Tough challenges ahead for Basavaraj Bommai

The BJP high command has selected the well-balanced Basavaraj Bommai for the post of Chief Minister of Karnataka. The question is, can he stand up to the many challenges ahead facing the state?

Bengaluru:TheBJP high command has selected the well-balanced Basavaraj Bommai for the post of Chief Minister of Karnataka. But now the question is, can he stand up to the challenges ahead? Basavaraj, who came to BJP from the Janata Parivar, made his mark in the administration. Henceforth, he needs to establish his own distinctive influence in governance through his originality. The question is, will Bommai make it possible?

In the previous B. S. Yediyurappa government, son Vijayendra was accused of interference and corruption in the administration. Many leaders of the party openly fought against this. Now Yediyurappa has succeeded in making Basavaraj Bommai the Chief Minister. However, it cannot be said that there will not be interference or influence in the administration.

What is Bommai and RSS relation?

Basavaraj Bommai has always been loyal to B. S. Yediyurappa. As a result, he easily got the CM post. It remains to be seen if Bommai can work in the administration free from the tension of Yeddyurappa and Vijayendra. Bommai is not originally from RSS. However, the role and influence of the RSS will somehow influence the administration policies. As a home minister, he has already demonstrated the virtues of governing by keeping in mind the RSS framework. The same attitude can be expected from him in future. He also has the challenge of striving for better governance without allowing for bias.

Third wave challenge?

Of the many challenges, Covid-19 third wave is looming large in Basavaraj Bommai administration. During the previous Yediyurappa government, when the second wave of Covid-19 came, the state had the largest casualties. Due to lack of preparations, infected patients died without getting timely bed, ICU, oxygen and ventilators. Failure to deal with the situation has earned the Yediyurappa government a very bad name. The situation still has not improved. Experts believe the third wave is not far and precautionary measures should be taken right away.

Water Disputes

Over the decades, the state has been witnessing disputes from neighbouring states for the implementation of Krishna, Kaveri, Kalasa-Banduri, Mekedatu and other water-related projects. Basavaraj Bommai, a former minister of water resources, knows irrigation. It would be interesting to watch how as the Chief Minister, he will step in to protect the interests of the state in irrigation matters.

Upcoming elections

The coming days will determine how he will face the challenge of strengthening party roots and demonstrating organisational ingenuity given the upcoming elections in the state. District and taluk panchayat elections, including the Bengaluru Municipal elections are the challenges before him. He is also responsible for making the party win in the 2023 assembly elections.

Basavaraj Bommai can help BS Yediyurappa and the party's broad base and the Sangh Saath. However, another interesting aspect is how he will serve as the new CM in reviving the popularity of the government in the state. In the meantime, there has to be a formation of the cabinet, keeping everyone happy. Apart from all this, Bommai should give importance to a transparent and non-corrupt, transparent administration.

New vision

Previous CMs gave importance to many aspects of the state. CM Nijalingappa laid the foundation for constructive Karnataka. D. Devaraja Arasu was named the leader of the backward classes through the social justice movement. HD Deve Gowda became the son of the soil, Ramakrishna Hegde led to decentralisation of governance, SM Krishna emphasised on information technology in the administration.

Siddaramaiah was the leader of the minority and Dalits, and Yediyurappa became the peasant leader of farmers. As the son of the former CM late SR Bommai, Basavaraj Bommai, who has developed a well-educated personality, has to give the state a new vision and concept like the previous Chief Ministers. He should strive for the all-around development of the state without giving a distinction between caste and votes. Is it possible in the remaining two years? We have to wait and watch.