M K Stalin greets HDK, says SC saved democracy in Karnataka

Chennai: DMK working president M. K. Stalin who greeted H. D. Kumaraswamy JD (S) leader and the Congress in Karnataka, following the resignation of Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Saturday, has said democracy in Karnataka has been saved by the action of the SC.

BJP strongman Yeddyurappa resigned as Chief Minister minutes before the scheduled trust vote in the Karnataka Assembly. His resignation paved the way for formation of a government led by JD (S) state chief H.D. Kumaraswamy, who is backed by the Congress. The newly formed alliance has claimed support of 117 MLAs in the 224-member House with an effective strength of 221. BJP emerged as single largest party with 104 members in the May 12 Assembly elections, the results of which were declared on May 15.

"Democracy in Karnataka has been saved by the actions of the Supreme Court. I extend my congratulations to @hd kumaraswamy and @INCIndia. May this herald the coming together of secular parties for the upcoming elections," Stalin tweeted.

In another tweet, he said, "the systematic abuse of Governor's office and wanton misuse of Speaker's powers by the BJP in other states, including Tamil Nadu, stand exposed from recent events in Karnataka. Hope this setback helps the BJP realise its mistake of propping up an illegitimate govt in Tamil Nadu."

Later speaking to reporters in Puducherry Stalin said democracy has been saved in Karnataka and hailed the coming together of secular forces like Congress and JD (S) in that State. "It is everybody's wish that the secular forces should unite and I am happy that it has been fulfilled in Karnataka. I wholeheartedly welcome it," the DMK leader said greeting Mr. Kumaraswamy.

TNCC chief Su Thirunavukkarasar, claimed Congress president Rahul Gandhi's diplomacy and intelligent move besides Supreme Court's intervention and fair verdict has saved democracy in Karnataka where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Central government attempted to stifle democracy. "Justice and democracy has won in Karnataka Assembly. The SC has once again earned the trust of the people," he said and lauded the judges.

"Yeddyurappa's resignation is a biggest failure to PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah," said CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan reacting to Yeddyurappa's resignation.Taking a dig at the BJP, actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Haasan said "let the light of democracy that has come up in Karnataka spread throughout the nation."

 Expressing in similar vein, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan said the BJP has failed in its attempt to capture power with the backing of the Governor; despite lacking the requisite number of MLAs. "Yeddyurappa has announced to resign before moving the trust motion. The VCK hails the victory of democracy in Karnataka Assembly," he said expressing happiness.