In quotes: Opposition slams BJP, Karnataka Governor, hail democracy

The Bharatiya Janata Party had to make a humiliating retreat on May 19, 2018, after it’s misadventure in trying to form the government in Karnataka without having a majority ended with the resignation of BS Yeddyurappa. In between, the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance—which had the numbers to form the government since the election results were declared in May 15—twice had to approach the Supreme Court for relief, after Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala first invited BJP to form the government, and then appointed a BJP MLA with a dubious record as pro tem speaker. The Supreme Court cut down the time given by Vala to BJP to prove its majority from 15 days to 2, and ordered live telecast of the floor test in the Karnataka assembly. Having tried and spectacularly failed to poach Congress and JD(S) MLAs, BS Yeddyurappa resigned in ignominy before the floor test.

Soon after, Opposition leaders across the country slammed the BJP central and state leadership, while hailing the Supreme Court and the victory of democracy. Several called for Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to resign.

Here are the Opposition leaders’ reactions to the events in Karnataka, in their own words:

Sharad Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party President

“BJP should not have suggested that Yeddyurappa try to put together a government in Karnataka, despite not having the necessary majority. They made huge impact on parliamentary democracy by making this decision.

Congratulations to Congress and JD(S) for winning power in Karnataka. Rahul Gandhi and Congress Party fought to maintain democracy. In all this, Congress played a sensible role.

Congratulations to Karnataka MLAs, who remained firm on their party’s side and refused to give in despite tremendous pressure and temptation.”

Mayawati, Bahujan Samaj Party National President

"This is a big blow for them (BJP) and I think what they had been planning all along for 2019 has failed, they will now have to rethink and alter their strategies. PM Modi is doing everything to subvert the nation and every institution. What happened, happened because of Amit Shah and PM's conspiracy. They want to grab every institution in the country by misusing the central and government machinery. The governor's office was under huge pressure from Amit Shah and Narendra Modi," ANI quoted Mayawati as saying.

N Chandrababu Naidu, Telugu Desam Party President, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister

“Right now news has come that BS Yeddyurappa has resigned as Karnataka's Chief Minister, are all of you happy? All those who believe in democracy are happy. Resignation of BS Yeddyurappa as Karnataka's CM is a true victory for democracy. Entire nation is happy with the current turn of events. As a Chief Minister and a firm believer of democracy, I am expressing my happiness.”

Mamata Banerjee, All India Trinamool Congress Chairperson, West Bengal Chief Minister

“Democracy wins. Congratulations Karnataka. Congratulations Deve Gowda Ji, Kumaraswamy Ji, Congress and others. Victory of the 'regional' front.”

Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary, Communist Party of India (Marxist)

“The corrupt and criminal designs of the BJP have been defeated. This shows the [Karnataka] Governor's decision to invite the BJP to form a government was mala fide and against his constitutional mandate. The misuse of all democratic institutions and flouting of all constitutional norms, by using black money and corrupt criminals, by Modi and Shah to subvert the people's mandate will not be forgotten. This goes well beyond Karnataka. If the Governor of Karnataka has any shame left, he should submit his resignation as well. The Union Ministers sitting in Bangalore, facilitating and enabling corrupt deals, are equally culpable.”

Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party National President

Today is the day of victory of people’s power in Indian politics instead of money power. Those who try to buy everyone, have received this lesson today, that there are still people left in India's politics who do not consider politics a business, like they do. Ethically, the central government should also resign.

Tejashwi Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader

Truth can never be defeated! Truth will always defeat a lie or liar! Nitish [Kumar] Chacha Ji, was your silence during the mafia attack on democracy in favour of your prime ally, or the opposition? You will not say but the common people of Bihar have understood that in your silence, your full support was with the BJP dictatorship and looting.

Arvind Kejriwal, Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor, Delhi Chief Minister

“BJP’s attempts to subvert democracy have miserably failed in Karnataka. BJP's lust for power through foul means stands completely exposed. Will BJP learn any lesson now?India's judiciary has risen to the occasion and has safeguarded our democracy.”