Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy facing challenges from friends and foes alike

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy seems to be facing challenges from friends and foes alike as on one hand, the Janata Dal (Secular) and Congress tussle over portfolio allocation in the state Cabinet even as uncertainty continues over Kumaraswamy serving a full five-year term as CM. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sharpened its attack on the newly-formed government over the issue of a farm loan waiver.

As the bigger partner in the coalition, the grand old party is eyeing key portfolios of finance, industries, and home, which together cover mining, power, irrigation, excise, among other things. However, JD(S) also wants to have a piece of cake and is looking to get hold of at least finance as Kumaraswamy would want to fulfil his promise of a farm loan waiver of Rs 530 billion.

Amid the current stalemate over portfolio allocation, doubts over the JD(S) and Congress partnership might gain ground considering Congress leader and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara's remarks ahead of last week's floor test. Parameshwara had said that no decision had been taken yet on whether Kumaraswamy would be the chief minister for a full five-year term.