JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Monday said he was not answerable to c<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-chief-minister-bs-yediyurappa-wins-trust-vote-in-assembly-239160">hief minister B S Yediyurapp</a>a as he had run the government in the Karnataka with utmost clarity amongst the people.

"I ran the government for 14 months. I have no obligation to answer your (BS Yediyurappa) questions. I need to answer to my conscience. From the past 14 months, everything was being recorded. People know what work I have done," Kumaraswamy said at the Vidhan Soudha just before Yediyurappa won trust vote through voice vote today.

In a veiled jibe at the BJP leader, Kumaraswamy added that the JD(S) will not try to bring down their numbers in the Assembly and will work with them for the benefit of the people.

"We will not try to bring down your numbers from 105 to either 100 or lower. You speak of drought, at least now let's see how you will work. We will cooperate with you for the sake of people," Kumaraswamy said.

He also accused BJP of leaving the rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs to their fate and praised the Speaker for the way in which he acted throughout the fall of the coalition government. "You(BJP) have left the dissenting and rebel MLAs on roads. Since last week I have been seeing all the developments.&nbsp;

Speaker's decision sends a strong message. He didn't act in a hurry. He looked into the matter very carefully and looked into each case," he added.

Earlier, Congress leader Siddaramaiah also attacked Yediyurappa and termed his government "immoral and unconstitutional". "We hope you will be the chief minister but there is no guarantee of that. You are with the rebels, can you give a stable government? It's impossible! I oppose this confidence motion because the reason is this government is unconstitutional and immoral," Siddaramaiah had said.

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Monday said he was not answerable to chief minister B S Yediyurappa as he had run the government in the Karnataka with utmost clarity amongst the people.

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Monday said he was not answerable to chief minister B S Yediyurappa as he had run the government in the Karnataka with utmost clarity amongst the people. "I ran the government for 14 months. I have no obligation to answer your (BS Yediyurappa) questions. I need to answer to my conscience. From the past 14 months, everything was being recorded. People know what work I have done," Kumaraswamy said at the Vidhan Soudha just before Yediyurappa won trust vote through voice vote today. In a veiled jibe at the BJP leader, Kumaraswamy added that the JD(S) will not try to bring down their numbers in the Assembly and will work with them for the benefit of the people. "We will not try to bring down your numbers from 105 to either 100 or lower. You speak of drought, at least now let's see how you will work. We will cooperate with you for the sake of people," Kumaraswamy said. He also accused BJP of leaving the rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs to their fate and praised the Speaker for the way in which he acted throughout the fall of the coalition government. "You(BJP) have left the dissenting and rebel MLAs on roads. Since last week I have been seeing all the developments. Speaker's decision sends a strong message. He didn't act in a hurry. He looked into the matter very carefully and looked into each case," he added. Earlier, Congress leader Siddaramaiah also attacked Yediyurappa and termed his government "immoral and unconstitutional". "We hope you will be the chief minister but there is no guarantee of that. You are with the rebels, can you give a stable government? It's impossible! I oppose this confidence motion because the reason is this government is unconstitutional and immoral," Siddaramaiah had said.

Not answerable to Yediyurappa, people know what work I have done: Kumaraswamy

Fourteen rebels Congress-JD(S) MLAs in Karnataka Assembly were disqualified on Sunday by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-assembly-speaker-kr-ramesh-kumar-disqualifies-three-congress-mlas-238532">Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar</a>, news agency ANI reported.

Ramesh Kumar made the&nbsp;announcement while addressing the media earlier today.

Kumar disqualified three MLAs&nbsp;under Para 2(1) (a) of the tenth Schedule of the Constitution and under 191(a) of the Constitution of India a few days back. The disqualified lawmakers cease to be members of the Assembly till the expiry of the term that is May 23, 2023, the order by the Speaker said.

The vote of confidence will take place in Karnataka Legislative Assembly on July 29.

''BS Yediyurappa has asked me to oversee <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-trust-vote-section-144-to-be-imposed-near-karnataka-assembly-238868">vote of confidence tomorrow</a>. The Finance bill is set to lapse on July 31. I appeal to all MLAs to appear for the session for the confidence motion,'' Kumar said.

Ahead of the vote of confidence, Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar on Saturday issued a prohibitory order to impose Section 144 within a two-kilometre radius of the Vidhana Soudha from 6 am on July 29 to midnight of July 30.

Section 144 prohibits an assembly of more than four people in an area.

The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on July 23 after losing the trust vote. Following which, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yediyurappa took oath as the chief minister for the fourth time.

He will have to prove the majority of his government in state Assembly by July 31.

Fourteen rebels Congress-JD(S) MLAs in Karnataka Assembly were disqualified on Sunday by Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar, news agency ANI reported. Ramesh Kumar made the announcement while addressing the media earlier today.

Fourteen rebels Congress-JD(S) MLAs in Karnataka Assembly were disqualified on Sunday by Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar, news agency ANI reported. Ramesh Kumar made the announcement while addressing the media earlier today. Kumar disqualified three MLAs under Para 2(1) (a) of the tenth Schedule of the Constitution and under 191(a) of the Constitution of India a few days back. The disqualified lawmakers cease to be members of the Assembly till the expiry of the term that is May 23, 2023, the order by the Speaker said. The vote of confidence will take place in Karnataka Legislative Assembly on July 29. ''BS Yediyurappa has asked me to oversee vote of confidence tomorrow. The Finance bill is set to lapse on July 31. I appeal to all MLAs to appear for the session for the confidence motion,'' Kumar said. Ahead of the vote of confidence, Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar on Saturday issued a prohibitory order to impose Section 144 within a two-kilometre radius of the Vidhana Soudha from 6 am on July 29 to midnight of July 30. Section 144 prohibits an assembly of more than four people in an area. The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on July 23 after losing the trust vote. Following which, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yediyurappa took oath as the chief minister for the fourth time. He will have to prove the majority of his government in state Assembly by July 31.

Karnataka: Speaker disqualifies 14 rebel lawmakers a day ahead of trust vote

Karnataka Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Sunday said Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar's decision to disqualify the rebel MLAs will send a strong signal to the elected representatives across the country, who might fall into "BJP's trap".

"I welcome the decision of the speaker to disqualify 14 MLAs. This honest decision of speaker will send strong signals for all the representatives in the country who might fall for @BJP4India's trap." he tweeted.

Talking to reporters earlier, Siddaramaiah remained evasive when asked whether the Congress-JDS coalition will continue for the by-polls. "We will see," he replied.

Asked about the dissidents contacting him after being disqualified from the Assembly on Thursday, the former Karnataka chief minister said, "Two of them had called me but I did not speak to them. I do not want to speak about the issue again."

The Karnataka Speaker on Sunday disqualified 14 more rebel MLAs with immediate effect after the disqualification of the three MLAs.

They are barred from contesting the by-elections as well till the end of the term of the House on May 23, 2023, Kumar told the media.

On the elections for the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) on Monday, Siddaramaiah said, "The candidates are supported by the parties. Bheema Naik is supported by Congress and he is one of the aspirants for the KMF chairman's post."

Earlier this month, the rebel MLAs had pulled out from the Congress-JD(S) coalition, plunging the coalition government into a minority in the 225-member Assembly.

The House has one nominated member. After days of high-drama and heated debates, the government fell on July 23 as it lost the trust vote.

Karnataka BJP president BS Yediyurappa took oath as the new Chief Minister on Friday and is scheduled to move a trust vote tomorrow.&nbsp;

Karnataka Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Sunday said Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar's decision to disqualify the rebel MLAs will send a strong signal to the elected representatives across the country, who might fall into "BJP's trap".

Karnataka Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Sunday said Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar's decision to disqualify the rebel MLAs will send a strong signal to the elected representatives across the country, who might fall into "BJP's trap". "I welcome the decision of the speaker to disqualify 14 MLAs. This honest decision of speaker will send strong signals for all the representatives in the country who might fall for @BJP4India's trap." he tweeted. Talking to reporters earlier, Siddaramaiah remained evasive when asked whether the Congress-JDS coalition will continue for the by-polls. "We will see," he replied. Asked about the dissidents contacting him after being disqualified from the Assembly on Thursday, the former Karnataka chief minister said, "Two of them had called me but I did not speak to them. I do not want to speak about the issue again." The Karnataka Speaker on Sunday disqualified 14 more rebel MLAs with immediate effect after the disqualification of the three MLAs. They are barred from contesting the by-elections as well till the end of the term of the House on May 23, 2023, Kumar told the media. On the elections for the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) on Monday, Siddaramaiah said, "The candidates are supported by the parties. Bheema Naik is supported by Congress and he is one of the aspirants for the KMF chairman's post." Earlier this month, the rebel MLAs had pulled out from the Congress-JD(S) coalition, plunging the coalition government into a minority in the 225-member Assembly. The House has one nominated member. After days of high-drama and heated debates, the government fell on July 23 as it lost the trust vote. Karnataka BJP president BS Yediyurappa took oath as the new Chief Minister on Friday and is scheduled to move a trust vote tomorrow.

