The Hindu : National : BJP to launch campaign against Bhardwaj

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National

BJP to launch campaign against Bhardwaj

Special Correspondent

BJP terms Governor's instructions an interference in the functioning of Speaker
Party leaders may stage dharna in front of Rashtrapati Bhavan

BANGALORE: Terming Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj's instructions to the Speaker on the eve of the crucial confidence motion, asking him to maintain the original configuration of the Assembly, an “interference in the functioning of the Speaker and anti-democratic step,” the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to launch a campaign against him.

According to sources in the BJP, the party national leaders are considering staging a dharna in front of the Rashtrapati Bhavan within two days to draw the nation's attention on the issue and to provide a launching pad for a public campaign.

“Irrespective of the outcome of the trust vote, we will go before people on how the office of the Governor is being misused to stymie non-Congress governments,” a senior party functionary said.

“Recall Governor”

BJP leaders D.B. Chandre Gowda and Jagadish Shettar, who are also former Speakers, publicly criticised the Governor.

Mr. Gowda demanded that Mr. Bhardwaj be recalled and that the party should take up the issue with the President, Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. Mr. Shettar maintained that the Governor had no powers to issue such instructions to the Speaker.

Meanwhile, BJP top leaders, including Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, attended a series of meetings, including the legislature party meeting, at a resort on the outskirts of Bangalore on Sunday to finalise the party's strategy for the Monday's floor test.

The party leaders also consulted legal experts to get their opinion on the Governor's instructions and the norms regarding disqualification of MLAs.

The resort, where the legislators are camping and the leaders held meetings, remained a virtual fortress with several layers of security, including those by the police, resort staff and party's own cadre.

Leaders confident

The party leaders expressed confidence that they would win the trust vote by a minimum of five votes while indicating that the party was eyeing some Opposition legislators for support.

Party workers, however, were gripped by anxiety, with the rebel leaders asserting over television channels that there was no question of changing their stance.

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