Uttarakhand floor test: The magic number is 31

Dehradun, May 10: The floor test at Uttarakhand promises to be a thriller with all eyes on it. There is unprecedented security in place to ensure that no untoward incident takes place.

Section 144 has been in force since 4 pm on Monday ahead of the floor test to be held on May 10 (today). The proceedings will be held between 11 am and 1 pm under the supervision of a court appointed observer.

Ever since President's rule had been imposed there has been a long drawn legal battle. In fact the legal battle went on until yesterday with the Supreme Court ruling that the 9 disqualified MLAs will not be permitted to take part in the floor test. The matter will now be heard on July 12.

The numbers

The verdict of the Supreme Court in fact put Harish Rawat in an advantageous position. The strength of the house which is 71 was reduced to 62 following the disqualification of the nine MLAs. For Rawat to become Chief Minister, he will need the support of 31 MLAs.

The Congress has 27 MLAs and will pin its hopes on the 6 PDF members. The six PDF members comprise three independents, two from the BSP and one from the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal.

The BJP has 27 MLAs. It has claimed to have the support of a Congress MLA and this takes its tally to 28. The BJP needs three more to touch the magic figure of 31. The BJP says that it would rely on the three BSP MLAs for support.

OneIndia News