SC orders floor test tomorrow despite BJP seeking more time
What's the story
In the latest development, the Supreme Court today ordered floor test in Karnataka to be held tomorrow at 4pm.
Congress representative Abhishek Manu Singhvi had said his party is ready for a floor test on Saturday. However, BJP said it needed more time.
The Congress and JD(S) approached the apex court after governor Vajubhai Vala invited BS Yeddyurappa to form government, despite BJP securing only 104 seats.
Reason
Here's why SC thought floor test was a better option
The apex court said the Pro-Tem Speaker will decide how the floor test will be conducted.
The bench comprising justices A K Sikri, S A Bobde and Ashok Bhushan observed, "It is better to hold floor test on Saturday and not give any time to anyone rather than go into the legality of Governor's decision to invite B S Yeddyurappa."
Further, the member of Anglo-Indian community can't be nominated.
Details
However, BS Yeddyurappa is confident of floor test
After the Supreme Court order, BS Yeddyurappa said, "Will discuss with Chief secretary and call for assembly session tomorrow. We are 100% confident that we will prove full majority."
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar also claimed BJP has the majority.
The apex court, however, forbade Yeddyurappa to take any decisions till the floor test. On Thursday, the newly-sworn-in Chief Minister had waived off farmers loans.
Congress
Congress claims Yeddyurappa doesn't have numbers
Making a case for Congress-JD(S) alliance, Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, "Yeddyurappa claimed support, but he does not have letters of support from these MLAs or it is only his oral submissions."
The Supreme Court said it's all a number game, whoever enjoys the majority should be allowed to form a government.
Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri said, "Floor test seems to be the best option."
Twitter Post
What the Supreme Court said on Congress-JD(S) plea
Congress-JD(S) plea against #Karnataka Governor inviting BJP to form govt: SC observed that as BS Yeddyurappa has claimed support and BJP is single largest party, there could be two probabilities. whether Guv's decision has to be tested or a floor test has to be held on Saturday.
— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018
BJP
BJP has a different story to tell about Congress-JD(S) alliance
Terming the post-poll alliance between Congress and JD(S) an unholy one, BJP lawyer Mukul Rohtagi said, "We have certain information that many MLAs from other parties have not given any kind of written support to Congress-JD(S)"
When Supreme Court asked on what basis does the Governor decide who will form a stable government, Rohtagi said he cannot say anything at this stage right now.