In the wake of keeping the State Assembly under suspended animation, for whatever reason, quiet efforts are said to be on to form a Congress – JD (S) government once again or a BJP led government with outside support from some JD (S) MLAs.

This is despite the announcement that the Centre would move necessary resolution in the winter session in the Parliament which begins during the first week of November 2007 for the dissolution of the Assembly.

The opinion in some political quarters is that pending such a move in the winter session, the Governor could consider offers from the political parties to form the government. Hence the Congress – JD (S) efforts to strike a new alliance.

However, there is another opinion, according to which the Supreme Court decision in S. R. Bommai's case that the Assembly should be kept in suspended animation till Parliament approves dissolution during which time any political party may seek confidence vote does not apply here. It was laid down that a floor-test in the Assembly instead of a head count in the Rajya Bhavan is the right way to test the majority.

In the case of Bommai, he had not tendered resignation to CM's office and had sought floor - test in the Assembly. In the case of Kumaraswamy he has tendered resignation. So it is a shut case. He had no doubt asked 18th October for a floor – test, which was not granted being too long a date that may encourage horse trading. But later he resigned.

As for BJP, it has simply withdrawn support without staking claim to form a government. The Congress on its part gave a letter to the Governor asking him to impose President's Rule without seeking an opportunity to form the government. So where is the room for any party or parties to once again cobble up support and form a government?

In a way each political party has voluntarily surrendered its right to form a government based on which the Governor had recommended imposition of President's rule. As for the dissolution of the Assembly it is the prerogative of the Parliament and we have to wait for the winter session to begin.

Courtesy: Star of Mysore