JD(S) still open to en masse resignation, Cong undecided

It is learnt that JD(S) State president H D Kumaraswamy is trying to convince the State Congress leaders to join hands with him. The plan is to project the en masse resignation as a protest against the misrule of the Yeddyurappa government, especially ‘Operation Lotus’ - part II and to show that there is complete breakdown of the Constitution in the State. According to source, the JD(S), thereby, plans to once again pressurise the Centre to impose President’s rule in the State.

If the Congress is willing then the JD(S) legislators will not hesitate to resign. For, in the present situation, it is impossible to stake claim to form the alternative government for the combined opposition, sources said.

But, the State Congress leaders have not made up their mind yet. Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily said the party high command has not thought about it. “The Opposition members are in agitating mood. The ruling party has shown disregard to the sentiments of the people. It has been arbitrary, authoritative and capricious. If the Government goes to the extreme end, then the opposition would have to do the same.”

However, Moily evaded the question whether the party will favour en mass resignation. Opposition leader Siddaramaiah too said there is no such plan.

JD(S) MLC and spokesperson Y S V Datta said: “Our party will consider all possibilities including resignation. Such a situation will embarrass the government. Then the Union Government will have to act.”

What will happen to the Government if all opposition MLAs resign? According to legal experts, it will not have any effect on the Government, and it will function as usual. “The election commission will conduct the byelections to all those seats,” former Advocate General of Karnataka B V Acharya said.

Supreme Court senior advocate K N Bhat also said the existing Government will function normally in such a situation.

In 1970s, MLAs of the Communist parties (which were in Opposition) in West Bengal had resigned en masse protesting the then Congress Government. There were no Opposition parties in West Bengal for a long time, Datta said. However, he said it would be embarrassing for any ruling party to function without Opposition.