The recent observation made by state Governor Bharadwaj that the law and order scenario in the state has deteriorated, has as expected invited sharp reactions from the BJP leaders. The governor’s statement should have in fact motivated the ruling party to conduct a self-introspection of its failures and also to win the confidence of all sections and communities through a balanced approach. But the manner in which the ruling party has reacted, only reveals its desperateness.
Do the series of incidents including the church attacks master minded by Parivar organizations, the attacks on minorities in Mangalore and elsewhere, the bid to suppress the independent media and also the continuing attacks on minorities in Mangalore, happening in the state in the aftermath of the BJP government coming to power, reveal that all is well as far as law and order is concerned ?
When it is certain that those indulging in anti-social and disruptive activities enjoy the patronage of those at the helm of affairs, who else but the ruling party should own up responsibility in case of the breakdown of the law and order machinery?
The BJP leaders who have given a free piece of advice to the governor that he should retain the honour of the top post he is holding, are very well aware that the governor Bharadwaj had served for several years as a union law minister. He is a scholarly man who speaks less. If such a person makes any comment, then naturally some seriousness has to be attached to it. Doesn’t the governor know the responsibilities as well as the honour of the post he holds ?
The governor has every right to censure the ruling party whenever it goes off track. He is no rubber stamp. In reality, the state government functions in the name of the governor and the chief minister has to act in co-ordination with the governor.
If a statement from the governor has invited such a strong reaction from the ruling party, then it is understood that the purpose of his statement has been achieved. As the governor’s statement is relating to law keeping, i.e. the functioning of the police department, then it has a direct link to the home ministry. As a next step, the governor should instruct the government to ensure autonomy to the police department and also to free it from any political interference.
The governor has also the responsibility of making sure that the police department is not misused to harass opponents of the ruling party. He should also see that the government does not keep its eyes closed to the follies of the ruling party.
Now the government should consider the words of the governor as a warning bell and ensure necessary corrections in the functioning of the administrative machinery. Chief Minister Yaddyurappa and State BJP Chief DV Sadananda Gowda should be grateful to the governor for waking them up from slumber.

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