LS Polls: Power Position, Prestige and Money Bags Haunt Ministers

Bengaluru: The 2024 Lok Sabha polls have paved the way for many dubious firsts hitherto unheard of in the electoral history of the state. Children and close relatives of 10 Indian National Congress (INC) ministers plunging into electoral waters is one such feat while the power position, prestige and money bags are at stake for all these ministers.

At the behest of Gandhi scion: Inside sources of the state Congress party confide that the proposal of the sitting ministers’ sons, daughters and relatives contesting the polls was not floated by either DK Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister cum Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President or Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister. The idea was proposed by the concerned ministers directly with Rahul Gandhi, former president of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and agreed upon.

No party funds for campaigning: It is also revealed that it was also agreed upon by the sitting ministers not to expect party funds for campaigning and the entire responsibility of ensuring victory also heavily depended upon them. However, the paradoxical situation arising out of such an agreement would be that all those unsuccessful ministers shall be bereft of their ministerial berths!

Do or die battle for win: Earlier and almost since the early eighties with the advent of the Janata Party and later the Janata Dal regime the practice of ministers contesting the Lok Sabha polls emerged as a popular trend. While a majority of them had to bite the dust there was no stopping them from continuing to give it a try. Then, no one pressed for the losing ministers to put their papers, but not now. On the other hand, internal bickering has already made its presence felt compelling the ministers to a do-or-die battle.

Dissension only at a handful of places: Interestingly and by and large there was not much of opposition to the new practice of sitting ministers’ sons, daughters and relatives contesting the elections, but for a handful of constituencies. In Chamarajanagar there was also pressure from a section of party activists, enthusiasts, workers and leaders on Dr H Mahadevappa urging for his son to contest. The game plan of the former was to aim at the cabinet position in the event of the minister’s son ending up in a debacle!

KH Muniyappa has nothing to worry about: Although almost all ministers emerged victorious in ensuring seats to their sons, daughters and relatives, it wasn’t the same story with KH Muniyappa. The seven times Kolar MP turned MLA and minister tried all his clout with the party high command for his son-in-law in vain. He is an MLA, and minister and his daughter is also an MLA. It also became an occasion for his detractors and legislators within the party and district to enact a resignation drama ultimately ending in a fiasco to the district minister.

Party workers only to work: The 139-year-old party keeps proclaiming at every given time that it is the party of workers and every unassuming worker is elevated to the highest position in the party and government. However, the present situation in the state has exhibited the claim being hollow and a mockery of all such tall talks.

-Manohar Yadavatti

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