Yeddyurappa to seek confidence vote in assembly tomorrow

Bangalore, Nov 18 (UNI) Mr B S Yeddyurappa, sworn as the first BJP Chief Minister in South India in Karnataka on November 12, will face an acid test when he seeks vote of confidence in the assembly tomorrow.

Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur had directed Mr Yeddyurappa to prove his strength after the swearing-in ceremony.

Mr Yeddyurappa had assumed office as the 26th Chief Minister of Karnataka after parading 129 supporting legislators before the Governor and President Pratibha Patil, to pressurise them to invite him to form the new government in Karnataka.

The JD(S), which chose to join the Ministry at a later stage, was now insisting that the BJP should sign a memorandum of understanding put forward by party supremo H D Deve Gowda before seeking vote of confidence.

On the day of swearing-in ceremony while top BJP leaders including National President Rajnath Singh, Opposition leader in the Lok Sabha L K Advani and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi were present, JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda stayed away from the function.

The main Opposition party Congress also observed November 12 as black-day in protest against the installation of the BJP government in the state.

Mr Gowda had placed 12 conditions, which he and his party called suggestions, for the stability and smooth functioning of the government in the next 19 months when assembly elections are due.

Mr Yeddyurappa rushed to New Delhi and discussed the issue with party leaders. They had directed him to discuss the issues after facing the floor test.

In 225-member House in Karnataka, the BJP had 79 members and one associate Legislator, followed by the Congress with 65 and the JD(S) 58 including 12 rebels and the rest were all from smaller parties and Independents. The BJP needed minimum 33 legislators to see through the floor test and coalition partner JD(S)'s support would be crucial for it.

UNI