Disqualification of Karnataka rebel MLAs to send strong signal across country: Siddaramaiah

The Congress will hold a legislative party meeting here on Monday, ahead of the confidence motion in the state Assembly.

The scheduled meeting will come after Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Sunday disqualified 14 rebel MLAs from Congress and JD(S) under the anti-defection law and barred them from contesting elections till the expiry of the term of the 15th Legislative Assembly.

The 11 rebel Congress legislators who were disqualified were - Pratap Gowda Patil, BC Patil, Shivanand Hebbar, ST Somashekar, Shrimant Patil, BA Basavaraja, Anand Singh, R Roshan Baig, Muniratna, K Sudhakar and MTB Nagaraj.

The three MLAs disqualified are from JD(S) which include - AH Vishwanath, Narayan Gowda and Gopalaiah.

On Thursday, three rebel Congress MLAs - R Shankar, Ramesh Jarkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli were disqualified by the Speaker.

Earlier this month, the rebel MLAs had pulled out from the Congress-JD(S) coalition, plunging the coalition government into a minority in the 225-member Assembly, which led to a political crisis in the state.

After days of high-drama and heated debates, the government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the House.

Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers.

On Friday, Karnataka BJP president BS Yediyurappa took oath as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka for the fourth time. He announced the tabling of a vote of confidence saying that his party will prove majority in the floor of the House on Monday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congress will hold a legislative party meeting here on Monday, ahead of the confidence motion in the state Assembly. The scheduled meeting will come after Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Sunday disqualified 14 rebel MLAs from Congress and JD(S) under the anti-defection law and barred them from contesting elections till the expiry of the term of the 15th Legislative Assembly.

The Congress will hold a legislative party meeting here on Monday, ahead of the confidence motion in the state Assembly. The scheduled meeting will come after Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Sunday disqualified 14 rebel MLAs from Congress and JD(S) under the anti-defection law and barred them from contesting elections till the expiry of the term of the 15th Legislative Assembly. The 11 rebel Congress legislators who were disqualified were - Pratap Gowda Patil, BC Patil, Shivanand Hebbar, ST Somashekar, Shrimant Patil, BA Basavaraja, Anand Singh, R Roshan Baig, Muniratna, K Sudhakar and MTB Nagaraj. The three MLAs disqualified are from JD(S) which include - AH Vishwanath, Narayan Gowda and Gopalaiah. On Thursday, three rebel Congress MLAs - R Shankar, Ramesh Jarkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli were disqualified by the Speaker. Earlier this month, the rebel MLAs had pulled out from the Congress-JD(S) coalition, plunging the coalition government into a minority in the 225-member Assembly, which led to a political crisis in the state. After days of high-drama and heated debates, the government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the House. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers. On Friday, Karnataka BJP president BS Yediyurappa took oath as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka for the fourth time. He announced the tabling of a vote of confidence saying that his party will prove majority in the floor of the House on Monday.

Ahead of trust vote, Congress to hold legislative party meeting on Monday

Karnataka Assembly number game: Who stands where ahead of trust vote

BS Yediyurappa on Saturday visited his native village Bookanakere, a day after he was sworn in for his fourth term as Chief Minister.

The BJP leader offered prayers at Sidhalingehwara Temple in Bookanakere. He also said he would visit his home.

"It is my duty to visit my birthplace. This is the place where I was born and brought up. I will visit my home," he told reporters here.

Yediyurappa was sworn in as the 25th chief minister of the state on Friday, three days after the fall of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government, bringing the state back under saffron rule yet again.

The new BJP government in Karnataka will seek a vote of confidence on July 29 in the state Assembly for which a session is being convened.

Hours before taking oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, the BJP leader dropped a `d` and replaced it with an `I` in his name. His name will now be spelt B S Yediyurappa.&nbsp;

BS Yediyurappa on Saturday visited his native village Bookanakere, a day after he was sworn in for his fourth term as Chief Minister. The BJP leader offered prayers at Sidhalingehwara Temple in Bookanakere.

BS Yediyurappa on Saturday visited his native village Bookanakere, a day after he was sworn in for his fourth term as Chief Minister. The BJP leader offered prayers at Sidhalingehwara Temple in Bookanakere. He also said he would visit his home. "It is my duty to visit my birthplace. This is the place where I was born and brought up. I will visit my home," he told reporters here. Yediyurappa was sworn in as the 25th chief minister of the state on Friday, three days after the fall of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government, bringing the state back under saffron rule yet again. The new BJP government in Karnataka will seek a vote of confidence on July 29 in the state Assembly for which a session is being convened. Hours before taking oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, the BJP leader dropped a `d` and replaced it with an `I` in his name. His name will now be spelt B S Yediyurappa.

A day after taking oath, CM Yediyurappa visits native village

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Friday met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala and staked claim to form the government.

Karnataka BJP President BS Yeddyurappa will now take oath as the chief minister, for the fourth time, at 6pm today. He will have to prove the majority of his government in state Assembly by July 31.

The development comes after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/senior-bjp-leaders-from-karnataka-to-meet-amit-shah-j-p-nadda-in-delhi-238302">Karnataka BJP delegation</a> met Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP Working President JP Nadda on Thursday to discuss the plan of action.

Shah thereafter&nbsp;asked Yeddyurappa to meet the Karnataka Governor and take oath as the chief minister at the earliest. 
 
In another significant development, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-assembly-speaker-kr-ramesh-kumar-disqualifies-three-congress-mlas-238532">Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar</a> on Thursday&nbsp;disqualified three rebel Congress MLAs - R Shankar, Ramesh Jharkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli - for defying the party's whip. 
 
Announcing the decisions on the disqualification, he said the decision on 14 other rebel legislators would be taken in a couple of days after going through their resignations and the complaints for disqualification against them in detail.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kumaraswamys-congress-jds-government-loses-floor-test-in-karnataka-assembly-237989">Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell</a> on Tuesday as the outgoing chief minister HD Kumaraswamy lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Friday met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala and staked claim to form the government. Karnataka BJP President BS Yeddyurappa will now take oath as the chief minister, for the fourth time, at 6pm today.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Friday met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala and staked claim to form the government. Karnataka BJP President BS Yeddyurappa will now take oath as the chief minister, for the fourth time, at 6pm today. He will have to prove the majority of his government in state Assembly by July 31. The development comes after a Karnataka BJP delegation met Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP Working President JP Nadda on Thursday to discuss the plan of action. Shah thereafter asked Yeddyurappa to meet the Karnataka Governor and take oath as the chief minister at the earliest. In another significant development, Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday disqualified three rebel Congress MLAs - R Shankar, Ramesh Jharkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli - for defying the party's whip. Announcing the decisions on the disqualification, he said the decision on 14 other rebel legislators would be taken in a couple of days after going through their resignations and the complaints for disqualification against them in detail. The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as the outgoing chief minister HD Kumaraswamy lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers. (With inputs from agencies)

BS Yeddyurappa to take oath as Karnataka chief minister at 6pm today; asked to prove majority by July 31

Three rebel Congress MLAs in Karnataka were on Thursday disqualified by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/still-going-through-resignations-karnataka-speaker-on-rebel-mlas-238406">Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar</a> in a significant development as the BJP deliberates at the highest level on staking claim to form the government in the state.

Announcing the decisions on the disqualification, he said the decision on 14 other rebel legislators would be taken in a couple of days after going through their resignations and the complaints for disqualification against them in detail.

Those disqualified were R Shankar, Ramesh Jharkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli.

They have incurred disqualification as member of the 15th State Legislative Assembly under Para 2(1) (a) of the tenth Schedule of the Constitution and under 191(a) of the Constitution of India. They cease to be members of the Assembly till the expiry of the term that is May 23, 2023, the order by the Speaker said.

Addressing a press conference, Kumar said the three MLAs--R Shankar (Ranibennur), Ramesh Jharkiholi (Gokak) and Mahesh Kumathalli (Athani)--have incurred disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law) and the disqualification would last till the end of the term of the Assembly May 23, 2023.

They cannot contest the by-election too, he added.

Kumar said the cases of the three MLAs were taken up first because there were petitions for their disqualification already pending much before the recent political developments that led to the trial of strength the government had lost.

