In Karnataka, it’s a choice between, as BJP president Nitin Gadkari put it, illegality and immorality. Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa faces charges of corruption (Rough estimates go up to Rs 500 crore). However, the response from the Raj Bhavan has also surprised independent observers. H R Bhardwaj is known to be an obedient loyalist and little beyond that. His appointment as governor in the only southern state BJP has managed to rule was bound to lead to questions of neutrality and impartiality.

While corruption in high places is a matter of concern, especially these days when BJP has mounted a campaign against UPA on this factor, equally distressing is the fact that the post of governor has been reduced to that of a political agent. A proactive governor setting out to work out legalities to corner a chief minister – that’s what it looks like. If it is supposed to come down to that, well, the home ministry can play that role, more openly, and save the taxpayers’ money in running raj bhavans across the country. Isn’t it time to reconsider this constitutional post?