Why the BJP Chose Basavaraj Bommai as the CM of Karnataka
India's largest political party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), made a strategic decision to appoint Basavaraj Somappa Bommai as the Chief Minister (CM) of Karnataka. This decision was not without criticism, given Bommai's controversial past and the paradox of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance against corruption.
Background of Basavaraj Bommai
Basavaraj Somappa Bommai, born on January 28, 1960, is an Indian politician with a mechanical engineering background. He is the son of former Chief Minister S. R. Bommai and hails from the Lingayat caste, a significant community in Karnataka. Bommai has served as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the Karnataka legislature, representing the Shiggaon constituency since 2008.
Why the BJP Picked Bommai
The BJP’s choice of Bommai was a strategic move with several underlying reasons:
1. Personal Loyalty and Connections
Bommai is a close confidante of BSY (B. S. Yediyurappa), who was recently removed as the CM. Bommai shares the same Lingayat caste as BSY, adding a layer of ethnic and political solidarity.
2. Cultural Significance for the Lingayat Community
India is a diverse country with a complex caste system, and the BJP has always been very mindful of its political base. The Lingayats are a significant community comprising about 17% of Karnataka's population. The BJP has a long history of support from this community, and Bommai's appointment is seen as a way to continue this support.
3. Political Pragmatism Over Ideology
While Bommai is not a close RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) affiliate like many high-ranking BJP officials, his pragmatic approach and ability to manage the state affairs are seen as valuable traits. His position as a cabinet minister and his efficiency in handling complex issues further solidified his selection.
The Controversy Surrounding Bommai
Notably, Bommai has a questionable past. He is embroiled in multiple corruption cases. One of the major cases involves a whopping 40000 crore rupees during the COVID-19 period, and another case involving 35000 crore rupees is pending investigation. Despite this, the BJP has chosen him, which raises questions about the party's ethical standards and practices.
Contradiction in Ideological Stance
Prime Minister Modi often emphasizes that his government has zero tolerance for corruption. However, his actions in appointing Bommai, a known corrupt figure, directly contradict this rhetoric. This has led to criticism and skepticism about the credibility of Modi's anti-corruption stance.
The Lingayats' Perspective
From the BJP's perspective, the move to appoint Bommai is a calculated risk to retain the support of the Lingayat community. However, the appointment has also sparked debate within Karnataka. AMITSHAH's supporters have accused the BJP of playing the caste card, with some even suggesting that Yediyurappa, who served as CM, is more powerful than Modi or Amit Shah in Karnataka.
Political Divide in Karnataka
The BJP cannot be seen to alienate this significant community, which can impact future elections. Therefore, the appointment of Bommai is seen by many as a pragmatic move rather than a moral one, aimed at maintaining the party's stronghold in Karnataka.
Conclusion
In summary, the BJP's decision to appoint Basavaraj Bommai as the CM of Karnataka was motivated by a combination of personal loyalty, cultural significance, and political pragmatism. While the move is strategic, it has also raised questions about the party's commitment to ethical governance and anti-corruption principles.
The appointment underscores the complex dynamics of Indian politics, where personal loyalties and community support often outweigh ideological purity. As the BJP prepares for future elections, this decision will be closely watched by all political stakeholders in Karnataka.