Hyderabad: Finding fault with the
Karnataka Speaker for his allegedly partisan behaviour in
conducting the trust vote, the CPI today favoured dissolution
of the Assembly and fresh elections in the BJP-ruled state.
"It is unfortunate that the Speaker of the Karnataka
Legislative Assembly has degenerated and devalued the high
office of the Speaker who should have acted as a custodian but
acted as an agent of the ruling party, the BJP," CPI Deputy
General Secretary S Sudhakar Reddy said in a statement here.
"A confidence motion cannot be put to voice vote and
declared that the State Government has majority. It is
unfortunate the Karnataka Speaker has done this. It is also a
fact that the independent member cannot be punished in the
Anti-Defection Act and cannot be disqualified. In this over-
enthusiasm, the Karnataka Speaker has committed all mistakes."
Observing that Karnataka political situation has
become murkier during the last one year with revolts, threats
of defections, distribution of cabinet berths and horse-
trading, Reddy alleged that the bankruptcy of BJP has been
exposed.
The only remedy to save the situation is to dissolve
the Assembly and call for fresh elections, he said.
Karnataka today appeared headed for President`s rule
after Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa won a controversial
confidence vote following disqualification of 16 MLAs and the
Governor recommending Central rule.
PTI
