<p>Amidst the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-assembly-fails-to-meet-governors-deadline-trust-vote-likely-on-monday-237191">din in the Karnataka Assembly</a>, the coalition government in the state managed to extend its life by another day as it presented more arguments before the speaker. Despite two deadlines from the Governor to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-governor-issues-new-deadline-to-cm-kumaraswamy-for-floor-test-congress-moves-supreme-court-237114">complete the trust vote by 1.30 pm</a> and then by the end of the day, the session concluded with a noisy adjournment. The session is now set to resume only on Monday at 11 am.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adding to the debate over the negation of the whip by the Supreme Court order, members questioned the Governor's move to order a floor test when a confidence motion is already in progress. "In the SR Bommai case, the SC said that the Governor can ask for a trust vote and that a week's time can be given. However, today's situation is different. If he asked for the vote then he (Governor) can give a time limit but here the Chief Minister has moved a confidence motion and the House is discussing it. The discussion is the property of the House and the Speaker is overseeing this. When this is happening, I ask you if such a recommendation can be accepted by infringing on our rights" questioned Krishna Byre Gowda, Congress leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy also filed a fresh petition in the Supreme Court questioning the Governor's order when a confidence motion was a progress in the House. "We have already moved the confidence motion. I request the Speaker to decide on whether the Governor can direct me to hold the floor test today," said the Chief Minister while speaking in the House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao also moved the Supreme Court seeking clarity on its order delivered on Wednesday. In the petition, Rao states that the order nullifies the party whip as it has allowed the rebel MLAs to decide if they want to attend the session or not. This, as Rao stated, violates the party's rights under the Tenth Schedule.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the coalition employed all tactics to delay the trust vote, the BJP insisted on the vote to conclude on Friday. "I appeal to you (Speaker). The Governor has asked CM to prove majority today. We are ready to stay till midnight. We will co-operate. I appeal to the CM also to respect the Governor's order" said BS Yeddyurappa, BJP State President right before the Assembly was adjourned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the coalition buys more time in a bid to reinstate the power of the whip that can help initiate disqualification proceedings against the missing MLAs, the Speaker is consulting the Advocate General on the next step of action. But by no means will this be a silent weekend in BJP'S south bastion. All eyes will be on the Raj Bhavan keenly watching the Governor's next move. Will the Governor wait till Monday or will he start setting the stage to propose President's rule for Karnataka?<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Amidst the din in the Karnataka Assembly, the coalition government in the state managed to extend its life by another day as it presented more arguments before the speaker.

Amidst the din in the Karnataka Assembly, the coalition government in the state managed to extend its life by another day as it presented more arguments before the speaker. Despite two deadlines from the Governor to complete the trust vote by 1.30 pm and then by the end of the day, the session concluded with a noisy adjournment. The session is now set to resume only on Monday at 11 am. Adding to the debate over the negation of the whip by the Supreme Court order, members questioned the Governor's move to order a floor test when a confidence motion is already in progress. "In the SR Bommai case, the SC said that the Governor can ask for a trust vote and that a week's time can be given. However, today's situation is different. If he asked for the vote then he (Governor) can give a time limit but here the Chief Minister has moved a confidence motion and the House is discussing it. The discussion is the property of the House and the Speaker is overseeing this. When this is happening, I ask you if such a recommendation can be accepted by infringing on our rights" questioned Krishna Byre Gowda, Congress leader. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy also filed a fresh petition in the Supreme Court questioning the Governor's order when a confidence motion was a progress in the House. "We have already moved the confidence motion. I request the Speaker to decide on whether the Governor can direct me to hold the floor test today," said the Chief Minister while speaking in the House. Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao also moved the Supreme Court seeking clarity on its order delivered on Wednesday. In the petition, Rao states that the order nullifies the party whip as it has allowed the rebel MLAs to decide if they want to attend the session or not. This, as Rao stated, violates the party's rights under the Tenth Schedule. While the coalition employed all tactics to delay the trust vote, the BJP insisted on the vote to conclude on Friday. "I appeal to you (Speaker). The Governor has asked CM to prove majority today. We are ready to stay till midnight. We will co-operate. I appeal to the CM also to respect the Governor's order" said BS Yeddyurappa, BJP State President right before the Assembly was adjourned. As the coalition buys more time in a bid to reinstate the power of the whip that can help initiate disqualification proceedings against the missing MLAs, the Speaker is consulting the Advocate General on the next step of action. But by no means will this be a silent weekend in BJP'S south bastion. All eyes will be on the Raj Bhavan keenly watching the Governor's next move. Will the Governor wait till Monday or will he start setting the stage to propose President's rule for Karnataka?

