Faced with criticism for not being able to provide political stability in Karnataka, the BJP on Sunday sought to turn the tables on its detractors with its chief Rajnath Singh apologising to the people of the State for the party’s failure to provide one CM for a full five-year term due to internal differences.
launching the party’s election campaign from Belgaum district of Mumbai-Karnataka region, Singh also rued that former CM BS Yeddyurappa, who made the BJP a power to reckon with in this southern State, did not see reason in party’s decision and chose to end his decades-old association with the BJP.
“Ideally, Karnataka should have seen one CM for full five years. Under different circumstances we had to change our CM here. I apologise to people here for not being able to give political stability to Karnataka,” Singh said addressing an impressive rally here.
The BJP chief claimed his party has always given priority to probity in public life. “We did not force Yeddyurappa out of the party. He should have understood party’s compulsion. There was an allegation against him by the lokayukta. We could not have continued with him as the CM. We have a precedence of lK Advani who did not contest election until cleared by court in the Hawala scam. It would have been better if Yeddyurappa had stayed back in the party and strengthened it. He did not see reason,” Singh said.
Incidentally, the BJP suffered drubbing in recent local bodies’ poll, including in its stronghold regions, with BSY playing spoilsport. With his remarks, Singh apparently sought to undo the potential damage that BSY threatens to do to BJP’s prospects in the May 5 Assembly polls.
The BJP chief also sought to capitalise on the ‘clean image’ of incumbent CM Jagadish Shettar and promised the people of Karnataka that he will be their ‘CM for five years’ if they vote the party back to power.
Critical of the UPA for its misgovernance, Singh threatened the Congress of dire consequences if the JPC led by its MP PC Chako “dares” to drag the name of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s name in the 2G scam.
“What joke is thisIJ Clean chit is given to the PM and the Finance Minister but Vajpayee, who is indisposed, has been dragged into it. We will not remain silent if the JPC dares to do this. The Government will face our fury both inside Parliament and on the streets,” Singh said.
Singh tom-tommed the performance of BJP Governments in other States and reiterated poll promises made in party’s election manifesto. “Even Government agencies have lauded the performance of the BJP-ruled States. We are committed to good governance. Vote us to power, the BJP will deliver promises made to people of Karnataka,” Singh added.