Siddaramaiah, sworn in today as the new Karnataka chief minister, has the twin responsibilities of delivering a clean government and cementing the Congress party's fortunes in the next general elections. With both the UPA-2 and the last Karnataka government being badgered by vever-ending scams and scandals, he surely has his task cut out. Sachidananda Murthy, resident editor, Malayala Manorama and The Week, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on the issue.
Q. Past CM's who have concentrated only on Bangalore have lost elections in a big way.. What should be the approach of Siddaramaiah? Asked by: Ganesh
A. Since the legislative majority comes from all districts, a CM should concentrate on all regions. Bangalore gets special status, but there are other major cities in the state. Siddaramaiah should spend more money and attention in all regions.
Q. Will there be something similar to SM Krishna's rule or do you feel the new CM can be a big differentiators? Asked by: Deepak, Bangalore
A. Siddaramaiah's approach will be different. SM Krishna concentrated on industry and urban affairs. The new CM would look at agriculture, rural industries and welfare measures.
Q. Can Siddaramaiah decimate JDS or BJP? Asked by: avishek
A. Not possible. In the first year, many CMs weaken the legislative opposition and win local body elections. In the long term, only successful implementation of policies and character can subdue opponents.
Q. How will Siddaramaiah manage to supply energy (Electricity) demand of the Industry and Farmers? Will he create a vision or roadmap to address in longterm or just the bandaid solutions? Asked by: Basavaraj K N
A. He has a tough job. He will get some relief from Kudunkulam which goes on stream soon. But he needs a fast track approach for both conventional and non conventional energy.
Q. What will be Siddaramaiah's plan to tackle the Kaveri issue with Tamil Nadu? Will he do something to increase the catchment in the western ghats? Will he implement steps to revive the other rivers? Asked by: Ajay
A. There is not much elbow room. Only good rains. Diversion of west flowing rivers is a dream considering that western ghats are highly eco sensitive.
Q. What Siddaramaiah will do for the IT? Because for the software enggineer and students there is more expectations from him? Asked by: pramod
A. What IT needs is big economic recovery in United States. However he can improve Bangalore infrastructure like metro, water supply and law @ order.
Q. What are the immediate issues which are to be addressed by the new CM of Karnataka? Asked by: Sudhakar
A. Misgovernance should end. Fast tracking of infrastructure needed. More investment for urban and rural areas.
Q. Put into top position at state within 6 years of lateral entry. Any envy likely to cause difficulties for the new CM? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. There will be envy for a CM in a national party. Siddaramaiah has to carry everyone along by generating trust. He should not depend on his advisers from Janata Dal alone.
Q. Mining was a big industry in the state.with the alleged wrong doings of Reddy brothers almost all activity on this is suspended.Any chance for revival of the industry in a legalised manner? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. The Supreme Court has cleared legal mining. Siddaramaiah should implement the judgement in too. He must also go after those who looted the state not only in iron mining, but also granite quarrying and plunder of other natural resources.
Q. What is the stand of the new CM on the Hyderabad- Karnataka and Maharashtra -Karnataka border disputes.? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. He will follow all party stand on border dispute with Karnataka, which has been laid down since 1960s. He would concentrate more on Hyderabad Karnataka which has got backward status in the Constitution last year. He would pump more funds as Congress has done well in this region.
Q. To repeat the results in LS polls how will the new CM wash and erase off all the scams and wrong doings happening at Centre? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. The wrongdoings and scams of UPA2 will be the main issue of next lok sabha elections. Siddaramaiah can only help by providing a good administration, and keeping the opposition divided.
Q. Will Ministry making be CM's prerogative or Delhi's call? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. It is a combination of both. Siddaramaiah will have his way partly, but he has to accede to high command's wish to accommodate all groups and interests.
Q. The many pending cases at Lok Ayukta will see the light of the day and actions will result? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. Congress has promised fast track courts to complete the Lok Ayukta cases. Now the onus is on the cabinet to set up these courts and give all facilities. But powerful politicians and businessmen know how to drag cases for years, with the help of clever and expensive lawyers.
