Bangalore:
The sleep in at the Karnataka Assembly by Opposition Congress and JD(S) demanding CBI investigation into the illegal mining scam - involving Reddy brother - continued for a third night. But the protesting MLAs seem to be enjoying it. They are in good spirits and some of them even tested their singing abilities.
The Governor, H R Bhardwaj, is leading the charge against the brothers - Tourism Minister G Janardhana Reddy and his brother Revenue Minister G Karunakara Reddy. He wants the brothers sacked.
Today he upped the ante by meeting the Home Minister and Prime Minister on the issue. During the meeting, Bhardwaj is believed to have discussed how the influence of Reddy brothers is increasing, how they are exploiting their position in the Cabinet and that their illegal mining activities are destroying the rule of law in the state.
But Centre's strong and active interest in Karnataka politics has deeper reasons - the Reddy brothers aren't just Karnataka players, the Congress' real concern is the support the Reddys are extending to elements that are creating trouble for its Andhra government. So, the plan is to insulate its government in Andhra Pradesh from such attacks - and a shaky BJP government in the state is a bonus.
The BJP is trapped between the devil and the deep sea. The protests against the Reddy brothers have united the Congress and the JD(S), but action against the powerful Reddys could well lead to split in the party's state unit. So the party's core group has decided to buy time and keep the decision to act against Reddys on hold.
Meanwhile in Bangalore, the Opposition kept the pressure on the Yeddyurappa government. The Assembly was adjourned within minutes of opening, but the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) refused to vacate the Vidhana Soudha.
"He doesn't allow us to speak, he is a goonda chief minister. Can you call him a democratic CM?" Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah said.
But Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had this to say, "Let the Janata Dal and the Congress come back to the Assembly. Then we can talk."
For now, it seems the MLAs will continue to sleep in the Assembly as neither side seems willing to give in.