"I had considered both the issues of their resignations and disqualification. I rejected their resignations because they were not in order and took up their disqualification and passed my order as I have enough evidence before me," he said.

The Speaker said the MLAs were free to approach the Supreme Court or the High Court for their legal remedies.

Speaking about Jarkiholi and Kumtahalli, he said, "a complaint of anti-party activities was given in February against them and they resigned in July. Their resignations were not in the prescribed format. I asked for it to be resubmitted.

"They approached the Supreme Court and claimed that the speaker was not available. They falsely submitted sworn affidavit to SC. The MLAs were instructed to appear to me by the apex court. When they met me, I asked them about when they sought my time upon which, they admitted that they did not."

Elaborating his decision taken regarding MLA R Shankar, the Speaker said, "Shankar had in June this year merged his KPJP party with Congress. On June 20, I had notified that he be considered as Congress MLA. On July 8 he gave his resignation after which he wrote to me and the governor that he will support BJP unequivocally. CLP leader Siddaramaiah had filed a complaint against him and he is being disqualified. R Shankar is disqualified up to May 2023, till the end of 15th State Legislative Assembly."

Replying to a spate of questions, he said the case of the other rebel MLAs fell into a different category and he would go through them in detail and give a decision in a couple of days. "I know the decisions will be challenged and so I will be correct in my decisions."

He said he was neither guided by any party interests nor was he partisan. Since the Supreme Court respected his authority and wanted his decisions to be put up before it, he was making the decisions after a lot of deliberations.

Justifying his action, the speaker also said that he was setting a precedent to uphold the basic tenants of democracy. He pointed to a number of inconsistencies in the statements made by the MLAs to him and to the Supreme Court in sworn affidavits.

"Once the voter casts his votes, MLAs can't change their minds as per their whims and fancies, shouldn't the voter have a say? I am setting precedence here. They seize to be a member till 2023 and cannot contest further elections", Kumar said.

He also stated that the rebel MLAs were reported to be staying at a resort in Lonavala, near Pune.

The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers.

The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls.

Replying to a question, he said he was constitutionally bound to cooperate with the new government that may be formed in the state. 
He also said the new government would have to get the Finance Bill passed.

Three rebel Congress MLAs in Karnataka were on Thursday disqualified by Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in a significant development as the BJP deliberates at the highest level on staking claim to form the government in the state.

Three rebel Congress MLAs in Karnataka were on Thursday disqualified by Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in a significant development as the BJP deliberates at the highest level on staking claim to form the government in the state. Announcing the decisions on the disqualification, he said the decision on 14 other rebel legislators would be taken in a couple of days after going through their resignations and the complaints for disqualification against them in detail. Those disqualified were R Shankar, Ramesh Jharkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli. They have incurred disqualification as member of the 15th State Legislative Assembly under Para 2(1) (a) of the tenth Schedule of the Constitution and under 191(a) of the Constitution of India. They cease to be members of the Assembly till the expiry of the term that is May 23, 2023, the order by the Speaker said. Addressing a press conference, Kumar said the three MLAs--R Shankar (Ranibennur), Ramesh Jharkiholi (Gokak) and Mahesh Kumathalli (Athani)--have incurred disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law) and the disqualification would last till the end of the term of the Assembly May 23, 2023. They cannot contest the by-election too, he added. Kumar said the cases of the three MLAs were taken up first because there were petitions for their disqualification already pending much before the recent political developments that led to the trial of strength the government had lost. "I had considered both the issues of their resignations and disqualification. I rejected their resignations because they were not in order and took up their disqualification and passed my order as I have enough evidence before me," he said. The Speaker said the MLAs were free to approach the Supreme Court or the High Court for their legal remedies. Speaking about Jarkiholi and Kumtahalli, he said, "a complaint of anti-party activities was given in February against them and they resigned in July. Their resignations were not in the prescribed format. I asked for it to be resubmitted. "They approached the Supreme Court and claimed that the speaker was not available. They falsely submitted sworn affidavit to SC. The MLAs were instructed to appear to me by the apex court. When they met me, I asked them about when they sought my time upon which, they admitted that they did not." Elaborating his decision taken regarding MLA R Shankar, the Speaker said, "Shankar had in June this year merged his KPJP party with Congress. On June 20, I had notified that he be considered as Congress MLA. On July 8 he gave his resignation after which he wrote to me and the governor that he will support BJP unequivocally. CLP leader Siddaramaiah had filed a complaint against him and he is being disqualified. R Shankar is disqualified up to May 2023, till the end of 15th State Legislative Assembly." Replying to a spate of questions, he said the case of the other rebel MLAs fell into a different category and he would go through them in detail and give a decision in a couple of days. "I know the decisions will be challenged and so I will be correct in my decisions." He said he was neither guided by any party interests nor was he partisan. Since the Supreme Court respected his authority and wanted his decisions to be put up before it, he was making the decisions after a lot of deliberations. Justifying his action, the speaker also said that he was setting a precedent to uphold the basic tenants of democracy. He pointed to a number of inconsistencies in the statements made by the MLAs to him and to the Supreme Court in sworn affidavits. "Once the voter casts his votes, MLAs can't change their minds as per their whims and fancies, shouldn't the voter have a say? I am setting precedence here. They seize to be a member till 2023 and cannot contest further elections", Kumar said. He also stated that the rebel MLAs were reported to be staying at a resort in Lonavala, near Pune. The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers. The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls. Replying to a question, he said he was constitutionally bound to cooperate with the new government that may be formed in the state. He also said the new government would have to get the Finance Bill passed.

Karnataka: Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar disqualifies three Congress MLAs

Hours before taking oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa dropped a 'd' and replaced it with an 'I' in his name, which will now be spelt B S Yediyurappa.

The change reflected on his twitter handle at around 3 PM on Friday.

Reportedly, Yediyurappa has already started using this spelling on his official letterheads and the letter staking a claim for the formation of the new government also had this new spelling.

Yediyurappa`s personal website, which is also endorsed through his twitter handle, however, still uses the old spelling.

Yediyurappa was sworn in as the 25th chief minister of Karnataka on Friday evening at little past 6 pm.&nbsp;

Hours before taking oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa dropped a 'd' and replaced it with an 'I' in his name, which will now be spelt B S Yediyurappa.

Hours before taking oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa dropped a 'd' and replaced it with an 'I' in his name, which will now be spelt B S Yediyurappa. The change reflected on his twitter handle at around 3 PM on Friday. Reportedly, Yediyurappa has already started using this spelling on his official letterheads and the letter staking a claim for the formation of the new government also had this new spelling. Yediyurappa`s personal website, which is also endorsed through his twitter handle, however, still uses the old spelling. Yediyurappa was sworn in as the 25th chief minister of Karnataka on Friday evening at little past 6 pm.

Yediyurappa makes changes in the spelling of name

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Yediyurappa was administered oath by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. He will have to prove the majority of his government in state Assembly by July 31.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-notice-to-centre-states-for-implementation-of-guidelines-to-prevent-mob-lynching-238625">Supreme Court notice to Centre, states for implementation of guidelines to prevent mob lynching</a>

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent&nbsp;mob lynching.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/17-opposition-mps-express-concern-over-passing-bills-without-scrutiny-write-to-rajya-sabha-chairman-238669">17 Opposition MPs express concern over passing Bills without scrutiny, write to Rajya Sabha Chairman</a>

As many as 17 opposition members have written to&nbsp;Rajya Sabha&nbsp;Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu raising serious concerns over how the Central government is "hurriedly"&nbsp;passing legislation&nbsp;without any scrutiny by the Standing or Select Committees of Parliament. 
&nbsp;

BJP's BS Yediyurappa takes oath as Karnataka chief minister for fourth time Yediyurappa was administered oath by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru.

BJP's BS Yediyurappa takes oath as Karnataka chief minister for fourth time Yediyurappa was administered oath by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. He will have to prove the majority of his government in state Assembly by July 31. Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, will never allow any foreign forces to intervene: Foreign ministry After protesters lay siege to Hong Kong's airport chanting ant-China slogans, China's foreign ministry said Hong Kong belongs to China and it will not allow foreign forces to interfere. PM Lofven is very clear, everyone is equal before the law: Sweden on Trump backing rapper A$AP Rocky Sweden on Friday dismissed an angry outburst from United States President Donald Trump after prosecutors charged US rapper A$AP Rocky with assault, saying the country's judicial system was independent of political interference. Supreme Court notice to Centre, states for implementation of guidelines to prevent mob lynching The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent mob lynching. 17 Opposition MPs express concern over passing Bills without scrutiny, write to Rajya Sabha Chairman As many as 17 opposition members have written to Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu raising serious concerns over how the Central government is "hurriedly" passing legislation without any scrutiny by the Standing or Select Committees of Parliament.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The BJP's BS Yeddyurappa will be sworn in for the fourth time as Karnataka Chief Minister this evening, three days after the coalition government led by HD Kumaraswamy failed a test of strength. Mr. Yeddyurappa met with Governor Vajubhai Vala this morning to stake a claim and urged him to schedule an oath ceremony today. Mr. Yeddyurappa has to prove his majority by July 31 but sources say he may seek a trust vote before that, on Monday. The BJP's move ends speculation that the party was playing it safe to secure its numbers in the assembly.

