'Naatak' in Karnataka
“Murder of democracy”. That’s the phrase going around to describe what’s followed the results of the elections in Karnataka. While it accurately describes the actions of the BJP camp; it also applies to the actions of others. Let’s see why: - Was the Governor biased in ignoring the joint claim of the Congress and JD(S)? Yes. Was he biased in allowing the BJP a ridiculously large period of 15 days to prove its majority? Absolutely. - But little of what the Governor did was illegal. Exercising his “discretion” in deciding whom to call first (Largest party first in Karnataka; whoever claims to have the numbers in Goa), while discretionary, is still legal. Which raises the question: Why hasn’t any party at the Center ever framed clear, unambiguous rules on the topic? The Congress never did it, nor did the BJP or the regional parties that were part of various coalitions at the Center....