Bhubaneswar: The Congress today launched a nation-wide dharna in front of Raj Bhawans at state capitals and all district headquarters protesting the alleged partisan and authoritarian act of Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala inviting the BJP to form government in the state.
In a letter to all the PCCs, AICC General Secretary Ashok Gehlot stated that the Governor of Karnataka has colluded with the Bharatiya Janata Party to subvert the democracy in Karnataka by inviting BJP leader to the oath of secrecy, at a time when Congress and JD(S) have submitted the list of MLAs which is more than the required number to form the government.
The Congress further criticised the decision of the Karnataka Governor saying he has not only undermined the dignity of his office, but also acted in an unconstitutional manner.
The Odisha Congress, under the leadership of Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Niranjan Patnaik, observed Save Democracy Day (Prajatantra Bachao Divas) in order to safeguard the democracy and constitution.
The OPCC President stated, “In Karnataka, the Constitution is being murdered. And in all states, the rules and laws are different for the BJP government. The decision of the Governor is unfortunate and massive demonstration will be carried out in protest of this.”
Later in the day, senior members of the Odisha Congress, after a press conference, submitted a memorandum to the President of India through Odisha Governor urging him to safeguard democratic principles and the sanctity of the Constitution.
Congress MLA Chiranjibi Biswal said, “This is an undemocratic move of the Karnataka Governor. Congress plus JD(S) post-poll coalition has the requisite majority number of 117 as compared to BJP’s 104. Still BJP was asked to form the government in the state and BS Yedyurappa took oath as the CM. We have submitted a memorandum to the President of India through Odisha Governor.”
Sources said a delegation of Congress is likely to meet Ram Nath Kovind next week in the view of the floor test to be held in Karnataka Assembly tomorrow, as ordered by the Supreme Court, to ascertain whether newly appointed BJP Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa enjoys majority in the state.