Karnataka: BJP to form govt, Yeddyurappa to take Oath as CM

A Karnataka BJP delegation on Thursday met Home Minister Amit Shah and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Working President JP Nadda to discuss the government formation in the state after outgoing chief minister HD Kumaraswamy failed to prove the majority of JD(S)-Congress coalition in the Assembly.

The delegation comprising Jagadish Shettar, Basavaraj Bommai, Arvind Limbavali, and JC Madhuswamy will meet Amit Shah and JP Nadda again at 3pm in the afternoon.

"We met Amit Shah &amp; JP Nadda regarding the political scenario in Karnataka, formation of BJP govt there &amp; steps to be taken. They want to discuss again this afternoon at 3 PM, then they will take a final decision in the Parliamentary Board meeting," said Shettar after the meeting.

Jagadish Shettar, BJP, in Delhi: We met Amit Shah &amp; JP Nadda regarding the political scenario in Karnataka, formation of BJP govt there &amp; steps to be taken. They want to discuss again this afternoon at 3 PM, then they will take a final decision in the Parliamentary Board meeting

Meanwhile, BJP lawmaker JC Madhuswamy refuted the possibility of rebel lawmakers joining the Congress and the JD(S) parties again.

"Those in power were not gracious enough to consider their requests. Their bond is spoilt. There is no question of them going back to their original parties. We are confident that we will form the government," he said.

"Senior BJP leaders from the state will be meeting Amit Shah Ji. Let`s see what happens," added BY Vijayendra, Karnataka State General Secretary, BJP Yuva Morcha.

After the fall of the Kumaraswamy government, the state BJP is willing to stake claim to form the next government. The central leadership, however, has not yet taken any decision on the formation of the government.&nbsp;

The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion.

The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition.

(With inputs from ANI)

A Karnataka BJP delegation on Thursday met Home Minister Amit Shah and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Working President JP Nadda to discuss the government formation in the state after outgoing chief minister HD Kumaraswamy failed to prove the majority of JD(S)-Congress coalition in the Assembly.

A Karnataka BJP delegation on Thursday met Home Minister Amit Shah and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Working President JP Nadda to discuss the government formation in the state after outgoing chief minister HD Kumaraswamy failed to prove the majority of JD(S)-Congress coalition in the Assembly. The delegation comprising Jagadish Shettar, Basavaraj Bommai, Arvind Limbavali, and JC Madhuswamy will meet Amit Shah and JP Nadda again at 3pm in the afternoon. "We met Amit Shah & JP Nadda regarding the political scenario in Karnataka, formation of BJP govt there & steps to be taken. They want to discuss again this afternoon at 3 PM, then they will take a final decision in the Parliamentary Board meeting," said Shettar after the meeting. Jagadish Shettar, BJP, in Delhi: We met Amit Shah & JP Nadda regarding the political scenario in Karnataka, formation of BJP govt there & steps to be taken. They want to discuss again this afternoon at 3 PM, then they will take a final decision in the Parliamentary Board meeting Meanwhile, BJP lawmaker JC Madhuswamy refuted the possibility of rebel lawmakers joining the Congress and the JD(S) parties again. "Those in power were not gracious enough to consider their requests. Their bond is spoilt. There is no question of them going back to their original parties. We are confident that we will form the government," he said. "Senior BJP leaders from the state will be meeting Amit Shah Ji. Let`s see what happens," added BY Vijayendra, Karnataka State General Secretary, BJP Yuva Morcha. After the fall of the Kumaraswamy government, the state BJP is willing to stake claim to form the next government. The central leadership, however, has not yet taken any decision on the formation of the government. The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion. The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. (With inputs from ANI)

Karnataka BJP leaders meet Amit Shah and JP Nadda, discuss government formation

It’s done and dusted. The trust vote in Karnataka, which was being delayed by the ruling coalition, on some pretext or the other, finally took place on July 23.

As expected, H.D. Kumaraswamy lost the vote of confidence 99 to 105. While the BJP hailed it as a ‘game of karma’, Congress and JD(S) blamed BJP for horse-trading and carrying out Operation Kamala 2.0. The trend of no-coalition government lasting a full term has been maintained.&nbsp;

The JD(S)-Congress government lasted 14 months. It had been formed to keep the BJP out of power. The people had rejected the alliance in the polls, but they formed an opportunistic alliance against the popular mandate.

The JD(S) and Congress have opposed each other tooth and nail for decades in state politics. About 60 per cent&nbsp;of JD(S) MLAs (22 out of 37) defeated Congress candidates in the assembly polls.&nbsp;

People voted against the Congress in 144 seats (104 BJP, 37 JD(S), 2 Independents, 1 BSP). Rahul Gandhi referred to JD(S) as Janata Dal Sangh Parivar during his poll campaign. Deve Gowda called Rahul and Siddaramaiah “hypocrites who had once dined with the same Gowdas”.&nbsp;

While the Congress tally declined by 36% from 122 to 78, BJP’s more than doubled from 50 to 104. BJP gained seats across all regions vis-à-vis 2013 (except Bengaluru), while the Congress lost seats. Sixteen ministers of the Siddaramaiah government lost elections. The chief minister lost the Chamundeshwari seat by a big margin of 36,000 votes to JD(S) candidate. He just managed to scrape through on the other seat, Badami, where he won by mere 1,700 votes. Clearly the mandate was against the Congress and in favour of the BJP. The inherent contradictions of the alliance were too hot for Kumaraswamy to handle. The role of Siddaramaiah, who doesn’t share a great rapport with the Gowda family, is also being questioned. Many rebel MLAs belong to his camp. It is rumoured that he was not in favour of the alliance and playing second fiddle to Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;

Many Congressmen in hushed tones blamed the alliance with JD(S) for performing poorly in the Lok Sabha elections and were not in favour of continuing with it. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There are three options before the Governor: (i) inviting BJP to form the government, (ii) keeping the house in suspended animation (President’s Rule) for some time and later explore options (iii) ordering fresh polls.&nbsp;

However, he is likely to go with the first option and rightly so as the original mandate was pro-BJP. Re-elections would lead to significant expenditure at the cost of taxpayers.

The BJP, after its record performance in Lok Sabha polls, where it won 25 out of 28 seats, might have been tempted to go for fresh elections. BJP was leading in 169 out of 224 assembly constituencies, as per Lok Sabha trends.&nbsp;

Even after discounting the national elections, the Modi factor of 20%, BJP would still end up with 130+ seats, as per any safe calculation. This would have eliminated the dependence of BJP on rebel MLAs.

However, all MLAs would not have been happy at the prospect of facing the people again in just over a year’s time. Also, BJP strongman BS Yeddyurrapa wouldn’t have liked it either. He played a crucial role in BJP’s Lok Sabha performance and has waited patiently for his turn. The influential Lingayat leader is credited with the installation of the first BJP government in south India.&nbsp;

The track record of the earlier Yeddyurappa government suggests it won’t be easy for the BJP. Managing the aspirations of rebels as well as 30 odd ex-ministers in the BJP legislative party will require deft handling. Many MLAs in Karnataka have a history of hopping from one party to another, regardless of ideology for the sake of power. The party also needs to instal a Speaker of their choice.&nbsp;

BSY, at 76, is above the threshold limit of the party. The BJP needs to find a substitute soon under whom it would contest the 2023 polls. BJP adds another state in its kitty. However, it’s not going to be smooth sailing. Restoring the collapsed governance structure should be the top priority of Yeddyurappa, but whether he gets time from party politics remains to be seen.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-another-opportunistic-alliance-in-karnataka-comes-to-an-end-2775444">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

It’s done and dusted. The trust vote in Karnataka, which was being delayed by the ruling coalition, on some pretext or the other, finally took place on July 23. As expected, H.