Karnataka crisis: Will Governor crack the whip?

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-governors-new-deadline-for-floor-test-expires-kumarasamy-congress-moves-supreme-court-237159">The Karnataka Assembly on Friday failed to meet two deadlines</a> set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote today after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy challenged the directive and the ruling coalition not in a mood to comply with it.</p>

<p>The trust vote will now be held on Monday, July 22 with the ruling party leaders claiming that a number of speakers were still there to participate in the debate on the confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy on Thursday.</p>

<p>After a day-long debate and drama marked by heated exchanges between the ruling and opposition members over the powers of a Governor and the need to respect his directive.</p>

<p>As the House resumed proceedings in the morning, the Governor shot off a missive to the Chief Minister to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-governor-issues-new-deadline-to-cm-kumaraswamy-for-floor-test-congress-moves-supreme-court-237114">prove his majority by 1:30 pm</a>.</p>

<p>There was a lot of debate on the directive itself and in the midst of uproar, Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar adjourned the House till 3 pm.</p>

<p>This was followed by another directive from the Governor that the confidence vote business should be completed by 6 pm.</p>

<p>Intervening in the debate, Kumaraswamy virtually ruled out proving his majority in the Assembly by the second deadline set by the Governor, when he sought protection from the Assembly Speaker in the matter.</p>

<p>He said the "second love letter" sent by Vala asking him to prove majority in the Assembly before 6 pm today hurt him and asked him whether he came to know of horse-trading only now.</p>

<p>"I leave the decision on the floor test to you (the Speaker). It won't be directed by Delhi. I request you to protect me from the letter sent by the Governor," Kumaraswamy had said.</p>

<p>The Chief Minister also moved the Supreme Court challenging the Governor's directive to the government saying it was in violation of well-settled law laid down by the court.</p>

<p>He and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Chief Dinesh Gundu Rao challenged in the apex court its July 17 order which they contended fettered the political parties'&nbsp;right to issue a whip to its MLAs to attend the proceedings of the House in the confidence motion.</p>

<p>They were seeking clarification on the July 17 order which allowed the 15 rebel MLAs now holed up in a Mumbai hotel the freedom to participate or not.</p>

<p>Displaying photos of BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa's personal assistant Santosh purportedly boarding a plane with independent MLA H Nagesh in the Assembly, the chief minister suggested that horse-trading indulged in by BJP was on for the last 10 days.</p>

<p>"I have respect for the Governor. But the second love letter from the Governor has hurt me. He only came to know about horse-trading 10 days ago?" he said.</p>

<p>After missing the 1.30 pm deadline, Kumaraswamy received a fresh directive from the Governor to prove his government's majority on the floor of the state Assembly by 6 pm today.</p>

<p>The 13-month-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-rebel-congress-jds-mlas-refuse-to-participate-in-trust-vote-on-thursday-236642">Congress-JDS government</a> slumped into a minority earlier this month following the resignation of several dissident MLAs.</p>

<p>Sixteen MLAs from the ruling coalition including thirteen Congress and three JD(S) MLAs have resigned.The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113.&nbsp;</p>


The Karnataka Assembly on Friday failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote today after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy challenged the directive and the ruling coalition not in a mood to comply with it.

The Karnataka Assembly on Friday failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote today after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy challenged the directive and the ruling coalition not in a mood to comply with it. The trust vote will now be held on Monday, July 22 with the ruling party leaders claiming that a number of speakers were still there to participate in the debate on the confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy on Thursday. After a day-long debate and drama marked by heated exchanges between the ruling and opposition members over the powers of a Governor and the need to respect his directive. As the House resumed proceedings in the morning, the Governor shot off a missive to the Chief Minister to prove his majority by 1:30 pm. There was a lot of debate on the directive itself and in the midst of uproar, Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar adjourned the House till 3 pm. This was followed by another directive from the Governor that the confidence vote business should be completed by 6 pm. Intervening in the debate, Kumaraswamy virtually ruled out proving his majority in the Assembly by the second deadline set by the Governor, when he sought protection from the Assembly Speaker in the matter. He said the "second love letter" sent by Vala asking him to prove majority in the Assembly before 6 pm today hurt him and asked him whether he came to know of horse-trading only now. "I leave the decision on the floor test to you (the Speaker). It won't be directed by Delhi. I request you to protect me from the letter sent by the Governor," Kumaraswamy had said. The Chief Minister also moved the Supreme Court challenging the Governor's directive to the government saying it was in violation of well-settled law laid down by the court. He and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Chief Dinesh Gundu Rao challenged in the apex court its July 17 order which they contended fettered the political parties' right to issue a whip to its MLAs to attend the proceedings of the House in the confidence motion. They were seeking clarification on the July 17 order which allowed the 15 rebel MLAs now holed up in a Mumbai hotel the freedom to participate or not. Displaying photos of BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa's personal assistant Santosh purportedly boarding a plane with independent MLA H Nagesh in the Assembly, the chief minister suggested that horse-trading indulged in by BJP was on for the last 10 days. "I have respect for the Governor. But the second love letter from the Governor has hurt me. He only came to know about horse-trading 10 days ago?" he said. After missing the 1.30 pm deadline, Kumaraswamy received a fresh directive from the Governor to prove his government's majority on the floor of the state Assembly by 6 pm today. The 13-month-old Congress-JDS government slumped into a minority earlier this month following the resignation of several dissident MLAs. Sixteen MLAs from the ruling coalition including thirteen Congress and three JD(S) MLAs have resigned.The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113.

