Mumbai, May 18: The Supreme Court of India has ordered a floor test, based on the petition filed by the Congress party. After the order, BS Yeddyurappa has to prove his majority in the house by tomorrow 4 pm. This is a major setback for BJP, now since they have to prove their majority immediately. The hearing on the petition challenging the legality of BS Yeddyurappa's claim to form a government in Karnataka had started today, following the Congres- JD(S) rush to the apex court after governor Vajubhai Vala allowed Yeddyurappa to form their government.

The governor had allowed BJP on the basis that they emerged as the largest single party and has right to stake a claim. Immediately after that, the Congress moved court, seeking an interim stay on Yeddyurappa's swearing-in. But while the court did not put a stay, it also did not dismiss the plea made by Congress and scheduled the hearing on Friday, May 18, 2018 -- that is today.

Mukul Rohatgi represented BJP and advocate Abhishek Manu defended from Congress side. Rohatgi, during the hearing, presented a letter of the majority which was given to governor by the newly-appointed Yeddyurappa. He also argued in the court that it should also let the Congress-JD(S) prove their majority in the floor of the House after this verdict. Over this comment, Justice AK Sikri proposed if both BJP and Congress are so confident about their majority, why don't they conduct the floor test in the house by tomorrow itself, remarking that sometimes, practical test is also needed.

The three bench justices of the apex court- A K Sikri, S A Bobde and Ashok Bhushan were the ones hearing the case today. The verdict is crucial for not just Congress-JD(S) post-poll alliance and BJP, but also for the people of Karnataka as it will eventually decide the fate of the state politics which is experiencing tremors.

BS Yeddyurappa was sworn-in as the Chief Minister on Thursday morning at Raj Bhavan, drawing opposition from Congress and JD(S) leaders who also staged a protest at Vidhan Soudha, the legislative assembly of Karnataka state located at Bengaluru. Governor Vala allowed BJP to stake claim to form a government on condition that they have to prove their majority in 15 days time.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 18, 2018 11:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).