India Karnataka government wins second confidence vote

The governing Bharatiya Janata Party in the Indian state of Karnataka state has won a second vote of confidence in a week.

The government secured 106 votes in the 208-member assembly to win the vote.

Thursday's proceedings followed unruly scenes at the first vote on Monday in which some legislators were not allowed to participate.

Earlier this month, the government was reduced to a minority when 16 lawmakers rebelled following a cabinet reshuffle and corruption allegations.

Eleven of the rebels were BJP members.

None of the 16 was allowed to take part in Thursday's vote, because a court dealing with their appeal against their disqualification is still considering its judgement.

'Very happy'

In the state capital, Bangalore, BJP legislators shouted slogans to celebrate Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa's win.

"I am very happy. My priority will be on development," said Mr Yeddyurappa, who has faced two revolts in his 29-month rule.

The rebel legislators were disqualified by the Speaker under laws designed to stop legislators from defecting without giving prior notice to their party leadership.

If the rebels had been allowed to vote, the first BJP government in Karnataka would have been reduced to a minority.

Karnataka is the only southern Indian state where the BJP wields power.