BJP-Hegde set to topple Patel

Hectic political activities are on in all the camps in the State. While the JD government headed by J H Patel is going all out to keep its flock together, the Lok Shakti leaders led by former Industries Minister R V Deshpande are wooing the Dal MLAs.

The BJP which was reluctant till Monday to form a coalition government with Lok Shakti, has now softened its stand on its demand for resignation of the Patel government and subsequent dissolution of the House. The Congress isapparently silent but the ruling JD is knocking at its doors to extend its support in case of a split if it fell short of a majority. The Congress has 43 MLAs and is enjoying the status of the main opposition in the assembly.

According to the emerging formula, the Lok Shakti-BJP government will be led by Deshpande and Yediyurappa will be Deputy Chief Minister in the proposed government. Highly places sources in Lok Shakti confirmed that the party has so far succeeded in collecting 30 signatures from Dal MLAs who have pledged their support to the Lok Shakti.

To escape disqualification under the anti-defection law, at least 38 Dal MLAs out of the JDs total strength of 111, will have to come out in one go. But to form the Government, the combine requires 112 members in a house of 224. At present, the BJP has 40 MLAs and the Lok Shakti will have to mobilise at least 72 MLAs to stake a claim.