Karnataka Assembly fails to meet Governor's deadline, trust vote likely on Monday

<p>Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam has launched a derogatory remark on Karnataka governer Vajubhai Valla questioning his ‘loyalty’. While celebrating the victory of Congress with JD(S) in Karnataka assembly, Nirupam in a satire tone called out to the “loyalty” shown by the Karnataka governor Vajubhai Valla after the Karnataka election results came out.&nbsp</p>

<p>He made a derogatory remark by saying, “Now everyone in India will name their dog Vajubhai Valla.”&nbsp</p>

<p>Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, says, ‘Iss desh mein wafadari ka naya kirtimaan sthaapit kiya hai Vajubhai Vala ji ne, ab shayad India ka har aadmi apne kutte ka naam Vajubhai Vala hi rakhega kyunki isse zyada wafaadaar koi ho nahi sakta’</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Derogatory statement by Congress' Sanjay Nirupam, says, 'Iss desh mein wafadari ka naya kirtimaan sthaapit kiya hai Vajubhai Vala (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> Guv) ji ne, ab shayad India ka har aadmi apne kutte ka naam Vajubhai Vala hi rakhega kyunki isse zyada wafaadaar koi ho nahi sakta' <a href="https://t.co/P0EtWWo58i">pic.twitter.com/P0EtWWo58i</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997817565882839041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>After issuing the outrageous statement, Nirupan laughed brazenly looking pleased with his remark.&nbsp</p>

<p>Nirupam also said that the Governor has no right to remain in the post as he is not fit for such post.</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday, BS Yeddyurappa resigned from the post of Chief Minister of Karnataka following a high-drama which was witnessed in the state's political landscape. Yeddyurappa announced his resignation while addressing the House with an emotional speech ahead of the trust vote.</p>

<p>In his speech, he said, "I will be submitting my resignation to the Governor. I will continue the fight, whether in power or in opposition..will continue till my last breath."</p>


After issuing the outrageous statement, Nirupan laughed brazenly looking pleased with his remark.

Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam has launched a derogatory remark on Karnataka governer Vajubhai Valla questioning his ‘loyalty’. While celebrating the victory of Congress with JD(S) in Karnataka assembly, Nirupam in a satire tone called out to the “loyalty” shown by the Karnataka governor Vajubhai Valla after the Karnataka election results came out. He made a derogatory remark by saying, “Now everyone in India will name their dog Vajubhai Valla.” Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, says, ‘Iss desh mein wafadari ka naya kirtimaan sthaapit kiya hai Vajubhai Vala ji ne, ab shayad India ka har aadmi apne kutte ka naam Vajubhai Vala hi rakhega kyunki isse zyada wafaadaar koi ho nahi sakta’ #WATCH Derogatory statement by Congress' Sanjay Nirupam, says, 'Iss desh mein wafadari ka naya kirtimaan sthaapit kiya hai Vajubhai Vala (#Karnataka Guv) ji ne, ab shayad India ka har aadmi apne kutte ka naam Vajubhai Vala hi rakhega kyunki isse zyada wafaadaar koi ho nahi sakta' pic.twitter.com/P0EtWWo58i — ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2018 × After issuing the outrageous statement, Nirupan laughed brazenly looking pleased with his remark. Nirupam also said that the Governor has no right to remain in the post as he is not fit for such post. Earlier on Saturday, BS Yeddyurappa resigned from the post of Chief Minister of Karnataka following a high-drama which was witnessed in the state's political landscape. Yeddyurappa announced his resignation while addressing the House with an emotional speech ahead of the trust vote. In his speech, he said, "I will be submitting my resignation to the Governor. I will continue the fight, whether in power or in opposition..will continue till my last breath."

