Speaker puts off decision on rebel MLAs’ resignation, BJP sees red

Bengaluru: Worried over the Speaker’s decision not to accept the resignations of the 14 rebel Congress and JD(S) MLAs in a hurry and ensure they are in the prescribed order, the Opposition BJP has decided to meet Governor Vajubhai Vala on Wednesday seeking his intervention in the matter.  

The BJP is closely watching the political developments especially the Speaker's decision on the resignation of the 14 MLAs. Sensing that the coalition government is buying time to safeguard itself from the destabilizing efforts of the rebel MLAs, the BJP has decided to get into action by meeting the Governor and Speaker on Wednesday.

At 1 pm, a BJP delegation will meet Governor Vajubhai Vala and explain to  him the Speaker's decision to seek the resignations in the proper format. Through the Governor, the BJP is likely to make an attempt to put pressure on the Speaker to take an immediate decision on the resignation of the MLAs.  The BJP delegation is also likely to put forth the argument before the governor that the resignations of the MLAs will not attract the anti-defection law. Since they (MLAs) have decided to give up their membership voluntarily, the anti-defection law does not apply to them, contends the BJP.

During their meeting with Speaker Ramesh Kumar at 3 pm, BJP leaders will request him to take an immediate decision on the resignation of the 14 MLAs. “We have nothing do with the resignations but it has created a constitutional crisis with the government reduced to a minority. In such a situation, how will the government conduct the session,” said BJP general secretary Aravind Limbavali.