The unprecedented political turmoil in Karnataka has once again brought to the fore the chances of President's rule in the state. The Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition government is yet to prove majority in the state assembly after more than a dozen MLAs submitted resignation.
The future of the state is at stake as the coalition headed by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is stretching the floor test. They breached the timeframe given by the Governor twice last week.
President's rule has been imposed in Karnataka six times since 1971. It was imposed for the first time after the government failed to prove majority in the Assembly on March 19, 1971. The rule was also imposed twice for a total of 222 days in 2007. All eyes will now be on Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala.
The coalition government is likely to fail in the floor test due to its declining numbers. The Congress-JD(S)government has only 100 members, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a total of 107 MLAs, including two independents.
There was high political drama at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, the Assembly session continued till midnight without a conclusion as the floor test was deferred for the third time.
There have been reports that the leaders on both the sides have been focussing on sacred rituals to survive the bruising power struggle. JD(S) and BJP leaders have been on temple visits since the crisis started about two weeks ago.
Astrologers have advised JD(S) top shots to stall the confidence motion till Tuesday, July 23, to save the coalition from falling.
Similarly, BJP chief BS Yedyurappa was also advised by his astrologers to finish all the political work before July 21 for the BJP to take over the state. The BJP also attacked CM Kumaraswamy as he did not show up for Tuesday's Assembly session till 3 pm. He was camping at Taj West End hotel in Bengaluru.
Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar insists that the floor test will be completed by 6 pm. However, it is still unclear as to who will lead the state in this time of despair, with the Congress-JD(S) coalition and BJP blaming each other for the crisis.
Earlier, JD(S) leaders had met former CM and CLP leader Siddaramaiah at his residence and offered him support to become the CM again.
It is also being claimed that Siddaramaiah does not want the coalition to continue in Karnataka. The chances of Yeddyurappa being the next CM is also possible if the coalition fails to gain majority. The BJP chief was seen distributing sweets to the MLAs during Monday's session.
