Thaindian News

New Delhi/Bangalore, May 23 (IANS) Home Minister P. Chidambaram Monday rejected Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) demand to recall Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj while Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa received rousing reception in Bangalore.

“There is no question of recalling the governor. The governor performed his duty. And we took our decision,” Chidambaram told reporters in New Delhi, a day after the central government rejected Bhardwaj’s recommendation to dismiss the Yeddyurappa ministry.

However, Yeddyurappa reiterated the BJP’s demand for Bhardwaj’s recall or resignation immediately.

Drum beats and slogans by dozens of party workers greeted Yeddyurappa at the Bangalore International Airport on his arrival from New Delhi.

Many ministers were present to greet him.

Talking to reporters, Yeddyurappa thanked the central government for rejecting Bhardwaj’s recommendation.

Chidambaram said the central government did not find grounds to dismiss the Yeddyurappa ministry and impose president’s rule as sought by Bhardwaj.

“We are mindful of the legal position. The power to impose president’s rule is a very restricted. And we think that the facts placed before the CCPA (Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs) did not enable us to reach conclusion that the condition of (article) 356 (of the constitution) are attracted,” the home minister said.

Bhardwaj had recommended president’s rule in the wake of the Supreme Court restoring membership of 11 BJP rebel legislators and five Independents.

The 16 had been disqualified ahead of a trust vote in the assembly last October, which yeddyurappa won in a house of reduced strength.

In Bangalore, the Congress and Janata Dal-Secular, which had mounted pressure for the state government’s dismissal, said their fight against Yeddyurappa will continue.

Following the central government’s decision, Bhardwaj Monday accepted the state cabinet decision to hold assembly session from June 2 to pass the budget.