Bangalore : The BJP on Thursday proved its majority in the Karnataka Assembly for the second time in last four days retaining power in the first southern state ruled by it. The BJP garnered 106 votes as against 100 votes by the Opposition (Congress and JD(S)) on the confidence motion moved by Chief
Unlike the October 11 trust vote, Speaker K G Bopaiah called for a head count following which he declared the motion passed.
Opposition had a combined strength of 101 members, but only 100 were present in the house as JD(S) MLA M C Ashwath, who had remained incommunicado since last seven days, was absent during voting.
The motion was moved amidst protest from Leader of Opposition and Congress legislator Siddaramaiah who asked the speaker to postpone the trust vote in view of the High Court verdict.
A division bench of Karnataka High Court, while rejecting a plea by 5 disqualified rebel independent legislators for restoration their voting rights, had ruled that the outcome of the trust vote would be subject to a final verdict on pleas seeking quashing of disqualification of MLAs.
Sixteen MLAs – 14 BJP and 5 independents – had moved the court against Bopaiah’s order to disqualify them under provisions of anti-defection laws.
Governor H R Bharadwaj has written to Yeddyurappa asking him to prove that he continues to enjoy the confidence of majority of MLAs through a confidence motion for the second time as the number of MLAs voting for and against the motion on October 11 was unclear.
The court will take a final decision on Monday on plea by the MLAs disqualified by the Speaker.

Courtesy : HT