Ex CM, Yeddyurappa moves like a chief minister should

Mtoday news / CNN-IBN

Bengaluru, September 2:  When Sadananda Gowda took over as Karnataka’s Chief Minister nearly a month ago, he declared that he would not serve as a "puppet Chief Minister."  Many recognized it as an empty threat.  And today, there’s little doubt about who’s really the boss.

BS Yeddyurappa drives around town in a convoy that’s led by a pilot vehicle with the lal batti or red beacon that flashes extreme political significance.  He’s trailed by three escort cars.  It’s the sort of security Mr Yeddyurappa enjoyed when he was Chief Minister.  In fact, he is now a regular member of the legislative assembly, entitled to one escort car.  But while he may have been forced to surrender his title, he trappings of power suggest he’s still in charge. Even though his application for bail is still to be heard on September 7.

When a report on illegal mining found Mr Yeddyurappa guilty of corruption, he insisted to the BJP that his resignation as Chief Minister was not necessary. The party differed - largely because this was just the latest of allegations against Mr Yeddyurappa. For months, the BJP had stood by its man.  But in August, the party was prepping to take on the UPA government at the centre for graft;  having a chief minister in the South who was accused of accepting kickbacks in exchange for mining leases, and gifting prime property reserved for public projects to companies owned by his children was no longer politically feasible.

So Mr Yeddyurappa was told he could select his replacement.  And that’s how Mr Gowda, liked by many for his indelible smile and by Mr Yeddyurappa for never having challenged him publicly, came to power. 

On paper.  In real life, it’s Mr Yeddyurappa’s home that’s still guarded by a police van which comes with 24 constables, three sub-inspectors, and two inspectors everyday.  His Z-plus security from his days of officially running the state has not been taken away. When asked why, senior officer Nanjunda Swamy said, ``We get a requisition from senior officers saying ’so-and-so VIP needs this security,’ so we have to follow it. "
 
Sources say files on major policy decisions are sent by different government departments to Mr Yeddyurappa’s house before they’re shared with Mr Gowda.

What could check the former chief minister’s role as ringmaster is the slew of cases being heard against him in the Lokayukta court - where the state’s ombudsman has presented its evidence against Mr Yeddyurappa on charges including those related to illegal mining.