IT is an irony that the political compulsion to stay in power has forced the BJP to defend the Reddy Brothers of Karnataka facing allegation of indulging in illegal mining. Barely six months back, the Chief Minister of Karnataka,

Mr B S Yeddyurappa had launched a crusade against them even risking the future of his government, but now the same Yeddyurappa has come out in their support; “Reddy brothers are not responsible for illegal mining”. Incidentally at point of time the senior leader of the party, Mr L K Advani anxious at the battering image of the party had said; “Reddy brothers are untenable, they need to go and the party is now willing to do anything to clean its image, even if it means the collapse of the BJP government in Karnataka.” Unfortunately Mr Advani’s anxiety failed to have any impact on the party and particularly on Ms Sushma Swaraj and the Reddy brothers, Mr Janardhana Reddy and Mr Karunakara Reddy continue to be ministers. No doubt this time while asking Mr Yeddyurappa to drop the two corrupt ministers, the Governor, Mr H R Bhardwaj has gone beyond his constitutional obligations, but one thing is absolutely true that he was virtually echoing the voice of Mr Yeddyurappa. It is really astonishing that Mr Yeddyurappa instead of initiating steps was trying to hide behind the façade of Governor’s authority. It is equally interest to note that he had proposed to have the allegations probed by the Lokayukta, who incidentally had resigned from the office alleging that the state government was not allowing him space to proceed in the matter of illegal mining. With the image of the party badly battered, Mr Yeddyurappa should try to salvage what ever he can, by sacking the Reddy brothers. Peoples’ memory is proverbially short but it is not too short to pardon the party for openly patronising corruption and corrupt politicians.