It’s done and dusted. The trust vote in Karnataka, which was being delayed by the ruling coalition, on some pretext or the other, finally took place on July 23. As expected, H.D. Kumaraswamy lost the vote of confidence 99 to 105. While the BJP hailed it as a ‘game of karma’, Congress and JD(S) blamed BJP for horse-trading and carrying out Operation Kamala 2.0. The trend of no-coalition government lasting a full term has been maintained. The JD(S)-Congress government lasted 14 months. It had been formed to keep the BJP out of power. The people had rejected the alliance in the polls, but they formed an opportunistic alliance against the popular mandate. The JD(S) and Congress have opposed each other tooth and nail for decades in state politics. About 60 per cent of JD(S) MLAs (22 out of 37) defeated Congress candidates in the assembly polls. People voted against the Congress in 144 seats (104 BJP, 37 JD(S), 2 Independents, 1 BSP). Rahul Gandhi referred to JD(S) as Janata Dal Sangh Parivar during his poll campaign. Deve Gowda called Rahul and Siddaramaiah “hypocrites who had once dined with the same Gowdas”. While the Congress tally declined by 36% from 122 to 78, BJP’s more than doubled from 50 to 104. BJP gained seats across all regions vis-à-vis 2013 (except Bengaluru), while the Congress lost seats. Sixteen ministers of the Siddaramaiah government lost elections. The chief minister lost the Chamundeshwari seat by a big margin of 36,000 votes to JD(S) candidate. He just managed to scrape through on the other seat, Badami, where he won by mere 1,700 votes. Clearly the mandate was against the Congress and in favour of the BJP. The inherent contradictions of the alliance were too hot for Kumaraswamy to handle. The role of Siddaramaiah, who doesn’t share a great rapport with the Gowda family, is also being questioned. Many rebel MLAs belong to his camp. It is rumoured that he was not in favour of the alliance and playing second fiddle to Kumaraswamy. Many Congressmen in hushed tones blamed the alliance with JD(S) for performing poorly in the Lok Sabha elections and were not in favour of continuing with it. There are three options before the Governor: (i) inviting BJP to form the government, (ii) keeping the house in suspended animation (President’s Rule) for some time and later explore options (iii) ordering fresh polls. However, he is likely to go with the first option and rightly so as the original mandate was pro-BJP. Re-elections would lead to significant expenditure at the cost of taxpayers. The BJP, after its record performance in Lok Sabha polls, where it won 25 out of 28 seats, might have been tempted to go for fresh elections. BJP was leading in 169 out of 224 assembly constituencies, as per Lok Sabha trends. Even after discounting the national elections, the Modi factor of 20%, BJP would still end up with 130+ seats, as per any safe calculation. This would have eliminated the dependence of BJP on rebel MLAs. However, all MLAs would not have been happy at the prospect of facing the people again in just over a year’s time. Also, BJP strongman BS Yeddyurrapa wouldn’t have liked it either. He played a crucial role in BJP’s Lok Sabha performance and has waited patiently for his turn. The influential Lingayat leader is credited with the installation of the first BJP government in south India. The track record of the earlier Yeddyurappa government suggests it won’t be easy for the BJP. Managing the aspirations of rebels as well as 30 odd ex-ministers in the BJP legislative party will require deft handling. Many MLAs in Karnataka have a history of hopping from one party to another, regardless of ideology for the sake of power. The party also needs to instal a Speaker of their choice. BSY, at 76, is above the threshold limit of the party. The BJP needs to find a substitute soon under whom it would contest the 2023 polls. BJP adds another state in its kitty. However, it’s not going to be smooth sailing. Restoring the collapsed governance structure should be the top priority of Yeddyurappa, but whether he gets time from party politics remains to be seen. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Another opportunistic alliance in Karnataka comes to an end

Senior BJP leaders from Karnataka will be reaching the national capital by Thursday to discuss the party's next move with top party leadership in the wake of the collapse of JD (S) - Congress coalition government in the state.

The leaders including former Chief Minister Jagdish Shettar, J Crew Madhuswamy, Arvind Limbawali and some others will be meeting BJP Chief Amit Shah and working President J P Nadda in Delhi, sources said on Wednesday.

After the fall of HD Kumaraswamy government, the state BJP is willing to stake claim to form the next government under the leadership of former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa but the central leadership seems to be in no hurry.

They want to clear the move of staking claim only after it gets assured of a comfortable situation.

The move seems to be a part of party's strategy in view of various issues involved in the political situation arising out of the rebellion by more than 15 MLAs of Congress and JD(S) that led to the fall of the coalition government.

The central leadership of the party has not taken any decision so far on government formation.

"We are going to stake a claim. There is no doubt about it. It may take some time," a senior BJP leader told ANI.

One of the reasons the central BJP leadership is not rushing into any decision is because of the possibility of bye-elections in more than 15 Assembly seats if the resignations of the rebel MLAs are accepted or they are disqualified. In such a case, the BJP may have to win a considerable number of them to secure a comfortable majority.

Yeddyurappa, however, is trying to convince the leadership that winning majority of seats would not be much of a problem and in case the need arises there are more Congress and JD(S) MLAs who are willing to resign and fight on BJP's ticket.

He claims that some of the Congress-JD(S) leaders are in touch with him and are eager to cross over.

Yeddyurappa, according to sources, is claiming the Chief Minister's post as he is already the leader of the Legislature Party in the state Assembly and also the chief of the Karnataka BJP unit.

With the collapse of the coalition government after Tuesday's trust vote, it was expected that the BJP will stake claim to form the next government within 24 hours.

Yeddyurappa on Wednesday had said that he is waiting for instructions from his party leadership on the formation of the party government in Karnataka following the fall of the JD(S)-Congress coalition government.

However, the central leadership has not yet given its green signal.

The Congress-JD (S) government collapsed after it lost the vote of confidence, garnering 99 votes against the 105 to the BJP. However, 15 rebel MLAs, 3 independents and 2 absentee Congress MLAs are still part of the House.

Senior BJP leaders from Karnataka will be reaching the national capital by Thursday to discuss the party's next move with top party leadership in the wake of the collapse of JD (S) - Congress coalition government in the state.

Senior BJP leaders from Karnataka will be reaching the national capital by Thursday to discuss the party's next move with top party leadership in the wake of the collapse of JD (S) - Congress coalition government in the state. The leaders including former Chief Minister Jagdish Shettar, J Crew Madhuswamy, Arvind Limbawali and some others will be meeting BJP Chief Amit Shah and working President J P Nadda in Delhi, sources said on Wednesday. After the fall of HD Kumaraswamy government, the state BJP is willing to stake claim to form the next government under the leadership of former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa but the central leadership seems to be in no hurry. They want to clear the move of staking claim only after it gets assured of a comfortable situation. The move seems to be a part of party's strategy in view of various issues involved in the political situation arising out of the rebellion by more than 15 MLAs of Congress and JD(S) that led to the fall of the coalition government. The central leadership of the party has not taken any decision so far on government formation. "We are going to stake a claim. There is no doubt about it. It may take some time," a senior BJP leader told ANI. One of the reasons the central BJP leadership is not rushing into any decision is because of the possibility of bye-elections in more than 15 Assembly seats if the resignations of the rebel MLAs are accepted or they are disqualified. In such a case, the BJP may have to win a considerable number of them to secure a comfortable majority. Yeddyurappa, however, is trying to convince the leadership that winning majority of seats would not be much of a problem and in case the need arises there are more Congress and JD(S) MLAs who are willing to resign and fight on BJP's ticket. He claims that some of the Congress-JD(S) leaders are in touch with him and are eager to cross over. Yeddyurappa, according to sources, is claiming the Chief Minister's post as he is already the leader of the Legislature Party in the state Assembly and also the chief of the Karnataka BJP unit. With the collapse of the coalition government after Tuesday's trust vote, it was expected that the BJP will stake claim to form the next government within 24 hours. Yeddyurappa on Wednesday had said that he is waiting for instructions from his party leadership on the formation of the party government in Karnataka following the fall of the JD(S)-Congress coalition government. However, the central leadership has not yet given its green signal. The Congress-JD (S) government collapsed after it lost the vote of confidence, garnering 99 votes against the 105 to the BJP. However, 15 rebel MLAs, 3 independents and 2 absentee Congress MLAs are still part of the House.

Senior BJP leaders from Karnataka to meet Amit Shah, J P Nadda in Delhi 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kumaraswamys-congress-jds-government-loses-floor-test-in-karnataka-assembly-237989">Karnataka Assembly</a> Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday said that he is still looking into the resignations submitted by rebel MLAs belonging to Congress and JD(S).

