Two ministers loyal to former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, Shobha Karandlaje and CM Udasi, resigned from Jagadish Shettar ministry on Wednesday morning even as 13 other MLAs made a futile attempt to submit their resignation and it seems that the two ministers will soon join Yeddyurappa's Karnataka Janata Party, floated by the former CM on December 9 to take on ruling-BJP in Karnataka. The quit has resulted in a high voltage drama at the assembly speaker's office.

Moreover, 13 ruling BJP MLAs loyal to Yeddyurappa reached the speaker's office and made a futile attempt to resign from assembly membership.

However, with followers of Yeddyurappa threatening to resign, there is speculation whether Shettar will be able to present the budget and ensure his government's survival. Governor HR Bhardwaj's decision will be crucial here. If more than 15 BJP MLAs resign or give him a letter expressing no-confidence in the CM, the governor may ask Shettar to seek a trust vote on the floor of the House.

While the BJP is confident that resignation by the rebel MLAs will not affect the government, it is praying that its strength does not slip below 106.

(AW:Samrat Biswas)