdly, Congress may well prefer to sit in Opposition rather to seek support of JD (S) to form government, as it was the JD (S) which after 2004 elections had left the support of Congress after remaining in the coalition government for the time being and later with conditional support of BJP had formed the government in Karnataka. First the JD (S) betrayed the Congress and later the BJP. The disloyal face of JD (S) might prevent Congress to seek its support.

Lastly, to buy the loyalty of five Independents would be very difficult for the Congress as they already have submitted their allegiance to BJP by supporting it unconditionally.

People are hoping good governance in the state as they voted BJP to win after relying over its promise, which said before and during polls, “you have given chance to other party to rule over the state but you are cheated. Now give us one chance and support us. We pledge to give you good governance.”

Moreover, the BJP which has romped first time in any southern state would like to provide a role-model administration, which would assist the Saffron party in the long run to sway its influence in other states of South India.

So, BJP has crossed their fingers and are waiting for May 30 to take swearing-in.