Watch: Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam compares Karnataka Governor to dogs, triggers controversy

<p>Constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap said on Wednesday that the decision of the Karnataka Governor to invite the BJP to form the government in the state cannot be challenged.</p>

<p>Subhash Kashyap said that as far as the question of which party had the majority was concerned,&nbsp;"it can be proven only on the floor of the house, not at the Raj Bhavan (Governor's House) or by submitting any list."</p>

<p>The constitutional expert further said that while the constitution provided the Governor complete power to appoint anyone the chief minister, the Governor was expected to choose a person who in his judgement is expected to gain a majority in the assembly.</p>

<p>Subhash Kashyap's statements come even as the Supreme Court, in an overnight hearing, refused to stay BS Yeddyurappa's swearing-in ceremony after the Governor invited him to form the government in Karnataka, giving him 15 days to prove his majority in the house.</p>

<p>The top court, however, made it clear that the swearing-in and the government formation in the state would be subject to the final outcome of the case before it.</p>

<p>In the elections held on May 12, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members.The Congress secured 78 seats, the JD(S) 37 and others three.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It depends on Governor's discretion. Constitution provides them complete power to appoint anyone the CM, but Guv is expected to choose the person, who in their judgement, is in a situation to gain majority in the assembly:Subhash Kashyap, Constitutional expert <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/BSRIhE381b">pic.twitter.com/BSRIhE381b</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996825530392440832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap says, "Governor's decision can't be challenged. As far as the question of which party has the majority is concerned, it can be proven only on the floor of the house, not at the Raj Bhavan or by submitting any list" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/lw87hvGSBG">pic.twitter.com/lw87hvGSBG</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996828615810547712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Subhash Kashyap said that as far as the question of which party had the majority was concerned, 'it can be proven only on the floor of the house, not at the Raj Bhavan or by submitting any list'

Constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap said on Wednesday that the decision of the Karnataka Governor to invite the BJP to form the government in the state cannot be challenged. Subhash Kashyap said that as far as the question of which party had the majority was concerned, "it can be proven only on the floor of the house, not at the Raj Bhavan (Governor's House) or by submitting any list." The constitutional expert further said that while the constitution provided the Governor complete power to appoint anyone the chief minister, the Governor was expected to choose a person who in his judgement is expected to gain a majority in the assembly. Subhash Kashyap's statements come even as the Supreme Court, in an overnight hearing, refused to stay BS Yeddyurappa's swearing-in ceremony after the Governor invited him to form the government in Karnataka, giving him 15 days to prove his majority in the house. The top court, however, made it clear that the swearing-in and the government formation in the state would be subject to the final outcome of the case before it. In the elections held on May 12, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members.The Congress secured 78 seats, the JD(S) 37 and others three. It depends on Governor's discretion. Constitution provides them complete power to appoint anyone the CM, but Guv is expected to choose the person, who in their judgement, is in a situation to gain majority in the assembly:Subhash Kashyap, Constitutional expert #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/BSRIhE381b — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × #WATCH Constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap says, "Governor's decision can't be challenged. As far as the question of which party has the majority is concerned, it can be proven only on the floor of the house, not at the Raj Bhavan or by submitting any list" #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/lw87hvGSBG — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 ×

Governor's decision cannot be challenged: Constitutional expert on Karnataka crisis

<p>After Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala on Wednesday invited BJP legislative party leader BS Yeddyurappa to form the new government in the state, the Congress approached Supreme Court Chief Justice Dipak Misra for an urgent hearing on the matter.</p>

<p>Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi is the leading his party`s challenge.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vajubhai Vala denigrates the Governor’s office,tramples upon Constitution,abuses the law & acts as a BJP puppet.<br />
<br />
He chooses to serve his Master’s in BJP rather then serve the Constitution.<br />
<br />
As <a href="https://twitter.com/BJPKarnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJPKarnataka</a> informed in advance, orders come from BJP HQ then the sanctity of office</p>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/996788135416729600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>According to television reports, the Congress wants an urgent hearing in the matter tonight. Congress is seeking a stay on Yeddyurappa's swearing-in. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress said the Governor denigrated his office, trampled the Constitution and acted as a BJP puppet.</p>

<p>Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala has invited Yeddyurappa to take oath as Chief Minister on Thursday morning at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Once more an occupant of a Raj Bhavan allows himself to be used as a rubber stamp. BJP announces (& then deletes) the details of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yeddyurappa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yeddyurappa</a> swearing in slated for tomorrow before it can be officially communicated.</p>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/996790212469690369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi is the leading his party`s challenge.

After Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala on Wednesday invited BJP legislative party leader BS Yeddyurappa to form the new government in the state, the Congress approached Supreme Court Chief Justice Dipak Misra for an urgent hearing on the matter. Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi is the leading his party`s challenge. Vajubhai Vala denigrates the Governor’s office,tramples upon Constitution,abuses the law & acts as a BJP puppet. He chooses to serve his Master’s in BJP rather then serve the Constitution. As @BJPKarnataka informed in advance, orders come from BJP HQ then the sanctity of office — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 16, 2018 × According to television reports, the Congress wants an urgent hearing in the matter tonight. Congress is seeking a stay on Yeddyurappa's swearing-in. The Congress said the Governor denigrated his office, trampled the Constitution and acted as a BJP puppet. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala has invited Yeddyurappa to take oath as Chief Minister on Thursday morning at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. Once more an occupant of a Raj Bhavan allows himself to be used as a rubber stamp. BJP announces (& then deletes) the details of #Yeddyurappa swearing in slated for tomorrow before it can be officially communicated. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 16, 2018 ×

Congress moves SC against Karnataka Governor's decision to invite Yeddyurappa to form government

<p>The Congress is likely to move court if Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala does not invite the JD(S)-Congress combine to form a government going by tradition and in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions, news agency PTI reported quoting party sources.</p>

<p>The party is preparing the ground to move court in case of a negative response from the Raj Bhavan, party insiders said as reports came in of its MLAs in the southern state being taken to the governor in a show of strength.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have staked our claim for formation of a government as we have the numbers as also the total vote share of over 56 per cent," added a senior party leader.</p>

<p>"All options remain open to the Congress," the party's communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said when asked what the party would do if the governor invited the BJP to form government.</p>

<p>He said the governor is expected to listen to the mandate of the people.</p>

<p>Yesterday's results in Karnataka threw a fractured verdict with no party getting a simple majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP emerged the single largest party with 104 seats but fell short of the half-way mark of 112.</p>

<p>The Congress-JD(S) combine together got 115 seats, moving quickly even as the counting of votes was underway yesterday and requested the governor to allow the formation of a JD(S)-led government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP also staked its claim with its chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa meeting the governor twice since yesterday evening when the results were declared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress, which has also met the governor twice, has cited past precedent set by the BJP in Goa, Manipur and Meghalaya to support its claim that post poll alliance partners can be called to form a government.</p>

<p>"The governor has no choice but to invite the JD(S)-Congress coalition which has a clear majority to form the government in the state," Surjewala said, citing constitutional and legal provisions.</p>

<p>Amid hectic jockeying over government formation in Karnataka, the JD(S)-Congress combine's chief ministerial candidate H D Kumaraswamy today claimed the BJP offered his MLAs Rs 100 crore in bribes to break away and back the BJP in government formation, a charge rejected by the saffron party.&nbsp;</p>


The party is preparing the ground to move court in case of a negative response from the Raj Bhavan, party insiders said as reports came in of its MLAs in the southern state being taken to the governor in a show of strength.

The Congress is likely to move court if Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala does not invite the JD(S)-Congress combine to form a government going by tradition and in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions, news agency PTI reported quoting party sources. The party is preparing the ground to move court in case of a negative response from the Raj Bhavan, party insiders said as reports came in of its MLAs in the southern state being taken to the governor in a show of strength. "We have staked our claim for formation of a government as we have the numbers as also the total vote share of over 56 per cent," added a senior party leader. "All options remain open to the Congress," the party's communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said when asked what the party would do if the governor invited the BJP to form government. He said the governor is expected to listen to the mandate of the people. Yesterday's results in Karnataka threw a fractured verdict with no party getting a simple majority. The BJP emerged the single largest party with 104 seats but fell short of the half-way mark of 112. The Congress-JD(S) combine together got 115 seats, moving quickly even as the counting of votes was underway yesterday and requested the governor to allow the formation of a JD(S)-led government. The BJP also staked its claim with its chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa meeting the governor twice since yesterday evening when the results were declared. The Congress, which has also met the governor twice, has cited past precedent set by the BJP in Goa, Manipur and Meghalaya to support its claim that post poll alliance partners can be called to form a government. "The governor has no choice but to invite the JD(S)-Congress coalition which has a clear majority to form the government in the state," Surjewala said, citing constitutional and legal provisions. Amid hectic jockeying over government formation in Karnataka, the JD(S)-Congress combine's chief ministerial candidate H D Kumaraswamy today claimed the BJP offered his MLAs Rs 100 crore in bribes to break away and back the BJP in government formation, a charge rejected by the saffron party.

Congress may move court if not invited to form govt in Karnataka