Karnataka crisis: Shettar meets Guv

Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on Friday met Governor HR Bhardwaj to convey that his government has the majority in the state assembly.

"I met the Governor and invited him to address the joint session on February 4 and he has agreed. He asked me about the resignation of the MLAs. I have told him that my government has absolute majority." Shettar told media.

Shettar said he was not asked by the Governor to prove his majority in the state assembly.

Amid growing political crisis in Karnataka, Bhardwaj earlier in the day said he might ask Shettar to prove his majority in the assembly.

Speaking to reporters, Bhardwaj said: "I have summoned the Assembly on February 4. If I feel that this government has come into minority, then I will order him (Jagadish Shettar) to prove his majority at the first instance before transacting any business."

Bhardwaj made the comments at a time when 13 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced their decision to quit the Assembly membership.

The MLAs on Wednesday went to meet Speaker K G Bopaiah in order to submit their resignations.

They could not meet the Speaker as he is currently on a foreign tour, reports said.

The MLAs, who are loyal to Karnataka Janata Party (KJP) chief BS Yeddyurappa, then submitted copies of their resignation letters to the Governor.

Karnataka Rural Development Minister Shobha Karandlaje and Public Works Minister CM Udasi also tendered their resignations to Shettar on Wednesday.

Shettar, however, ruled out a crisis and said he would present the state budget on Feb 8.