In a dramatic turn of events, Governor H. R. Bhardwaj on Sunday recommended imposition of President's rule in the state.
Bhardwaj, who returned here this afternoon after a three-day visit to Delhi, despatched a ‘special report’ on the unfolding political situation in the state in the aftermath of the Supreme Court setting aside disqualification of 16 MLAs even as 11 of the rebel BJP MLAs pledged their ‘unconditional’ support to the B. S. Yeddyurappa government.
A brief communique issued by Raj Bhavan said: "In the context of recent judgement of the Supreme Court in the matter of disqualification of MLAs on May 13, 2011 and its implications to the developments in the state, a special report has been sent to the Centre".
A Raj Bhavan source said that Bhardwaj in his report has recommended imposition of central rule.
The source, however, declined to divulge the details of the report.
This is the second time, Bhardwaj has recommended imposition of President's rule in the state.
In October last year, the Governor made such a recommendation after 16 MLAs-- eleven from BJP and five independents -- submitted him a letter withdrawing support to the government led by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.
However, the Centre then rejected the report and allowed the first ever BJP government's continuance, which had won the floor test twice in a gap of two days under the direction of the Governor.
The recommendation by the Governor has stunned the BJP which was heaving a sigh of relief after roping in the support of 11 of its rebels who today pledged their ‘unconditional’ support to government.
Yeddyurappa asserted this morning that he commanded an absolute majority of 121 members in the 224-member House and there was no need for him to seek a fresh floor test to prove majority of his government.
Ten of the 11 MLAs, besides faxing their letters of support to Raj Bhavan from Delhi, had also submitted them to the Governor through a delegation of ministers after Bhardwaj declined to meet them.