BS Yeddyurappa soon after taking oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, addressed a press conference in Bengaluru. He called his first cabinet meeting and decided to waive off the loans of farmers and weavers up to Rs. 1 Lakh.
#BREAKING | I had promised the farmers of Karnataka farm loan waiver, and, I’m delivering on that: Karnataka CM BS Yedyurappa (@BSYBJP) at media briefing | #BattleForKarnataka pic.twitter.com/v0s2eYWJEv
— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 17, 2018
This was a promise made by BJP in its manifesto for the Karnataka elections. BJP has formed the government in Karnataka, despite short of the majority mark of 112. The Governor Vajubhai Vala invited the BJP to form the government and prove his majority on the floor of the house within 15 days. The JDS-Congress failed to come up with the numbers as many of their MLAs were also reported missing and did not turn up to support the alliance.
The matter is also under consideration of the Supreme Court. The Congress party had approached the CJI late last night and in a midnight drama, contested BS Yeddyurappa’s swearing-in ceremony.
After hearing the matter for several hours, the three-judge bench reportedly refused to stay the oath taking ceremony at 9 am. The bench has reportedly stated that the Governor’s decision cannot be overruled as it is a constitutional authority. The bench, however, has made it clear that the government formation will be subjected to the final outcome of the case.
The bench asked for the letter that the BJP sent to the Governor claiming to form the government in Karnataka. As per the latest reports, the SC bench has now scheduled the further hearing of the matter at 10.30 am on Friday.
Earlier JDS and Congress joined hands to form a government with a coalition of 117 MLAs. Elections for 222 constituencies of Karnataka Legislative Assembly were held on 12th May. BJP secured its win in 104 constituencies, while Congress and JDS had secured 78 and 38 seats respectively. Interestingly, some members of JDS and Congress have been missing since the results and BJP is trying to use this to their advantage, and form the government in Karnataka.
