BANGALORE: In what appears to be an open confrontation, the ruling BJP in Karnataka today demanded immediate recall of Governor H R Bhardwaj and warned of agitation if it was not done.
The Governor is “acting like leader of opposition”, President of BJP state unit K S Eshwarappa said in the presence of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa after the Government won the vote of confidence by voice vote.
“He has in a way behaved like instigating the JDS and the Congress,” Eshwarappa alleged, adding that Bhardwaj was conspiring against the BJP government ever since he assumed charge.
Demanding his recall by the Centre, he said, “Otherwise, we will agitate.”
Eshwarappa accused the Governor of trying to “dictate” Speaker K G Bopaiah and said “this Governor has to go”.
Yeddyurappa said the people of the state had not expected such behavior from the Governor, who he said, tried to exercise the power of the Speaker. “It’s very unfortunate,” he added.
Congress demands govt dismissal
Meanwhile, Opposition Congress has petitioned Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj to recommend dismissal of the BJP Government on the ground that it had lost majority.
After meeting the Governor, Congress leader Siddaramaiah told reporters that the delegation submitted a memorandum apprising him of the incidents that occurred in the House during the motion of confidence.
He said the House was not in order when the motion was moved and even some MLCs, who are not members of the Assembly were present.
Siddaramaiah said when his party pressed for division of votes, Speaker K G Bopaiah did not heed to it and added “it (division of votes) did not happen”.
He alleged that the Speaker and the Chief Minister had acted in collusion in passing the motion of confidence by voice vote and sought dismissal of the government.
-PTI
