Supreme Court directs for a floor test tomorrow in Karnataka assembly

May 18, 2018

The Apex Court has ordered the floor test in the Karnataka assembly which will be held at 4 pm tomorrow i.e. 19.05.2018. The Court was hearing a writ petition filed by the Congress-JD(S) regarding Karnataka Governor's invitation to BJP in forming the government. The Court said, & quot It is better to hold the floor test on Saturday and not allow time to anyone and rather go forward into the legality of Governor's decision to invite Yeddyurappa.& quot As a result, the 15-day window allowed by the governor to newly-appointed BJP chief minister Yeddyurappa to prove his majority also reduces. During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Rohatgi who is appearing for Yeddyurappa submitted 2 letters showing that Yeddyurappa has been elected as the leader of BJP which is the largest party in the Karnataka assembly and that he has the support of the required number of MLAs. Rohatgi further added that there was no need for Yeddyurappa to name all the MLAs to the Governor as he is willing to prove majority on the floor of the House. He disclosed that BJP would receive support from MLAs belonging to both Congress and JD(S) and the letters were written by Congress-JD(S) does not show signs of each and every MLA declaring its support to the post-poll alliance. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Congress, asked the court to decide which party should get the chance to prove majority first. He confirmed that Congress-JD(S) is ready for a floor test on Saturday. In addition, Singhvi further said that there should be videography and proper security provided to MLAs so that they can vote without fear. As a result, the Court told that it will direct the DGP to make appropriate arrangements for the floor test. Moreover, the Supreme Court even questioned the logic behind Governor's decision to invite BJP to form the government when the Congress-JD(S) had the majority strength.