May we come in, please?

Even as the disqualified MLAs seek a re-entry to the BJP and have a few sympathisers, leaders close to Yeddyuruppa want to teach them a lesson

Even as the disqualified MLAs seek a re-entry to the BJP and have a few sympathisers, leaders close to Yeddyuruppa want to teach them a lesson

Even as the disqualified MLAs are knocking on the doors of the BJP to come back, the party is looking for the means to save them from political hibernation.The disqualified MLAs--11 from the BJP and five independents, approached the party leaders through the Reddys seeking pardon yesterday. They were ready to tender an apology for having joined hands with JD(S) State President HD Kumaraswamy to topple the Yeddyurappa
government.

Blackmail? Sources say JD(S) State President HD Kumaraswamy has CDs containing visuals of some disqualified MLAs indulging in a sex romp. File pic

Speaker KG Bopaiah had disqualified them on October 11, just before the CM sought vote of confidence in assembly. The government had fallen short of majority after these legislators submitted a letter to the governor, withdrawing their support to the government.

The legislators had moved the HC against the ruling of the speaker. The judgment on the case is reserved. While the legislators look desperate to come back, the leaders are taking their time to weigh the pros and cons, in the wake of the court case.

"We have decided not to take a hasty decision," said KS Eswarappa, BJP state president. "We have to consider legalities, while making them realise their mistakes in denting the party's image." The rulebook says that the speaker can take back his ruling on the disqualification within 15 days, but that time has passed now. Party leaders are also weighing the option of taking advantage of the situation. If the court upholds the disqualification, they would not appeal to Supreme Court.

If the verdict is against them, then they would be treated with sympathy and their kin would be given a party ticket to contest in the next elections. This is solely as they would not be allowed to contest for the next six years.

"We have ruined our careers. The JD(S) leaders misguided us," said one of the disqualified MLAs. "Our hope lies with Janardana Reddy, who is trying to help us."

He said they were ready to tender an unconditional apology and they would not complain if they were not given a ministerial berth. While a section of the party is sympathetic, leaders from Yeddyurappa camp want to teach them a lesson. "They wanted to destabilise an elected government, and now they have come back with begging bowl. They should not be forgiven," said a senior minister.

But even if they are back in the fold, their problems are unlikely to end, with JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy ready with CDs showing visuals of some of these MLAs indulging in a sex romp. Sources said that he may use it against them if they desert him.

"We know they are in trouble," said a source close to the Reddys. "The party has taken note of all the issues. The senior leaders are deliberating and I hope something good will happen for them."

Number game

224: Total number of MLAs in the state assembly 16: Number of MLAs who were disqualified 106: Number of votes that the government received 100: Number of MLAs that voted against the government