CPI(M) demands resignation of Karnataka Government

New Delhi, May 16: Demanding the resignation of Karnataka government, CPI(M) today alleged that the Supreme Court order quashing disqualification of 16 MLAs in Assembly exposed BJP's "manipulation and illegal moves" to garner majority but said it was against any move to dismiss it.

Addressing a press conference here, CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat said the B S Yeddyurappa-led government in Karnataka has lost all "legitimacy" and should resign forthwith.

"The BJP government headed by Yeddyurappa has been fully exposed by the Supreme Court order quashing the disqualification of 16 MLAs of the Karnataka assembly. The judgment shows how through manipulation and illegal moves the MLAs were disqualified," Karat said.

CPI(M) was of the opinion that Article 356 should not be resorted to reign in "one of the most corruption ridden states" of Karnataka, he said. It was "not correct" to invoke Article 356, he said.

"The governments at Centre time and again have used Article 356 in arbitrary fashion...The use of Article 356 is not warranted in this situation," he said.

However, Karat sought to remind the BJP that the party-led NDA government had earlier dismissed RJD government in Bihar citing some massacre. "It did not go through as they could not get it passed in Rajya Sabha," he said.

In a statement, CPI also echoed CPI(M) and said it was against the move by the Governor for imposing President''s rule.

"CPI severly condemns the ugly purchase of legislators by BJP in the name of ''Operation Kamal'' which has become a regular feature in Karnataka politics. The BJP by purchase of legislators and Congress through Governor are making a farce of democracy, insulting the wisdom of people of Karnataka," it said.

The statement said the party was for a floor test despite its "limitations and consequences."

PTI