The former Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda, on Tuesday urged the BJP to seek the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa in view of the Supreme Court verdict quashing the disqualification of 16 MLAs, including 11 BJP rebels.
Mr. Gowda also demanded the resignation of Assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah following the ‘strictures' passed by the court. “The Speaker has lost the moral right to continue in that position and conduct legislature business,” the Janata Dal (Secular) chief told reporters here.
Noting that the Supreme Court, in its order, had highlighted the manner in which the Chief Minister used the Speaker to manipulate the vote of confidence on October 11 last to save the government, Mr. Gowda said both the Chief Minister and the Speaker had lost their credibility.
He, however, clarified that he was merely demanding their resignation to uphold faith in the Constitution and the judiciary, and he was certainly in favour of the BJP government continuing with a change in leadership.
Referring to the report sent by Governor H.R. Bhardwaj to President Pratibha Patel, Mr. Gowda said the Governor had acted with tolerance, keeping in mind the spirit of the Supreme Court verdict. “I don't find any fault with the report as the Governor has acted in accordance with the powers vested in him .”
