Governor's report jolts BJP

The special report of Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj to the Union government has come as a rude shock to the BJP and, in particular, the legislators who only a few days ago regained their membership of the Assembly and affirmed their support to the leadership of Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa early on Sunday.

Although the contents of the Governor's report have been kept confidential, sources in the State government told The Hindu that it was evident that the report contained a recommendation for severe action (possibly President's rule and dissolution of the Assembly) in the light of the orders of the Supreme Court in the case relating to disqualification of legislators.

The Chief Minister and top leaders of the State unit of the BJP, including president K.S. Eshwarappa, expressed their shock over the developments.

The BJP has decided to take the Governor head on as it made all efforts during the day to convince him that the ruling party enjoys a comfortable majority and that there is no necessity even for a trial of strength on the floor of the House.

Incidentally, the Governor refrained from even meeting the 10 legislators who wanted to individually submit their letters of support to the government. He told the Ministers who called on him that with Sunday being an office holiday he was not in a position to meet them.

All eyes are now on the action that the Centre will take over the Governor's report.

Ten of the 11 BJP legislators who were camping along with the five Independent legislators in New Delhi over the past two days had, prior to their return to Bangalore, submitted a letter to the Governor about their support to the Chief Minister and this put to rest all speculation relating to the survival of the government.

The legislators concerned said: “We wish to put to rest all such speculation and we hereby confirm that we continue to be MLAs of the BJP and that we extend unqualified support to the government led by B.S. Yeddyurappa.”