Karnataka governor H.R. Bhardwaj’s sanction to prosecute chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on corruption charges is consolidating the Opposition. This could intensify the battle between the Centre and the Opposition during the Budget Session of Parliament next month.

While the BJP on Friday went hammer and tongs against Mr Bharadwaj for granting sanction to prosecute Mr Yeddyurappa on corruption charges, the Samajwadi Party, the JD(U) disapproved the governor’s action.
Just hours after the sanction was granted, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, apart from castigating Mr Bharadwaj, described the decision as constitutionally improper and politically motivated. Accusing the governor of doing the Congress’ bidding, he said, “Let us remember the governor is a political appointee. He flaunts his political association on the sleeve. Taking strong exceptions to the language of the governor, Mr Jaitley said, “His utterances, vocabulary show distinct political colour to his conduct and an absolute lack of restraint.”
The BJP’s state incharge Dharmendra Pradhan left for Bengaluru during the day, Mr Jaitley, pointing to the technical issues involved said, “Some private individuals and political opponents belonging to the Congress and JD(S) had filed complaints before the Lokayukta of Karnataka. The investigation is still pending. Without waiting for any of these investigations to be completed and submission of report — adverse or otherwise — the governor suddenly becomes proactive.”
Indicating that a long and a major show-down was in the offing he said the Karnataka unit of the BJP will meet to chart out the next course of action after which the central unit will pitch in.
Reacting sharply to the development, the Samajwadi Party leader and MP Mohan Singh said that the move would affect the Centre-State relations and the Congress leadership needed to understand.
Noting that the governor needed to go as per the advice of the state government, he regretted that Mr Bhardwaj had acted inspite of a view given by the state Cabinet.
Pointing out that the subjects under the state and the Centre were well defined, Mr Singh alleged that the state governments would become “peons” of the Centre if such actions continue.
“A wrong precedent is being set” he said noting that as far as he was aware, this is the first such action in independent India.
The JD (U) chief Sharad Yadav, who is also NDA convenor condemned the
move saying such acts spoil political atmosphere.
“Governor should remain within his limits. He does not run the government but the Chief Minister. Such acts spoil political atmoshphere. Governor’s post should not be politicised,” Mr Yadav said.
But the Congress party , however, sought to defend the action of Governor saying he has done so after full application of mind.
“These are situations which are well-known, established. The Governor has acted after full application of mind. Only those who have something to hide should be worried. Otherwise, this is the discretion (of the Governor) and if anybody is aggrieved, they can
take appropriate legal action,” Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi said.