Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS) 

Bengaluru, Nov 13: Former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo said, "There is no anxiety for chief minister Yediyurappa in the wake of the decision given by the Supreme Court with regards to the 17 disqualified MLAs. He will be safe for next three and a half years," 

Speaking at a press conference in the city, Deve Gowda said, "I will not comment on the verdict given by the Supreme Court. The former Speaker Ramesh Kumar congratulates Siddaramaiah. I do not know what the meaning behind this congratulatory message is. I will not say anything on this gesture of Ramesh Kumar,” 

"We will not get into alliance with Congress in future. We will strengthen our party in the next three and a half years. Kumaraswamy will speak about JD(S) participating in the coming by-elections for the 15 constituencies. Kumaraswamy himself has said that JD(S) is going to contest in all the constituencies,” he added. 

"Even if BJP candidates win in all the constituencies, they cannot be made as ministers. They cannot be given the position of president of any corporation or board. They can only continue as MLAs for the next three and a half years. Then 27 people from the hardcore BJP can be made as ministers. Out of the 104 MLAs, 50 can be nominated as the presidents of corporations or boards. So Yediyurappa can safely remain CM for the next three and half years." Gowda said. 

According to the Supreme Court order, the disqualified MLAs can contest in the by-election but cannot take up any constitutional position. By-polls for the 15 constituencies will be held on December 5 and the results will be declared on December 9.