Karnataka Governor HR Bhardwaj today has accepted the resignations of two ministers in the Jagadish Shettar government, loyal to former party strongman B S Yeddyurappa.
The resignation has been accepted by Governor in exercise of the powers vested in him under Article 164(1) of the Constitution, reports said.
Before taking decision, Mr Bhardwaj met Chief Minister Shettar to discuss the latest political crisis erupted after submitting resignations by 13 MLAs of the ruling BJP including CM Udasi and Shobha Karandlaje, all loyal to BS Yeddyurappa.
As numbers of ministers reduce in Shettar government and those quitting are expected to join their leader Yeddyurappa’s Karnataka Janata Party or KJP, separately launched last month after being stroke out of the BJP.
“Shettar government has been reduced to a minority. He has no moral right to continue in office. He should call off his tour, return to the city and resign,” Yeddyurappa told reporters.
Demonstrating his strength in the assembly, Mr Shettar confronted that he still commanded majority .
“I told the governor that there is no threat to my government as I enjoy majority,” he told reporters, hinted that his government is safe on numbers even if the resignation of the 13 rebels is accepted.
Moreover, for Shettar it would be crucial to take his government into majority if he wants to transact any business.
There will be a joint session of the legislature on February 4, as per Cabinet Decision, which has to be address by the CM.
