BJP Sets May 25 Deadline for Bhardwaj's Recall
Bangalore, May 20 (IANS): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Friday set a May 25 deadline for the central government to reject Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj's recommendation to dismiss its government here and for his recall from the state.
"We will give time till May 25 to the central government to recall the governor. If it is not done, we will intensify our agitation," state BJP president K.S. Eshwarappa told reporters after a meeting of party office-bearers.
Eshwarappa and Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa also ruled out resignation of assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah in view of the Supreme Court strictures on his conduct in disqualifying 16 lawmakers in October last year.
The Supreme Court restored their membership May 13 and two days later Bhardwaj recommended to the central government dismissal of the Yeddyurappa ministry.
Eshwarappa said the party will intensify from Saturday agitation for Bhardwaj's recall and against imposition of central rule in the state with Yeddyurappa himself leading it in five districts.
Eshwarappa said he will lead the protests in six districts.
After the party meeting, Eshwarappa led most of the ministers in a sit-in protest at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the heart of the city.
Yeddyurappa did not join, though it was announced Thursday that he will lead the protest.
Opposing Bhardwaj's recall and demanding immediate dismissal of the Yeddyurappa ministry, a group of state Congress leaders reached New Delhi to mount pressure on the party's central leaders and the union government.
The group led by state unit president G. Parameshwara includes leader of opposition in the assembly Siddaramaiah and senior party leaders.
"We will impress on our leaders and the central government to accept the governor's report and dismiss the Yeddyurappa ministry," Parameshwara told reporters in Bangalore before leaving for New Delhi.