Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: A delegation of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his 7 Race Course Road residence in Delhi and demanded the immediate recall of Karnataka governor HR Bhardwaj.
Senior BJP leader LK Advani led the delegation. Advani was accompanied by Leader of the opposition in Lok Shabha, Sushma Swaraj, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley, BJP president Nitin Gadkari, JD(U) president Sharad Yadav, BJP general secretary Anant Kumar and senior BJP leader SS Ahluwalia among others.
Karnataka governor HR Bhardwaj on Sunday had despatched a "special report" to the Centre on the unfolding political situation in the state in which he had recommended imposition of President’s rule and to put the state Assembly in suspended animation.
This is the second time that Bhardwaj has recommended imposition of President's rule in the state.
In October last year, the Governor made such a recommendation after 16 MLAs submitted him a letter withdrawing support to the government led by Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa.
“Governor is a constitutional authority. He is supposed to work in a non-partisan and objective manner. But, unfortunately Karnataka Governor is working in an unconstitutional manner. There is a need to recall him immediately,” Advani conveyed to the Prime Minister.
After the meeting, Advani told reporters that the PM had assured the NDA delegation that nothing unconstitutional will be done in Karnataka.
The Supreme Court on Friday had quashed the disqualification of 16 MLAs ahead of the controversial October 2010 no trust motion, saying the Speaker acted in "hot haste" to favour Yeddyurappa. Of the 16 legislators, 11 are from the BJP and five are independents.
Terming the Supreme Court order as a blessing in disguise, Advani said, “The Supreme Court order has enhanced the strength of the house in Karnataka.”
The NDA delegation will meet the President tomorrow at 5.30 pm.
The Congress–led UPA government at the Centre is unlikely to accept Governor HR Bhardwaj’s reported recommendation.
Highly placed sources said the move to dismiss Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa’s government would not be justified as the same appears to be in majority with most of the rebel BJP and Independent MLAs - whose suspension from the Assembly was revoked by the Supreme Court recently - extending support to it.
The Union Home Ministry is in the process of examining Governor’s ‘special report’ sent late on Sunday.
The Home Ministry is looking into the details as to on what grounds the Governor recommended the imposition of President's rule and keep the Assembly under suspended animation.
Sources said the ministry will prepare a note and send the same to the Union Cabinet today for a final decision. The Cabinet is expected to meet soon to discuss the issue.
First Published: Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 00:45