The nataka of Karnataka
Karnataka may be undergoing a tumultuous period and looking for a decision from Delhi but the political or administrative world of the Union capital seems to be hardly interested in it.

Incidentally, it is nothing new. A political crisis in Bihar or UP or even Tamil Nadu may have aroused a hue and cry in the power corridors of the capital but not Karnataka. Except for a question here or a query there from the media – which too is amazingly not much aware of the happenings in the State – Karnataka hardly figures in the press conferences or political meetings in the capital. “A crisis over Cauvery between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu makes more news than the political crisis,” was how a State politician remarked the other day after he had to explain the situation from Day 1 to a senior party functionary. “It is surprising with so many leaders from Karnataka figuring in the top decision-making body of the party,” said this leader.

However, one cabinet minister, quite aware of the Karnataka mess, offered his own reason for it: “Look at the name of the state, it is Karnataka. It’s a drama being played out there. It seems as though politicians there want to test there skills in drama”.

B S Arun

Spanner in Nath’s works
Commerce and Industries Minister Kamal Nath has made it a habit to oppose Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar’s moves.

He has been successful too. First it was with the question of resuming export of skimmed milk. Then it was about lifting the ban on export of non-basmati premium varieties of rice.

On both occasions,  Nath, plugging for the export lobby, has been successful in having his way.
So much so, a cocky  Nath went to the extent of dictating policy to Pawar when he said he is not in favour of imposing ban on export of any agricultural commodities. Obviously, it is his way of telling Pawar that the Agriculture Minister should involve him in any future decision on such issues.

It appears, Health Minister Ramadoss, who is already waging a prolonged battle with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) director Dr Venugopal, is intent on doing a Kamal Nath on Nath.

He has put a spanner in Nath’s SEZ work. Ramadoss has told Nath that he cannot have tobacco companies housed in the SEZs. The tobacco industry does not need Nath’s SEZ largesse.

But Ramadoss seems to be a little ahead of Nath. Even before Nath moved a note favouring tobacco manufacturing companies setting up their factory in Special Economic Zones, Ramadoss sent a cabinet note opposing any such move, expressing it would harm the country’s interest in anti-tobacco campaign.

Ajith Athrady