Bangalore:
When politicians engage in warfare, as they frequently do, who's to decide who's right? God apparently.
In Karnataka, Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa dared his arch-rival and Opposition leader HD Kumaraswamy to meet him in a temple. In an open letter published in local newspapers, Mr Yeddyurappa said that Mr Kumaraswamy should swear before God that his allegations of corruption against the Chief Minister are based in fact.
The location was decided - a temple in Dharmasthala built as tribute to Lord Manjunathaswamy. Mr Kumaraswamy promptly agreed to the In God We Trust Vote. The date was fixed for Monday, June 27.
Religious leaders have said the political face-off is not appropriate for a temple. Mr Kumaraswamy's father, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, agreed. "If Kumaraswamy himself has voluntarily said this... I would have said that this not a proper decision...He has never said it, and it is only the Chief Minister Yeddyurappa who has said, 'Are you ready to come to Dharamasthala, I will take an oath, are you ready?'"
So will the sparring politicians head into the House of God to resolve their issues? The Chief Minister admits he's re-thinking his offer "Because of that great respect for the swamiji's and elders, I will take a decision on 26th evening," he said.
God save Karnataka.