Not only is Gowda a native of Karnataka, but he recently agreed to attend a reception for the Miss World contestants. Ironically, the BJP's hostility to the contest is not shared by its staunch political ally, the Hindu radical Shiv Sena party that governs Maharashtra state, neighboring Karnataka. The Sena's firebrand leader, Balasaheb Thackeray, is openly supporting the pageant. Yes, he is the same Bal Thackeray who, just a few weeks ago, called for the arrest of prominent Indian artist M.F. Husain for drawing a partially nude sketch of the Indian goddess Saraswati. It may not be the case this time, but money was behind his surprising support of a recent concert in Bombay by U.S. pop star Michael Jackson.
Few people expect the government or the sponsors to give in to the protesters' demands.
The organizers hope to make a tidy profit, and Karnataka authorities are expecting an upsurge in tourism. Come what may, the show will go on. And at least until it's over, so will the protests. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.