Is Karnataka headed for another trust vote?

The BS Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka could lose its majority in the Assembly after the Supreme Court on Friday quashed the disqualification of 16 MLAs

The BS Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka could lose its majority in the Assembly after the Supreme Court on Friday quashed the disqualification of 16 MLAs

Karnataka Governor HR Bhardwaj on Saturday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi to brief him about the situation in Karnataka following the Supreme Court order. Reversing the disqualification of 11 BJP MLAs and five independent MLAs (disqualified under the anti-defection laws) ahead of the controversial October 2010 no trust motion, the Supreme Court said that the Speaker had acted in "hot haste" to favour Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa.

That disqualification was upheld consequently by the Karnataka High Court, but the Supreme Court's order now means that Yeddyurappa may in the coming days face another floor test. The apex court said the fact that five independent MLAs had joined the BJP government did not mean that they have joined the party to warrant disqualification under the anti-defection law. Stepping up pressure on Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj appeared to suggest a trial of strength for the BJP government.

After a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he said the Supreme Court judgement reversing the High Court verdict in this regard is an endorsement of his stand that the floor test should be taken on the respective strength of the Assembly. Refusing to answer a question about whether he would now advise a floor test, he said, "it is too premature". Bharadwaj described his meeting with the Prime Minister as a courtesy call. He made it clear that there was no talk on the issue with the Prime Minister.

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