"I cannot discuss the judicial proceedings with the media but I am still going through the resignations. I respect<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-allows-karnataka-rebel-mlas-to-withdraw-petition-on-trust-vote-238369"> Supreme Court</a> very much. They have given me the discretion and I will live up to their expectations," he said.

Answering a question on the criteria under which the resignations will be accepted, the Speaker said that it is all laid down in the law and accordingly the decision will be taken.

"I don`t know. The trust vote has been put (to vote) and with the rest, I have nothing to do with it," he said on senior<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-bjp-leaders-meet-amit-shah-and-jp-nadda-discuss-government-formation-238344"> Karnataka BJP leaders </a>meeting Home Minister Amit Shah today in Delhi.

A Karnataka BJP delegation met with Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss the future course of action in Karnataka.&nbsp;

Among those present at the meeting were Jagadish Shettar, Basavaraj Bommai, Arvind Limbavali and J C Madhuswamy.

Speaking to ANI before going for the meeting, senior BJP leader Aravind Limbavali said, "We are here to take guidance from the central leadership for the formation of the new government. We will discuss the strategies and an action plan."

The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly.&nbsp;

Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers.

The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls.&nbsp;

Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday said that he is still looking into the resignations submitted by rebel MLAs belonging to Congress and JD(S).

Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday said that he is still looking into the resignations submitted by rebel MLAs belonging to Congress and JD(S). "I cannot discuss the judicial proceedings with the media but I am still going through the resignations. I respect Supreme Court very much. They have given me the discretion and I will live up to their expectations," he said. Answering a question on the criteria under which the resignations will be accepted, the Speaker said that it is all laid down in the law and accordingly the decision will be taken. "I don`t know. The trust vote has been put (to vote) and with the rest, I have nothing to do with it," he said on senior Karnataka BJP leaders meeting Home Minister Amit Shah today in Delhi. A Karnataka BJP delegation met with Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss the future course of action in Karnataka. Among those present at the meeting were Jagadish Shettar, Basavaraj Bommai, Arvind Limbavali and J C Madhuswamy. Speaking to ANI before going for the meeting, senior BJP leader Aravind Limbavali said, "We are here to take guidance from the central leadership for the formation of the new government. We will discuss the strategies and an action plan." The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers. The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls.

Still going through resignations: Karnataka Speaker on rebel MLAs

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed two Independent Karnataka MLAs to withdraw their petition with respect to the floor test in the Assembly after the Congress-JD(S) government lost the trust vote.

&nbsp;A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi passed the order after the lawmakers -- H Nagesh and R Shankar -- pleaded to withdraw it. In the petition, the duo, who had earlier withdrew their support to the Congress-JD (S) government in Karnataka, sought a direction to conclude the floor test in the state Assembly.&nbsp;

The legislators had made Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, outgoing Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, and the central government respondents in their petition.&nbsp;

Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, representing Kumaraswamy, told the apex court that he has no objection to the withdrawal of the petition. During the course of proceeding, the Chief Justice pulled up Mukul Rohatgi, the counsel for the rebel lawmakers, for his absence from the courtroom for the second consecutive day.&nbsp;

The top court had adjourned the matter over his absence, yesterday. "When the court wants counsel to be present, he is not present. But, when he wants an urgent listing he is present 11pm, wants midnight hearing at 2am, 3am and what not...," the court said.&nbsp;

The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers.&nbsp;

The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed two Independent Karnataka MLAs to withdraw their petition with respect to the floor test in the Assembly after the Congress-JD(S) government lost the trust vote.

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed two Independent Karnataka MLAs to withdraw their petition with respect to the floor test in the Assembly after the Congress-JD(S) government lost the trust vote. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi passed the order after the lawmakers -- H Nagesh and R Shankar -- pleaded to withdraw it. In the petition, the duo, who had earlier withdrew their support to the Congress-JD (S) government in Karnataka, sought a direction to conclude the floor test in the state Assembly. The legislators had made Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, outgoing Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, and the central government respondents in their petition. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, representing Kumaraswamy, told the apex court that he has no objection to the withdrawal of the petition. During the course of proceeding, the Chief Justice pulled up Mukul Rohatgi, the counsel for the rebel lawmakers, for his absence from the courtroom for the second consecutive day. The top court had adjourned the matter over his absence, yesterday. "When the court wants counsel to be present, he is not present. But, when he wants an urgent listing he is present 11pm, wants midnight hearing at 2am, 3am and what not...," the court said. The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers. The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls.

Supreme Court allows Karnataka Independent MLAs to withdraw petition on trust vote

A day after outgoing&nbsp;Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kumaraswamys-congress-jds-government-loses-floor-test-in-karnataka-assembly-237989"> failed to prove the majority</a> of Congress-JD(S) government in the Assembly, JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda on Wednesday&nbsp;alleged that he hasn't seen this kind of horse-trading before.

"The way in which things have happened in Karnataka, I have never seen in my political career. The way in which a national party, BJP leadership allowed this type of horse-trading, I have never seen in my life," he said.

Deve Gowda also said that he doesn't blame anyone, from Congress or JD(S), for the failure of the coalition government in Karnataka.

"There is no difference of opinion between the two parties, Congress &amp; Janata Dal (Secular), one is a national party, another is a regional party. We have no regret of having the last coalition govt. We are not accusing anyone, including the former Chief Minister &amp; other senior ministers," he added.

The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion.

The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

A day after outgoing Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy failed to prove the majority of Congress-JD(S) government in the Assembly, JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda on Wednesday alleged that he hasn't seen this kind of horse-trading before.

A day after outgoing Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy failed to prove the majority of Congress-JD(S) government in the Assembly, JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda on Wednesday alleged that he hasn't seen this kind of horse-trading before. "The way in which things have happened in Karnataka, I have never seen in my political career. The way in which a national party, BJP leadership allowed this type of horse-trading, I have never seen in my life," he said. Deve Gowda also said that he doesn't blame anyone, from Congress or JD(S), for the failure of the coalition government in Karnataka. "There is no difference of opinion between the two parties, Congress & Janata Dal (Secular), one is a national party, another is a regional party. We have no regret of having the last coalition govt. We are not accusing anyone, including the former Chief Minister & other senior ministers," he added. The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion. The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. (With inputs from ANI)

No differences with Congress, says JD(S) chief Deve Gowda after trust vote defeat

The lone BSP MLA N Mahesh in Karnataka, who was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bahujan-samaj-party-expels-lone-karnataka-mla-for-abstaining-from-trust-vote-238053">expelled from the party </a>for not voting in support of the on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kumaraswamys-congress-jds-government-loses-floor-test-in-karnataka-assembly-237989">trust motion in the Assembly</a>, claimed on Wednesday that his party high command had asked him to abstain from voting and remain neutral.

He also said he will not support the BJP government and would remain neutral.

"I came to know about it today and that is why I have come here to clarify that. Our party in charge M P Ashok Siddharth told me to abstain from voting, keep neutral and don`t support any party. That was the instruction given to me and accordingly, I got myself absent," he told ANI reacting to his expulsion from the party on Wednesday.

To a question on BSP supremo Mayawati expelling him from the party for not supporting the coalition government, Mahesh said, "I don`t know that and today only I came to know about it."

"I have not violated any discipline or Behenji`s (Mayawati`s) order," he said.

"I have not violated anything. According to directions of the high command I got myself absent, keeping neutral." he added.&nbsp;

When asked whether he was surprised by the expulsion, Mahesh said, "It is surprising for me as I have not violated anything."

To a question, did you speak to Mayawati? he said, "No Today I came back. I was away from Bengaluru for nearly one week. I was in my constituency. So today morning I came to know that I am expelled."

"It may be a miscommunication. I have got all justice from my party. I will stay in BSP today and tomorrow," he added.

"I will not support the BJP. Let them form the government, I will keep neutral," he said when asked whether he will support the BJP to form the government in the state.&nbsp;

Yesterday, BSP had expelled Mahesh for abstaining from voting on the trust motion, despite being directed by the party high command to vote in favour of the Congress-JD(S) coalition.

"Despite directions from party high command to vote in favour of HD Kumaraswamy, BSP MLA N Mahesh did not attend the trust vote and violated directions, which is an act of indiscipline. Party has taken this seriously and expelled him with immediate effect," BSP supremo Mayawati tweeted.

Mahesh was not present in the Assembly during the trust vote, which was moved by Kumaraswamy.

The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion.

The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition.

Ahead of the trust vote, Mayawati had on Sunday directed Mahesh to vote in support of the coalition.

