Karnataka’s BJP Government in crisis, two ministers resign

Karnataka’s BJP Government in crisis, two ministers resignBengaluru, Jan 23 : The BJP government in Karnataka has plunged into crisis ahead of the Budget session, as two ministers C M Udasi and Shobha Karandlaje resigned to join former chief minister and Karnataka Janata Party chief BS Yeddyurappa.

The core committee of the Karnataka unit of the BJP is so far adopting a cautious approach in initiating action against MLAs who extended support to Yeddyurappa.

MLA Nehru Olekar, a loyalist of Yeddyurappa, said: "Today we are going to meet speaker to resign most probably by 1.30 pm. If there is no speaker then we will submit our resignations to additional secretary. Two ministers CM Udasi and Sobha karandlaje have already submitted there resignation to the Chief Minister."

If more than 15 BJP MLAs resign or give him a letter expressing no-confidence in Chief Minister Jagdish Shettar, it will prompt the governor to ask Shettar to seek a trust vote on the floor of the House.

A group of 13 MLAs, including the two ministers had announced on Tuesday that they would act on the threats to destabilise the government.

Yeddyurappa has called a meeting of the KJP and his supporters in the government on Wednesday

The BJP's strength in the assembly is 120, including the Speaker, an Independent and a nominated member.

The Karnataka BJP is confident that resignation by 10 rebel MLAs will not affect the government, and is hoping that its strength doesn't slip below 106.

The Congress has 71 MLAs and the JD(S) has 26 MLAs in the Assembly. (ANI)