In the May 12th polls, BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JDS 37 and others three.

Hardly 24 hours after a daybreak hearing that saw the Supreme Court allow BJP leader B.S. Yeddyurappa to be sworn in as Karnataka Chief Minister, the court on Friday ordered a floor test to be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday to decide whether he commands majority in the House. The three-judge bench headed by Justice A.K. Sikri, said: “Let the house decide and the best course would be floor test”

In its order, the Apex Court enumerated the steps that have to be followed for holding the floor test.

SC’S DIRECTIONS

– Immediately appoint Pro-tem Speaker

– Hold oath ceremony for all elected members on Saturday

– Make adequate & sufficient security Arrangements

– DGP Karnataka to supervise all arrangements so that there are no lapses

– Karnataka Govt. and Governor not to nominate any MLA from Anglo-Indian community to participate in floor test

– BJP Govt. not to take any major policy decision till it proves its majority

– Vote of Confidence not via a secret ballot

The apex court also said that it would deal with the constitutionality of the governor’s letter inviting Yeddyurappa to form the government, later.

During the hearing, which went on for more than an hour, Yeddyurappa through his lawyer Mukul Rohtagi placed before the apex court letters he had sent to the governor in which he had staked claim to form the government.

Both the BJP and the Congress claimed they have numbers are on their side and asserted they will emerge victorious in the floor test.

While the Congress claimed the supreme court order as vindication of it’s stand, the BJP said the court had not accepted any of the congress’ pleas.

While all political players are asserting that they would emerge victorius, all eyes would now be on the Karnataka Assembly.