The Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress claim the State government has lost its majority in the Legislative Assembly, though neither is as yet prepared to move a no-confidence motion against the government.
JD(S) floor leader in the Legislative Council M.C. Nanaiah, on Monday, said Governor H.R. Bhardwaj should invoke Article 356 and dismiss the government “it has lost its majority”. Raising the same issue in the Assembly, Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah said a constitutional crisis had arisen and the government has no legal sanctity to remain in power. He demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister.
Mr. Nanaiah said Mr. Yeddyurappa had also demanded dissolution of the Assembly, .
Echoing similar views, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president G. Parameshwara said Mr. Shettar should seek a fresh mandate after dissolving the Assembly.
Asked why the Congress was not moving a no-confidence motion, he said the government “will fall on its own”. Congress leaders will petition the Governor in a day or two, he said.
Another reason for not moving the motion, Mr. Parameshwara said, was that he did not know the JD(S) stand on the issue. “If the JD(S) supports the BJP, what can we do?” he said. At the press conference, Mr. Nanaiah said: “Let Mr. Parameshwara take a decision on whether to move the motion or not and then approach the JD(S) for a discussion.” The JD(S) is against continuation of the government headed by Mr. Shettar, he added.
