Karnataka's Vidhana Soudha turns into fortress; Section 144 in place, top cops guard perimeters

Karnataka’s majestic state Assembly Vidhana Soudha has been turned into a fortress ahead of the 4pm trust vote of the BS Yeddyurappa government in Bengaluru today. 

In a bid to avert any possible law and order situation, the prohibitory order i.e. Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in and around the epicenter of the Karnataka politics for Saturday.

Latest reports suggest that around 2,000 policemen have been deployed in the heart of the Garden City. DNA has learnt that all senior police officers are personally present in and outside Vidhana Soudha. There are 200 marshalls present in the state assembly to ensure smooth proceedings. 

Public entry to the Vidhana Soudha has been restricted and officials and staff of the Secretariat are being allowed to enter the premises after thorough checks.

The floor test will take place on 4pm later today after the Supreme Court rejected the Congress-JD (S) plea challenging Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision to appoint KG Bopaiah as the pro tem Speaker of the house to conduct the crucial trust vote. 

Elections held on May 12 to 222 of the 224 constituencies in the state threw up a hung assembly with the BJP emerging as the single largest party having 104 MLAs, seven short of the half mark of 111, while the Congress won 78 seats and JD(S) 37.

Yeddyurappa was sworn in as chief minister on May 17, two days after the results were declared, after the governor accepted his claim to form the government. 

The decision was challenged in the Supreme Court by the Congress and the JDS and passing interim orders on their petition, the court yesterday directed that the floor test be conducted today.

Striking a post-poll alliance, the combine has claimed the support of 117 MLAs, including one each from the BSP and the KPJP and one Independent.

As JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy has won in 2 seats, the combined strength of Congress and JD(S) MLA's while voting at the floor test is expected to stand at 117.

However, two Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Pratapgouda Patil reportedly went incommunicado, causing some worry to the grand old party.

On the other hand, Yeddyurappa has asserted that he has "100 per cent confidence" that he would prove his majority.

(With PTI inputs)