Bangalore, May 15: In a big relief to Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, 16 rebel MLAs have agreed to lend unconditional support to the BJP’s only government in the South.
“We will meet Governor HR Bhardwaj and give a letter extending support to Yeddyurappa’s leadership,” rebel lawmakers told reporters in New Delhi on Sunday, two days after the Supreme Court restored their membership.
The legislators are scheduled to meet both the Chief Minister and the state Governor this evening and extend their support formally.
The legislators, 11 of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and five independents, are returning to Bangalore today.
The 16 legislators were disqualified last year after they told the Governor that they had lost confidence in Yeddyurappa.
The Supreme Court on Friday quashed the disqualification of 16 MLAs ahead of the controversial October 2010 no trust motion, saying the Speaker acted in “hot haste” to favour of Yeddyurappa.
Karnataka BJP unit has also faxed a letter to the Raj Bhavan claiming complete majority in the House.
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Yeddy gets support from rebel MLAs
Governor HR Bhardwaj had this morning said he would seek expert opinion on whether a floor test was necessary in the wake of Supreme Court quashing the disqualification of the MLAs by the Speaker.
Bhardwaj, who had yesterday maintained that the SC verdict was a stricture against Chief Minister Yeddyurappa, said he would take a decision on the issue once he returns to Karnataka.
Bhardwaj had even suggested a fresh trial of strength for the BJP government in the wake of the verdict.
With all the MLAs giving unconditional support to Yerddyurappa, opposition Congress’ game plans seem to have been shattered for now.
–Agencies