Prove majority in Karnataka by division of votes: CPI(M) to BJP

Condemning as "unconstitutional and undemocratic" the manner in which the BJP government won a majority in Karnataka Assembly, the CPI(M) today said the party could not continue in office unless it established majority through a division of votes.

Quoting the Supreme Court judgment in the Bommai case, the CPI(M) Politburo said "a government has to prove its majority on the floor of the House to continue in office. Any disqualification of an MLA can occur only after the vote when the party whip has been violated. Further, this cannot apply to independent MLAs."

In a statement, it said the Yeddyurappa government "refused" to have a division of votes in the House and relied on a voice vote to claim majority. 

Condemning the "unconstitutional and undemocratic manner" in which the BJP government sought to continue in office, it said 16 MLAs, including five independents, were disqualified and not allowed to enter the Assembly premises. 

"All this constitutes a brazen constitutional impropriety and cannot be allowed. The Yeddyurappa government cannot remain in office unless it establishes its majority through a division of votes on the floor of the Assembly," the CPI(M) said.