So the BJP has finally decided to let go of their first chief minister in the South. But before congratulating them or giving them the opportunity to take the moral high ground we should keep in mind the how and when of the whole situation.
Mr. Yeddyurappa (Y) has after much resistance 'agreed' to resign from his post, sometime tomorrow (Sunday 31st). He has agreed. Not sacked like any corrupt official should have been, he has been provided an opportunity to vacate office respectfully. Not only that, Mr. Y has also been given a say in who succeeds him. This is perhaps the most preposterous idea ever. How can one expect a fair investigation when the accused criminal gets to choose the judge and the jury. Indeed, how can one not doubt the BJP's intentions to actually resolve this matter as a criminal investigation rather than as yet another political calculation. We have heard much bullcrap about Mr. Y being a prominent Lingayat leader and the resultant backlash that might be brought upon by his removal.
This is the exact distraction politicians create in order to overlook the real issue at hand. Here is a chief minister of a state, backed by very powerful mining barons (conveniently also ministers in the same government) who has raped the state resources since joining office. What does the Lingayat community have to do with all of this? They must be angrier with the fact that it was one of their own who has brought shame to the state and community.
The larger issue here is not doing what is perceived to be the right thing. It is the how and the why behind such decisions which is of prime importance. Some might argue that off late there have been many ministers and other powerful people who have been removed from their influential posts or put in jail. Though that might be a good start, it does not take too long for the powers that are to lose their way.
Firstly, what is this nonsense about asking ministers etc. to resign? Resignations are spontaneous actions not induced. Why can't these people be sacked, like the rest of the world? In most recent cases people have been requested to leave on account of the heat they have attracted on their parent organizations/govts. Not because it would have been the right thing to do. The BJP is more worried about losing apparent support from a particular community and the more important not mentioned in public view concern that the Reddy brothers (ministerial mining barons of Bellary, they funded Sushma Swaraj's campaign against Sonia Gandhi) might withdraw their financial backing. In far away Delhi, the PM dragged his feet on the spectrum issue because coalition politics makes him incapable of making the right decisions. Also, Kalmadi was arrested only much after the games because we could not embarrass ourselves in front of the world. Well our netas have not heard of the internet it seems.
Secondly, all corrective action that our politicians take is exactly that, corrective. Reactive righteousness is nothing short of admitting a crime after it has been proved. Left with no options it is so much easier to do the right thing, seem gracious in face of undeniable truth. It is important to be proactive, set high standards and maintain them. The way we work now is despicable. Whenever a report damning the going-ons is expected our politicians stir into action. It is impossible to believe that they are not aware of what is actually happening without a retired judge having to do so.
Finally, there has to be the strongest will to convict and to deliver justice. Giving Mr. Y the privilege of choosing his successor will make sure that the investigation never takes off in an earnest manner. He will obviously control the direction of the investigation and subvert the judicial system. By the time the case reaches the courts it will be dead in the water. Mr. Y will then claim his right to chiefministership again. It is important not to have tainted politicians return to posts of influence again. They will be only wiser in covering their tracks and perfecting the art of manipulating the existing systems.
Doing the right thing is not good enough. Do it for the right reasons.
