BJP plunges into celebratory mode; urges Guv's recall

Bangalore, May 23: A mood of confrontation among the ruling BJP activists gave way to celebrations across Karnataka today (May 23) after the Centre rejected Governor H R Bhardwaj's recommendation to dismiss its government.

A day after the UPA government announced the decision to dump the Bhardwaj special report, BJP leaders burst crackers, distributed sweets, raised slogans against the Governor and reiterated the party's demand for his immediate recall.

The celebrations at the state unit BJP office was led by Home Minister R Ashoka, where partymen assembled and burst crackers and distributed sweets and raised anti-Governor slogans.

State unit BJP spokesman S Prakash said Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who is returning from New Delhi this evening, would be accorded a rousing reception from the Bengaluru International Airport and taken in a procession.

Celebrations are on in all assembly constituencies in the city and also in various parts of the state, he said.

The scenes of jubilation began last night soon after the Centre announced its decision not to invoke article 356 of the Constitution as recommended by the Governor on May 15. BJP activists gathered at the official residence of Yeddyurappa and burst crackers.

Meanwhile the BJP suspended protest rallies it had planned in various districts to protest against the Governor's report.

As had been decided by the party earlier, Yeddyurappa was scheduled to lead a rally in Tumkur and the state unit party president K S Eswarappa in Koppal.

PTI