The lone BSP MLA N Mahesh in Karnataka, who was expelled from the party for not voting in support of the on the trust motion in the Assembly, claimed on Wednesday that his party high command had asked him to abstain from voting and remain neutral.

The lone BSP MLA N Mahesh in Karnataka, who was expelled from the party for not voting in support of the on the trust motion in the Assembly, claimed on Wednesday that his party high command had asked him to abstain from voting and remain neutral. He also said he will not support the BJP government and would remain neutral. "I came to know about it today and that is why I have come here to clarify that. Our party in charge M P Ashok Siddharth told me to abstain from voting, keep neutral and don`t support any party. That was the instruction given to me and accordingly, I got myself absent," he told ANI reacting to his expulsion from the party on Wednesday. To a question on BSP supremo Mayawati expelling him from the party for not supporting the coalition government, Mahesh said, "I don`t know that and today only I came to know about it." "I have not violated any discipline or Behenji`s (Mayawati`s) order," he said. "I have not violated anything. According to directions of the high command I got myself absent, keeping neutral." he added. When asked whether he was surprised by the expulsion, Mahesh said, "It is surprising for me as I have not violated anything." To a question, did you speak to Mayawati? he said, "No Today I came back. I was away from Bengaluru for nearly one week. I was in my constituency. So today morning I came to know that I am expelled." "It may be a miscommunication. I have got all justice from my party. I will stay in BSP today and tomorrow," he added. "I will not support the BJP. Let them form the government, I will keep neutral," he said when asked whether he will support the BJP to form the government in the state. Yesterday, BSP had expelled Mahesh for abstaining from voting on the trust motion, despite being directed by the party high command to vote in favour of the Congress-JD(S) coalition. "Despite directions from party high command to vote in favour of HD Kumaraswamy, BSP MLA N Mahesh did not attend the trust vote and violated directions, which is an act of indiscipline. Party has taken this seriously and expelled him with immediate effect," BSP supremo Mayawati tweeted. Mahesh was not present in the Assembly during the trust vote, which was moved by Kumaraswamy. The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion. The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. Ahead of the trust vote, Mayawati had on Sunday directed Mahesh to vote in support of the coalition.

I was told by party high command to abstain from voting: Karnataka BSP MLA

The exit of Congress-JD (S) coalition government in Karnataka has paved the way for the BJP into power corridors of the state. Following this win its state unit president BS Yeddyurappa is likely to stake claim to form the government, if accomplished, it would be his fourth stint as Chief Minister of the State.

The 76-year-old Yeddyurappa first took over as the chief minister of Karnataka in 2007, but could not hold on to the post for mere seven days after the JD(S) withdrew support and the President's rule was imposed in the state. He again made way to the coveted post in 2008 but again owing to corruption charges failed to complete a full term.

During his second term, he held the post from May 2008 to July 2011. He had to resign following the accusations of corruption charges in illegal land deregulation notification scam.

Thereafter in 2012, he formed a new party "Karnataka Praja Paksha" but rejoined the BJP before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in which he got elected from Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency.

In 2018, the BJP veteran again jostled his way to the top post in the state but could not rule the state more than a week as his party failed to garner a majority.

Right after the defeat of the Congress-JD(S) government in the trust vote in the Assembly on Tuesday, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy proceeded to the Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation to the Governor Vajubhai Vala.

Vala accepted Kumaraswamy's resignation and asked him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister till the new government takes over.

The confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition leading to its defeat.

This brought an end to the 12-day high-voltage political drama which had begun in the state with the resignation of over a dozen rebel MLAs to Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday said BJP will stake claim to form the government in Karnataka after taking guidance from the central leadership.

The defeat marks the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) fought each other in the polls. There were differences between the coalition partners that often came to the surface but they carried on against the threat of BJP.

The exit of Congress-JD (S) coalition government in Karnataka has paved the way for the BJP into power corridors of the state. Following this win its state unit president BS Yeddyurappa is likely to stake claim to form the government, if accomplished, it would be his fourth stint as Chief Minister of the State.

The exit of Congress-JD (S) coalition government in Karnataka has paved the way for the BJP into power corridors of the state. Following this win its state unit president BS Yeddyurappa is likely to stake claim to form the government, if accomplished, it would be his fourth stint as Chief Minister of the State. The 76-year-old Yeddyurappa first took over as the chief minister of Karnataka in 2007, but could not hold on to the post for mere seven days after the JD(S) withdrew support and the President's rule was imposed in the state. He again made way to the coveted post in 2008 but again owing to corruption charges failed to complete a full term. During his second term, he held the post from May 2008 to July 2011. He had to resign following the accusations of corruption charges in illegal land deregulation notification scam. Thereafter in 2012, he formed a new party "Karnataka Praja Paksha" but rejoined the BJP before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in which he got elected from Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency. In 2018, the BJP veteran again jostled his way to the top post in the state but could not rule the state more than a week as his party failed to garner a majority. Right after the defeat of the Congress-JD(S) government in the trust vote in the Assembly on Tuesday, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy proceeded to the Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation to the Governor Vajubhai Vala. Vala accepted Kumaraswamy's resignation and asked him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister till the new government takes over. The confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition leading to its defeat. This brought an end to the 12-day high-voltage political drama which had begun in the state with the resignation of over a dozen rebel MLAs to Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday said BJP will stake claim to form the government in Karnataka after taking guidance from the central leadership. The defeat marks the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) fought each other in the polls. There were differences between the coalition partners that often came to the surface but they carried on against the threat of BJP.

With BJP to form government in Karnataka, Yeddyurappa set to be chief minister for fourth time

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala accepted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grateful-for-opportunity-to-govern-kumaraswamy-after-losing-trust-vote-in-karnataka-assembly-238017">H D Kumaraswamy`s resignation</a> on Tuesday night and asked him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister till the new government takes over.

Accepting the resignation with immediate effect, the Governor, in his letter to Kumaraswamy, wrote, "Until alternative arrangements are made kindly continue as a caretaker Chief Minister. It is needless to state that no executive decisions be taken during this period."&nbsp;

Right after the defeat of the Congress-JD(S) government in the trust vote in the Assembly, Kumaraswamy had proceeded to the Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation.

Earlier, BJP state president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-the-victory-of-democracy-bs-yeddyurappa-on-winning-trust-vote-in-karnataka-assembly-238012">BS Yeddyurappa</a> said, "It is the victory of democracy. People were fed up with the H D Kumaraswamy government. I want to assure the people of Karnataka that a new era of development will start now onwards."

The confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition leading to its defeat.

Watch:&nbsp;Congress-JD(S) govt falls as Kumaraswamy loses trust vote

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/congress-jds-govt-falls-as-kumaraswamy-loses-trust-vote-238009/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This brought an end to the 12-day high-voltage political drama which had begun in the state with the resignation of over a dozen rebel MLAs to Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala accepted H D Kumaraswamy`s resignation on Tuesday night and asked him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister till the new government takes over.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala accepted H D Kumaraswamy`s resignation on Tuesday night and asked him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister till the new government takes over. Accepting the resignation with immediate effect, the Governor, in his letter to Kumaraswamy, wrote, "Until alternative arrangements are made kindly continue as a caretaker Chief Minister. It is needless to state that no executive decisions be taken during this period." Right after the defeat of the Congress-JD(S) government in the trust vote in the Assembly, Kumaraswamy had proceeded to the Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation. Earlier, BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa said, "It is the victory of democracy. People were fed up with the H D Kumaraswamy government. I want to assure the people of Karnataka that a new era of development will start now onwards." The confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition leading to its defeat. Watch: Congress-JD(S) govt falls as Kumaraswamy loses trust vote This brought an end to the 12-day high-voltage political drama which had begun in the state with the resignation of over a dozen rebel MLAs to Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala accepts Kumaraswamy's resignation after Congress-JD(S) loses trust vote

After a dramatic 23 days, the precariously placed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kumaraswamys-congress-jds-government-loses-floor-test-in-karnataka-assembly-237989">HD Kumaraswamy government</a> in Karnataka collapsed, bringing down the first Congress state government after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphatic win in May 2019.&nbsp;

The government that had the support of 119 MLAs up till June, came crashing down when 16 MLAs resigned in a week in July.