Q. Will Bangalore receive the attention of the new CM ? Whether the Industry captains will get a chance to VOICE OVER their feel.?? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. In his media interactions, he has promised a good deal for Bangalore. He claims credit for sanctioning airport and metro when he was finance minister. It depends on the team of officials he chooses for key Bangalore agencies.
Q. How will the new CM approach the Cauvery issue. Will the interest of Mandya farmers remain protected? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. As long as it rains well, mandya interests will be protected. Otherwise he will be bound by the Cauvery water tribunal award and supreme court orders.
Q. what is the Siddaramaiah's new development for Bangalore or doing continue the maintenance work of BJP govt 50% completed various project? Asked by: sujan kar
A. He has promised to implement all infrastructure projects of Bangalore. He has said the next line of Bangalore Metro should be commissioned by Dasara which is a 11 km long stretch.
Q. How can Siddaramaiah contain the moral policing of Hindu Right wing and ease communal tensions in coastal Karnataka? Asked by: avishek
A. He has to take a tough line from day one, and ensure police officers are both tough and fair.
Q. What about the doles congress promised in the manifesto and the financial implications? How can Siddaramaiah manage the most powerful backward communities like the Vokkaliga and Lingayat in the long run? Asked by: mohan
A. Money has to be found for doles. With improvement in tax collections, there will be more money. Handling the demands of Vokkaligas and Lingayats is an issue as there is a perception that he is against these communities. Whether he reaches out to them or goes for consolidation of Ahinda (OBC, Minority and Dalit) has to be seen.
Q. Will he be able to take a tough stand in Kaveri issue (unlike predecessors ) as he belong to Kaveri region and has rural lineage? Do you think he will toe what high command asks him to on this matter? Asked by: Thilak
A. He will depend on tribunal and court decisions. But within these decisions there is some scope for a smart leader to maneuver. He will toe the high command line to a large extent, provided he is treated with respect. How he handles an experienced and diverse cabinet is the tougher question.
Q. Why do you feel is the reason for S M Krishna not being in contention for CM this time?He after all deserves a great deal of credit for taking the state to new heights Asked by: jack
A. The congress leadership felt that S M Krishna had had his innings in Karnataka and hence did not give him a leader's role. He has been the most successful congress chief minister after Devaraj Urs, under whom he was industries minister.
Q. After making Siddaramaiah CM,is congress hoping for a non Lingayat,non Vokkaliga strong vote bank? Asked by: Preeti
A. Congress depends on dalit, OBC and Muslim votes. But Siddaramaiah needs to consolidate some sections of the upper castes too.
Q. Though on the face of it Siddaramaiah comes across as honest and capable person in otherwise corrupt congress, will elements like DK Shivakumar, Kharge etc let him give good governance? Or will it be some worse than BJP show? Asked by: Sheshadri
A. Only a chief minister can make a difference, by ensuring that a minister with a corrupt track record works decently.
Q. After Siddaramaiah sworn in as CM, what would be the first five expectations from Karnataka people? Asked by: Shobana
A. Governance back on track, more funds for developmental activities, strong help for farm producers, better policing and a sympathetic ear to the people.
Q. Bringing back the glory of silicon valley, provide scam free government. Asked by: S ESHWAR
A. That is what every voter has wished for and voted. Now it is for Siddaramaiah and his 120 fellow MLAs to deliver.
Q. He should hold meeting with each corporator in Bangalore to assess the state in Bangalore about law and order and garbage issue. What is your opening? Asked by: unknown
A. It is an excellent suggestion. He should do it immediately. It would go a long way in restoring confidence in governance in Bangalore.
Q. Don't you think our new CM has to bring in similar kind of reforms/development in other town/city in K'taka as similar to Bangalore? Asked by: Naveen
A. Yes. Each city should have all the good infrastructure. But the uniqueness of each city should also be preserved and enhanced. For example, Mangalore is a coastal city with great beaches. It can be a great tourist destination. Belgaum can be developed as an education destination. There is no point in expecting every city to be a IT hub like Bangalore.
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