Yeddyurappa to face trial of strength

Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa will face the trial of strength in the state Assembly on Monday under a surcharged atmosphere triggered off by disqualification of 16 rebel MLAs, including 11 BJP men, by the Speaker.

A beleaguered Yeddyurappa, whose government has been reduced to a minority following withdrawal of support by 19 MLAs --14 BJP and five independents -- will be moving a one-line motion seeking the confidence of the House under a directive from Governor H.R. Bhardwaj.

Following the disqualification of 16 MLAs, the effective strength of the 224-member Assembly has been reduced to 106, with the ruling side commanding the strength of 108 as against the combined opposition strength of 101. Congress has 73 members and JD(S) 28.

There is a lone independent Varthur Prakash in the House, besides a nominated Anglo Indian member.

The Governor has said on Sunday in his letter to the Speaker that any decision that emerged in the House from vitiated proceedings will not be acceptable to him.

Mr. Bhardwaj had communicated to the Speaker not to change the configuration of the House strength and maintain

status quo as on October sixth, the day rebels submitted him a list of 19 MLAs withdrawing support to the BJP government.