Cooperation is my governmentt’s mantra: Yeddyurappa

Monday, 15 June 2009

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) last month completed a year in office in Karnataka—the first southern Indian state where it formed a government on its own. The party also turned in its best performance in the Lok Sabha polls from Karnataka when it won 19 of the state’s 28 seats in the 15th general election.

In the past year, incidents such as police firing on farmers demanding fertilizer and attacks on churches and pubs in the state may have grabbed national attention, but chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, 66, says his government has executed several development projects, too.

Yeddyurappa, who is facing criticism from senior party leaders and legislators in Karnataka over his style of functioning, was known for his temper when he was in the opposition. As chief minister, he appeared much mellowed as he spoke in an interview about his government’s performance, rebellion in the party ranks and the crisis plaguing the BJP at the Centre after its defeat in the general election. Edited excerpts.