16 out of 17 disqualified MLAs join BJP

Bengaluru: A day after the Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of 17 Congress-JD(S) MLAs in Karnataka but paved the way for them to contest the December 5 bypolls, 16 rebel MLAs were joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday at the party headquarters in Bengaluru.

In a grand event that took place at the party headquarters in Bengaluru, CM BS Yediyurappa handed over the party flag to the rebel MLAs, who were formerly with the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular), to welcome them to the party. However R Roshan Baig, an eight-time MLA did not get a BJP membership today.

Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said, “I welcome the disqualified MLAs into the party’s fold and also extend war welcome all the supporters of these MLAs.”

BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel was also present on the occasion.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the disqualification of 17 Congress-JD(S) MLAs in Karnataka on orders of the Speaker but allowed them to contest the December 5 bypolls.

The court struck down the portion of the Speaker’s order by which the legislators were disqualified till the end of the 15th Karnataka Assembly.

The apex court’s verdict paved way for the disqualified MLAs to contest the December 5 bypolls in Karnataka.

A three-judge bench of justices N V Ramana, Sanjiv Khanna and Krishna Murari said if elected in bypolls, these disqualified MLAs can become ministers or hold public office.

The bench deprecated the manner in which the disqualified MLAs directly approached it without first moving high court.

The court said its verdict is based on facts and circumstance of case and does not interfere in the Speaker’s power to disqualify members.

The top court passed the verdict on petitions filed by these disqualified MLAs.