For Hindus, the 10-headed Demon King of Lanka, Ravana is the ultimate personification of cruelty and evil.

Born of noble Brahmin parents, Ravana was a model son who mastered the Vedas and other religious texts and at a young age.

Displaying a deep devotion to Brahma (the God of Creation) and performing austere penances, he was rewarded with magical powers and weapons that made his almost invincible.

However, his new-found powers corrupted Ravana, transforming him from a god-fearing Brahmin to a power hungry ruler who feared no mortal or God. His reign of terror finally came to an end when Lord Rama slayed him in a colossal battle.

The Penang state government led by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has also taken the similar tragic, downward spiral over the last one and half years.

From an administration based on noble values and Gandhian principles, it has mutated into an oppressive and tyrannical regime guided by Machiavellian ethos.

In countless ceramahs and events before and after the March general elections, DAP and Pakatan leaders rode of rallying cry of "Makkal Sakthi!", and expressed solidarity with the Indian community.

They demanded the release of Hindraf 5 and promised to solve the numerous ills and problems afflicting the community.

A firm commitment to protect and preserve Kampung Buah Pala was one of the many vows that Pakatan leaders made if they are voted into power.

Penang Indians voted overwhelmingly for Pakatan Rakyat (PR) candidates, ushering the tri-party coalition into power.

And when Lim announced Prof P Ramasamy as the first ever Indian Deputy Chief Minister 2 in the country's history, Penang Indians gushed with pride.

Fast-forward 17 months: The ‘feel good' factor and optimism have completely dissipated. Unfulfilled promises and continued marginalisation had turned the mood to one of utter disenchantment.

Prof P Ramasamy has turned out to be a mere mandor (overseer) for the DAP-led government. The current raging issue of Kampung Buah Pala is the last straw that broke the camel's back.

The manner the Kampung Buah Pala issue has been handled is symptomatic of Lim's leadership style.

An unholy nexus between Big Business and the state government, an unwillingness to take responsibility, a penchant for finger pointing, intolerance and inability to accept criticisms and ignorance of Indian issues are some of the common threads of Lim's leadership.

It is very clear from the actions and statements of the CM that his concern in this issue is the protection of the interests of the Big Business and not the preservation of Kampung Buah Pala.

And if that requires the rights and interests of minority groups to be trodden and cast aside, then it is the fault of the minorities and not the state government or the business community.

While the residents are fighting to save their village and homes, Lim has gone into over-drive to protect his public image and destroy the reputation of the villagers and their supporters.

Using the colonial "divide & rule" strategy, Guan Eng's also trying to demoralise the residents and their supporters and confuse the general public.

Establishing the validity and legality of the action of the former BN government in selling the land no doubt is important but it is something that can wait for now.

It is nowhere near as urgent and critical as stopping the demolition of the village, not with the Aug 2 deadline hovering ominously above the villagers' heads like the Sword of Damocles.