Bangalore:
As one of a trio of ministers who were caught watching porn while at work - in the state legislature - Laxman Savadi could be forgiven for wanting a bit of cover.
Mistake. Mr Savadi, currently banned from entering the Karnataka Assembly for his choice of video therein, wants some attention. So on Thursday, his birthday will provide the excuse for a huge show of strength in his constituency in North Karnataka. The implementation of a new irrigation project has happily coincided with Mr Savadi's birthday, justifying the invites to top leaders of his party, the BJP. Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda says he may make it. "Yes I have been invited. I will check my schedule and accordingly decide whether to attend or not," said Mr Gowda, whose famous smile has waned a little since the porn-and-politics scandal Dirty Pictured its way into the headlines last week.
Mr Savadi was watching a clip on a cellphone with two other ministers at the time - CC Patil and J Krishna Palemar. A local TV channel invited to cover the assembly proceedings zoomed in. It was somewhat of a pants-down moment. Figuratively speaking. Mr Savadi first said he would not resign. Undoubtedly, his party had a different take because the next morning, all three ministers "voluntarily" surrendered their posts. They will submit their explanations on February 20 to the Speaker of the House. A committee of MLAs is also investigating the scandal, as is the police.
When the scandal first erupted, Mr Savadi responded with the sort of astuteness that rescues politicians from the most jarring of situations. So the power supply to his constituency - Athani, near Belgaum - was cut off, allegedly upon his instructions. As the rest of India met Mr Savadi, his voters were tuned out.
The three ministers who have resigned are known for their proximity to BS Yeddyurappa, the former chief minister who is widely acknowledged as the real centre of power in Karnataka. When he was forced to quit over corruption charges, he picked Mr Gowda as his replacement. Like the current chief minister, many local BJP leaders continue to be loyal to Mr Yeddyurappa. In return, they seem to enjoy his protection. "I am confident the three will come out clean after an enquiry," said state BJP president KS Eshwarappa about his colleagues entangled in the porn scandal. The evidence - screened for many journalists - suggests otherwise. With the BJP seeming to back its maligned men, Thursday's event offers the promise of a rebirth of sorts.