BSY loyalist MLAs meet Guv, seek his intervention

Thirteen BJP MLAs, including two Ministers, loyal to former party strongman B S Yeddyurappa, today met Governor H R Bhardwaj and requested him to take suitable steps for acceptance of their resignations by Speaker K G Bopaiah.

Earlier today, the MLAs led by Public Works Minister C M Udasi and Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje, went to the Speaker's office to submit their resignation letters but in vain as Bopaiah was reportedly out of station.

They then drove to Raj Bhavan and briefed the Governor about the non-availability of the Speaker despite intimating him in advance they would come to his office to submit the resignation.

"The Governor assured us to take suitable action as per constitutional provisions", Udasi told reporters here, adding, the MLAs submitted copies of their resignation letters to him.

Shobha said they told the Governor that the development has led to "severe constitutional crisis" and urged him to take suitable action for the acceptance of their resignation letters (by the Speaker).

Asked if the ruling BJP is "misusing" the Speaker, she said "certainly", adding, she informed Bopaiah yesterday they would meet him today. "We have information that a Minister saw off the Speaker at the airport last night when he was going out of State. There should be an enquiry".

Earlier, Udasi and Shobha met Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar and submitted their resignation letters.