The coalition government in Karnataka is in the process of creating a common minimum programme (CMP) for governance, much-needed considering the alliance partners, the Congress and JD(S), fought the Assembly elections on different agendas. A CMP is expected to reduce the differences between the two on the agenda of governance—crucial to overcome the inherent fragility of this coalition arrangement.
After the first meeting of the panel drafting the CMP, it’s clear the JD(S) has managed to put its big promise of a farm loan waiver on top of the agenda. Many of its other generous assurances, like a huge increase in various pensions, are also likely to make it along with some Congress’s promises. But what the people would also like to see is the JD(S) keeping its poll promise of restoring the institution of Lokayukta to its full glory, turning it into the powerful, uncompromising corruption-busting body it once was.
This could be tricky as it was the previous Congress government that systematically went about weakening the Lokayukta, first by ensuring erosion of its credibility and then by creating a parallel Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) controlled by the political administration. Not that the JD(S) and BJP complained much then—a weakened Lokayukta suited everyone. While all three parties promised to strengthen the Lokayukta in their manifestos, the JD(S) and BJP also spoke out disbanding the ACB.
Now that the JD(S) is in a coalition with the Congress, it has avoided any discussion on its assurance about the Lokayukta. For the Lokayukta to once again become the autonomous body free to probe graft at any level of the government machinery without interference, it must get all its powers back. The ACB must be disbanded; the Lokayukta should be given a police wing. CM Kumaraswamy has declared his intention to uproot corruption from the corridors of power. Reviving the Lokayukta would be a big step in that direction. It’s a promise that deserves to be part of the CMP.