The vote of confidence seems to have worked for now, but Yeddyurappa may still have some rude shocks in store for him, as the RSS may be saving the government today so that it can replace him in future

Even as the government passed the floor test in the Assembly yesterday, Chief Minister Yeddyurappa may have more unpleasant surprises in store for him. According to BJP insiders, the party is contemplating a change of leadership now to appease its ally, the RSS. However, the more evident hurdle for the CM is the Centre, which has to decide on the governor's report recommending suspension of the house.

Bitter Sweets? Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa with party MLAs after Speaker KG Bopanna declared that he had won the vote of confidence with 106 voice votes in his favour. Pic/Satish Badiger

Yesterday, in a house with diminished strength amid unruly scenes, speaker KG Bopanna declared that Yeddyurappa had won the vote of confidence with 106 voice votes in his favour. However, following complaints by the members of the Opposition, governor HR Bhardwaj sent his report to the central government, seeking President's rule in the state.

Lopsided decision
Congress and JD (S) members alleged that the procedure for the vote of confidence was illegal as the disqualification of 16 MLAs had reduced the strength of the house from 224 to 208. "We have made our submission to the governor, explaining how non-members created a ruckus in the assembly," said Siddaramaiah, leader of the Opposition. "The Speaker's lopsided decision to disqualify MLAs may have helped the government, but the governor has sent his report based on our complaints."

The Centre is expected to deliberate on the issue today. "The disqualified members moved court yesterday. An interim order may have a bearing on the Central government's decision," said M C Naniah, a senior member of legislative council from JD(S). "Suspension of the house before imposing President's rule cannot be ruled out."

Required support
The BJP has already set its strategy to save the government. Its 106 MLAs will meet President Pratibha Patil to assure her of their majority. "The governor has been partial. We will bring the matter to the President's notice," said Yeddyurappa. "Our MLAs will meet her to show that we have the majority."

However, the more serious issue lurking in the BJP is an imminent change of leadership. The party high command and RSS leaders, who laid down the plans to save the government before the floor test, are now understood to have been contemplating replacing Yeddyurappa as the CM; a dark horse may soon emerge at the helm of affairs.

"BJP had an option of dissolving the house. In that case, we would have to face election under Yeddyurappa's leadership, putting forth sympathy factor before voters," said a source in the RSS. "Senior members are of the view that the leadership has to change, which is possible only when the government survives. Therefore, efforts are on to save it."

While senior BJP leaders, including HN Ananthkumar and KS Eswarappa, are strong contenders to the CM's post, a lesser-known face from the ranks is likely to be appointed, said a source.u00a0 "Our priority is to stabilise the government first," said the source. "The change in leadership will follow. It might happen in six months from now."

Happy Shobha

>>For Power Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who has been on sankalpa vrata to save the government, her prayers seemed to have been answered yesterday. >>She has, in the past too, been on a fast for the government's sake.u00a0 She is still fasting as part of the vrata. >>Karandlaje told MiD DAY after the government won the vote of confidence, "God has never let us down. I am happy that we sailed through the test." >>Asked if fasting like this would affect her health, she said, "Fasting makes me healthier, and this time is no exception." Read More Read Next Story French lunch for SoBoites next month› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT