Bengaluru, July 26: Karnataka BJP president BS Yediyurappa, who was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka today, will undertake a trust vote on Monday. The party has issued a whip to all 105 legislators to participate in the floor test -- passing of which is essential for the continuance of Yediyurappa government.
The 76-year-old, in a sudden move on Friday, reached the Raj Bhawan at 10am and staked claim to form the government. On his request, Governor Vajubhai Vala allowed him to take oath between 6pm to 6:15pm. Yeddyurappa Changes Spelling of Name to BS Yediyurappa Before Taking Oath as CM
The oath to office was administered to him by Governor Vala in presence of the BJP legislators. MLAs of the Congress and the JD(S) were also invited at the swearing-in ceremony. They, however, turned down the invite calling Yediyurappa's oath-taking an "immoral event".
For Yediyurappa to pass the floor test in Karnataka assembly, he need the support of more than half the legislators present in the House. The effective strength of the assembly has been reduced to 222, following the disqualification of 2 Congress and 1 independent legislator by Speaker KR Ramesh.
However, 13 other rebels, who are still camping in Mumbai, are yet to be disqualified by the Speaker. In case they remain absent, the House strength on Monday would be 209 -- bringing the halfway majority mark to 105.
Yediyurappa, after taking oath as the CM, expressed confidence of clearing the floor test. While speaking to reporters, he confirmed that the BJP has the requisite numbers to run a stable government.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2019 09:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).