The affidavits of the MLAs – 37 from the JD(S), 76 from the Congress, one each from the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party, and an Independent legislator – can play a key role in convincing the top court that the Congress-JD(S) combine have the majority, and can prove the same in the Legislative Assembly floor test.

Moreover, if any of the 116 MLAs attempt to switch sides later, they may end up facing the anti-defection law. This means that it would be difficult for the BJP to indulge in horse-trading after these affidavits are submitted in the apex court.

The SC, during the late-night hearing, had served a notice to Yeddyurappa, asking him to file by Friday the letter he wrote to the Karnataka governor, in which he had sought permission to be allowed to prove his majority on the floor of the House.