Bangalore:
Karnataka is in the midst of the worst constitutional crisis ever. At the heart of it are two constitutional officials - state Speaker KG Bopaiah and the Governor HR Bhardwaj. Their decisions are facing serious challenges and criticism.
On Monday, the Governor shot off a report to the Centre, recommending President's Rule.
He now faces political heat for:
- Writing to the Speaker on how to hold trust vote
- Haste in recommending President's Rule
- A flip flop in asking for a fresh vote
- Going public with criticism of the government
HR Bharadwaj was today both direct in his attack on his government, but also defensive.
"I am fed up with this corruption, so long as I am here, I have to convince you that there are no politics as far as I am concerned. It is the legislature that has failed," said Bhardwaj.
The Governor, a Congress minister till last year, has triggered a full blown battle between the Congress and the BJP.
"It is a crisis being deliberately generated by the Governor of Karnataka," said Arun Jaitley, Senior Leader, BJP.
"Everyone has a right to talk to everyone. BJP's charges are politically motivated. They are doing this to cover their own lapses. This shows their character," said Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily.
Also under the scanner is the role of the Speaker, appointed by the BJP.
A plea against his disqualification, before voting, of 16 rebel MLAs is with the High Court.
The Speaker is under fire for:
- Not giving adequate time to rebels to reply
- Not ensuring division for trust vote
- Going for voice vote in chaotic conditions
"I told the Speaker that all legislators should have been called. They are disqualifying them. There is a procedure. A seven days notice should be given to a defector," said the Governor.
Despite getting the edge now, the BJP is still going after the Governor. LK Advani has sought a meeting with the PM tomorrow, to remove HR Bharadwaj.