Bhardwaj to seek expert opinion on fresh floor test in Karnataka

NEW DELHI: Keeping the pressure on, Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj today said he would seek expert opinion on whether a floor test was necessary in the wake of Supreme Court quashing the disqualification of 11 rebel BJP MLAs and five Independents by the Speaker.

Bharadwaj, who had yesterday maintained that the verdict was a stricture against Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, said he would take a decision on the issue once he returns to Karnataka.

"Judgement has come. The power of judicial review vested in courts is the only way to stop arbitrariness and non-following of procedures and norms laid down by Parliament," he told reporters here before leaving for Bangalore.

Asked whether he would ask the BJP Government to go for a floor test, he said: "Floor tests have not helped Karnataka. It was destroyed by manipulation."

"I have to seek comments," he said in reply to a question whether he thought a fresh floor test was necessary.

He said the Government has to function by adhering to norms laid down by the Constitution.

Yesterday, Bharadwaj appeared to suggest a fresh trial of strength for the BJP government in the wake of the verdict.

He had said the judgement reversing the High Court verdict in this regard was an endorsement of his stand that the floor test should be taken on the respective strength of the Assembly.