Head count will determine the result in Karnataka House

When Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa moves a motion seeking the confidence of the House on Saturday evening, as directed by the Supreme Court, the Legislative Assembly officials are expected to take out a head count of the legislators who are in favour of the motion first, and then of those opposing it.

Explaining the possible process, Legislative Assembly secretary S. Murthy said on Friday that the members would be asked to stand up and the head count taken up row by row, starting from the first row. He said the names of the members would be written down in a register.

According to Mr. Murthy, summons have been sent to all the elected representatives to be present at the Vidhana Soudha by 11 a.m. when the House is convened as part of the 15th Legislative Assembly. They have been asked to carry the ID cards and certificates issued by the returning office on behalf of the Election Commission to them as the victorious candidates. When asked about the appointment of K.G. Bopaiah as the pro tem speaker by Governor Vajubhai Vala, Mr. Murthy refused to comment.

The list of affairs scheduled for Saturday lists the oath/affirmation by the House members and a motion on ‘This house expressed its confidence in the Council of Ministers headed by B.S. Yeddyurappa’ to be moved by the Chief Minister.

Security has been tightened and strict instructions sent out to those working in the Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha and Legislators’ Home to wear photo ID cards when they come to work on Saturday.

A circular issued by the Secretariat in the Vidhana Soudha prohibits group discussions by officials in the corridors. Employees and officials have been asked to use only the western gate of the Vidhana Soudha or the eastern gate of the Vikasa Soudha to gain entry.

Members of the public will not have access to any of the three buildings.