Karnataka Governor backs off, says Yeddyurappa has majority

Mangalore Today News Network

Bangalore, May 18: It appears Karnataka Governor HR Bhardwaj has prepared himself for a truce with state Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, after a bitter political war with the BJP government in the state.

Bhardwaj, who today shared dais with Yeddyurappa at a function to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Karnataka Public Service Commission, said Yeddyurappa’s government has a massive majority and there is no doubt about it.

The Governor added that he and the chief minister are friends.

It was the first time when the two had come together in the last one week after the Supreme Court verdict that sparked off a crisis for Karnataka’s BJP government.

Praising the CM, Bhardwaj said Yeddyurappa was working hard for the state’s development.

The Governor said there was no political fight between him and the CM, and added political tensions are irrelevant.

He also there was no question of him resigning post the standoff between him and the CM over the issue of latter’s government constitutional validity.

Hitting at the BJP for demanding his recall, Bhardwaj said he was subject to the doctrine of pleasure as Governor and he cannot be recalled by any person except the President who appointed him.

"I am conscious of this fact that I have to act fully in accordance with the Constitution," he said.

Bhardwaj had earlier sent a ‘special report’ to the Centre recommending the dismissal of the Yeddyurappa government and imposition of the President’s rule in the state.

The Centre is yet to take an official call on the Governor’s report, but sources said it would most likely be rejected.

Yeddyurappa, who returned from Delhi this morning after participating in BJP’s high voltage campaign against Bhardwaj, was seen in a relaxed mood with both often seen exchanging notes at the stage.

"It must be understood that the chief minister is the elected representative of the state. Massive majority he has got, nobody ever disputes and we are friends. These political tensions are irrelevant. We have to dedicate ourselves to the Constitution and to the laws," the Governor said in his address to the gathering.

He said as far as he was concerned he had no plans of doing anything wrong but "my hands are tied by Constitution".

Bhardwaj said he wants his government in Karnataka to be a government of reputation.

Quoting from the Upanishad, he said, "A guest is like God and as Governor, he is the guest of the state".

Rejecting the charge that he was partisan, Bhardwaj said, "There is no partiality and impartiality so far as my life is concerned. I have nothing personal against Yeddyurappa. From my peon to Secretary I treat everybody with love and affection. I require that in return".

In the last two days in New Delhi, BJP delegations have met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil demanding rejection of Bhardwaj’s recommendation for President’s rule in the state and demanded his recall.

The Chief Minister is to meet the Governor again later today and press for an Assembly session to prove his majority.