PDF supported Congress ahead of floor test: Kishore Upadhyay

Expressing confidence that the verdict in the case of the nine rebel MLAs participating in the floor test won't matter to the party, Uttarakhand Congress chief Kishore Upadhyay on Monday said it has the support of the People's Democratic Front (PDF), adding that the guilty would be punished.

"The floor test won't matter to us much. PDF is with us. If the nine MLAs leave or stay, it matters a lot. So we have to see the Supreme Court's decision on the matter. Those who have committed crimes will be punished," Upadhyay told ANI.

"I am not happy with the rebel MLAs. The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the anti-defection law. I hope even the High Court will give respect to the decision of the chairman of the Legislative Assembly and carry on the judgment," he added.

The Uttarakhand High Court will today pronounce its order on the petition filed by nine rebel Congress MLAs challenging their disqualification under the anti-defection law by the Speaker.

The Supreme Court had on Friday ordered floor test in Uttarakhand Assembly on May 10.

The President's rule will temporarily be lifted on Tuesday and former chief minister Harish Rawat will seek the confidence vote in the house.

An apex court bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra had on April 27 directed the continuation of President's rule in Uttarakhand.

The Centre had imposed President's rule in the state on March 27.