Krishna tides over first political crisis

By S.K. Ramoo

BANGALORE, FEB. 1. The 15-month-old S.M. Krishna Government experienced its first crisis on Wednesday following the resignation of the Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Infrastructure Development, Mr. T. John.

Mr. John's position in the Ministry became untenable following his ``imprudent and highly provocative'' public utterances. Mr. Krishna was presented with evidence of Mr. John's observations, which were recorded and telecast by a private TV channel. There was no way the Chief Minister could have saved or defended him as his position was rendered ``unmaintainable and insupportable''.

Sensing the mood of the Wednesday's crucial meeting convened by the Chief Minister, and attended by senior Ministers including Mr. John, the latter had no other option but to submit his resignation. Mr. Krishna, on his part, displayed political sagacity by involving some of his senior colleagues in his efforts to make Mr. John realise the gaffe he had committed.

When the whole nation is empathising with the human tragedy in Gujarat, the Minister's ``injudicious'' statement is perceived by many as tantamount to ``communalising and politicising'' a scene of utter devastation.

Mr. John's exit will be the first casualty from Mr. Krishna's 42- member ministry. It is an irony of sorts that Mr. John, who is the most inarticulate among the Ministers, got himself into a mess by his public articulation. What is shocking is that his remarks implied that Christians and other minorities were spared by the earthquake. To argue that it was the ``wrath of God'' against those who attacked missionaries and churches is perceived by the Opposition as the product of highly ``warped'' thinking.

Mr. John, a Member of the Legislative Council, was lately enmeshed in an controversy following the Kerala Chief Minister, Mr. E.K. Nayanar's allegation that a Karnataka Minister was involved in the supply of hooch which claimed several lives in that State. A storm was raised in the Legislature following the Opposition's allegations of Mr. John's complicity. He vehemently denied the allegations, saying there was no evidence.

Mr. John came under suspicion as his family was involved in the manufacture of liquor. (He migrated to Kodagu district from Kerala.) He reportedly owes huge excise arrears to the Government, a fact which came to light when the Minister of State for Excise, Mr. M.M. Nanaiah, made a statement in the Legislature.

Mr. John also got into trouble when he admitted that the compensation for lands acquired for the international airport at Devanahalli was granted on a ``selective basis'' and not to all land owners.

The Chief Minister, who has successfully warded off dissident activity from within the party and the Government (which is endemic to Congress-ruled Governments) during the last 15 months, has not posed any problems to the party high command, which appears to be happy with the situation.

Contrary to popular expectations, he did not revamp his Ministry after completing one year in office for fear of upsetting his applecart. Many senior Congress leaders in the State felt he let go a ``golden opportunity'' to render his ministerial team more dynamic and efficient.

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