Karnataka: BJP's BS Yeddyurappa stakes claim to forming government, says swearing-in at Friday - 6pm

Update: The office of Governor Vajubhai Vala released a statement confirming swearing-in ceremony of BS Yeddyurappa as Karnataka CM at 6.00 pm.

BJP also tweeted about the swearing-in ceremony 

BJP leader from Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa on Friday went to meet Governor Vajubhai Vala to stake claim to form the government and said that he sought the time for his swearing-in as the chief minister from him and that it has been fixed at 6.00 pm. He had arrived at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru on Friday morning. 

While Yeddyurappa has confirmed that the swearing-in will take place between 6.00 pm, the Governor is yet to officially notify on the matter.

"I sought time for swearing in between 6-6:15pm. The Governor has agreed," the former three-time Karnataka CM said.

Read his letter below: 

Congress-JD(S) government -led by Kumaraswamy fell

The 14-month-old Congress-JDS coalition government headed by HD Kumaraswamy collapsed on Tuesday after losing the vote of confidence in the assembly in a climax to the three-week-long intense power struggle. Kumaraswamy is still the caretaker-Chief Minister until the new government is formed. The BJP won the trust vote on Tuesday by garnering 105 votes in comparison to JD(S)-Congress' combined total of 99 votes.

READ | Kumaraswamy's Government Falls, BJP's BS Yeddyurappa States Intent And Declares 'new Era Of Development' In Karnataka

Discussion on Finance bill in the assembly

A delegation of senior BJP leaders had met the Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Wednesday to discuss the finance bill that has to be passed by the assembly before July 31 for continuing functioning of the government. Responding to the BJP's pleas, he said: "As soon as the government is formed and whenever those forming the government say the assembly should be convened, within 48 hours we will call a session so that the work can go on."

Speaker disqualifies four rebel MLAs

The Speaker on Thursday had announced the disqualification of Independent MLA R Shankar and Congress MLAs Ramesh L Jarkiholi, Mahesh Kumthalli under the anti-defection law of the 10th schedule. Reacting to the disqualification of the MLAs, Congress Legislative Party (CLP) chief Siddaramiah welcomed the decision. "I welcome the decision of the Speaker to disqualify the three MLAs of our party who are involved in anti-party activities. Such stringent resolutions are essential for the protection of democracy. This historic decision will be a warning hour for those who violate the mandate for selfish achievement," he said in a tweet.

READ | Karnataka Speaker Disqualifies 3 Rebel MLAs -1 Independent And 2 Congress, Under Anti-defection Law