After many delays, mostly intentional, the coalition government lost the trust vote with 99 MLAs as opposed to 105 with the BJP.&nbsp;

With the absence of 20 MLAs the house strength was down to 204 making 103 the magic number. The missing MLAs included 12 rebel Congress MLAs, 3 rebel JD(S) MLAs, 2 Congress MLAs who are unwell and undergoing treatment, 2 Independents and 1 BSP MLA.&nbsp;

Celebrations broke out at BJP office in Bengaluru with supporters sloganeering in favour of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-the-victory-of-democracy-bs-yeddyurappa-on-winning-trust-vote-in-karnataka-assembly-238012">BJP State Chief BS Yeddyurappa</a>.&nbsp;

''It is the victory of democracy. People were fed up of the Kumaraswamy government. I want to assure people of Karnataka, that a new era of development will start. Farmers suffering due to drought and other factors will be given importance,'' said Yeddyurappa who is set to take over as the next Chief Minister. BJP is expected to stake claim to the government over the next few days.&nbsp;

''I thank the people of the state for giving me an opportunity to govern'' said HD Kumaraswamy, smiling at the media, probably for the first time since he took over as Chief Minister.&nbsp;

On the contrary, a visibly upset Siddaramaiah alleged the BJP had won the trust vote by means of horsetrading.&nbsp;

''Everyone absent is because of them(BJP). They have been kept in wrongful confinement and that is the reason they did not come. It is a betrayal of democracy. This is a conspiracy by BJP to gain power. They have lured them with promises and done horsetrading and won this trust vote. BJP did not have the mandate. They have won 104 seats'' said Siddaramaiah, CLP leader.&nbsp;

The collapse of the government doesn't just put an end to the uncertainty in the state's administration, but could also lead to the rebel MLAs finally returning from Maharashtra.&nbsp;

''The result is finally out. There was uncertainty. But we were all hopeful that the government will collapse. We are in Pune and we will return soon... This government was serving only a few people,'' said rebel MLA H Vishwanath, while speaking to a local channel.&nbsp;

14 MLAs have been holed up in Pune fearing threats and coercion from the coalition leaders over the last two weeks. Soon after the test vote results, the Bahujan Samaj Party expelled it's lone MLA from Karnataka N Mahesh.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/congress-jds-govt-falls-as-kumaraswamy-loses-trust-vote-238009/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Despite party chief Mayawati's directions to support the coalition, Mahesh remained absent leading to his expulsion.&nbsp;

However, it is not going to be smooth sailing for the next few months. After the resignations are accepted, Karnataka will witness by-polls in the 15 constituencies.&nbsp;

Also, they face the threat of being disqualified for violating the whip, despite the Supreme Court order ensuring they were not compelled to attend the session. The results of these by-polls could further complicate matters in the assembly where BJP currently has 107 MLAs in its favour.&nbsp;

In full strength, a government will need the support of a 113 MLAs to survive.

After a dramatic 23 days, the precariously placed HD Kumaraswamy government in Karnataka collapsed, bringing down the first Congress state government after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphatic win in May 2019.

After a dramatic 23 days, the precariously placed HD Kumaraswamy government in Karnataka collapsed, bringing down the first Congress state government after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphatic win in May 2019. The government that had the support of 119 MLAs up till June, came crashing down when 16 MLAs resigned in a week in July. After many delays, mostly intentional, the coalition government lost the trust vote with 99 MLAs as opposed to 105 with the BJP. With the absence of 20 MLAs the house strength was down to 204 making 103 the magic number. The missing MLAs included 12 rebel Congress MLAs, 3 rebel JD(S) MLAs, 2 Congress MLAs who are unwell and undergoing treatment, 2 Independents and 1 BSP MLA. Celebrations broke out at BJP office in Bengaluru with supporters sloganeering in favour of BJP State Chief BS Yeddyurappa. ''It is the victory of democracy. People were fed up of the Kumaraswamy government. I want to assure people of Karnataka, that a new era of development will start. Farmers suffering due to drought and other factors will be given importance,'' said Yeddyurappa who is set to take over as the next Chief Minister. BJP is expected to stake claim to the government over the next few days. ''I thank the people of the state for giving me an opportunity to govern'' said HD Kumaraswamy, smiling at the media, probably for the first time since he took over as Chief Minister. On the contrary, a visibly upset Siddaramaiah alleged the BJP had won the trust vote by means of horsetrading. ''Everyone absent is because of them(BJP). They have been kept in wrongful confinement and that is the reason they did not come. It is a betrayal of democracy. This is a conspiracy by BJP to gain power. They have lured them with promises and done horsetrading and won this trust vote. BJP did not have the mandate. They have won 104 seats'' said Siddaramaiah, CLP leader. The collapse of the government doesn't just put an end to the uncertainty in the state's administration, but could also lead to the rebel MLAs finally returning from Maharashtra. ''The result is finally out. There was uncertainty. But we were all hopeful that the government will collapse. We are in Pune and we will return soon... This government was serving only a few people,'' said rebel MLA H Vishwanath, while speaking to a local channel. 14 MLAs have been holed up in Pune fearing threats and coercion from the coalition leaders over the last two weeks. Soon after the test vote results, the Bahujan Samaj Party expelled it's lone MLA from Karnataka N Mahesh. Despite party chief Mayawati's directions to support the coalition, Mahesh remained absent leading to his expulsion. However, it is not going to be smooth sailing for the next few months. After the resignations are accepted, Karnataka will witness by-polls in the 15 constituencies. Also, they face the threat of being disqualified for violating the whip, despite the Supreme Court order ensuring they were not compelled to attend the session. The results of these by-polls could further complicate matters in the assembly where BJP currently has 107 MLAs in its favour. In full strength, a government will need the support of a 113 MLAs to survive.

Grateful for opportunity to govern: Kumaraswamy after losing trust vote in Karnataka Assembly

The 14-month-old Congress-JDS government in Karnataka collapsed on Tuesday as CM HD Kumaraswamy lost the trust vote which was held after days of political drama. “It’s unfortunate,” said Kumaraswamy after the motion of confidence moved by him was defeated by 99 to 105 votes. There was no cross-voting by coalition MLAs. As BJP’s BS Yeddyurappa prepares to stake claim to form new government, the Governor is likely to ask Kumaraswamy to stay till the new dispensation is not in place.

Congress-JDS govt falls as Kumaraswamy loses trust vote

After clashes between BJP and Congress workers were reported in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening, the police declared the imposition of Section 144 across the city. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) prevents the assembly of five or more people at one spot.

Section 144 Imposed in Bengaluru for Next 48 Hours After Clashes Between BJP-Congress Workers

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kumaraswamy-led-govt-in-karnataka-in-trouble-as-11-ruling-party-lawmakers-resign-233558"> political drama in Karnataka</a> entered its fourth week on Monday with the Congress-JD(S) coalition government employing all tactics to delay the trust vote.

After a long day replete with repetitive arguments and noisy disruptions that went up to 11.45pm, the Speaker finally adjourned the house to 10am on Tuesday.

It is now decided that the discussions will conclude by 4pm followed by CM'S response, eventually concluding the trust vote by 6pm.

A disappointed BJP lashed out at the Speaker for delaying the trust vote by another day. 'Is there no value for our demands at all?' questioned an emotional Madhu Swamy, BJP leader.

'It was a long discussion during which lot of members presented their views. Many members are yet to speak on the trust vote. That is the reason the trust vote has been delayed by another day. It will be completed tomorrow' said Eshwar Khandre, Congress leader.

The Congress and JD(S) are hopeful for a favourable decision from the Supreme Court on clarity sought over the effectiveness of party whip that has been issued for the trust vote.

The Supreme Court in its order last week had said the rebel MLAs were not compelled to attend the session, essentially insulating them from the whip.

If the party's right to issue a whip is upheld, the coalition plans to use it as a pressure tactic to lure back the MLAs with the threat of disqualification.

The petition is likely to be heard alongside another petition filed by the two independent MLAs who had sought the floor test to be conducted by the end of Monday.

Also, the Speaker's decision on the whip came as a shot in the arm to the struggling coalition on Monday.

'Karnataka Speaker has upheld the sanctity of the whip and says it’s applicable as per 10th schedule of the Constitution. He ruled that the Supreme Court interim order in no way protects the rebel MLAs if they violate the Whip' tweeted Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka Congress President.

By hook and by crook the coalition has managed to give itself another lease of life, albeit for just a day. Can it manage to survive the trust vote after the multiple delays? We will hopefully know on Tuesday.

The political drama in Karnataka entered its fourth week on Monday with the Congress-JD(S) coalition government employing all tactics to delay the trust vote. After a long day replete with repetitive arguments and noisy disruptions that went up to 11.

The political drama in Karnataka entered its fourth week on Monday with the Congress-JD(S) coalition government employing all tactics to delay the trust vote. After a long day replete with repetitive arguments and noisy disruptions that went up to 11.45pm, the Speaker finally adjourned the house to 10am on Tuesday. It is now decided that the discussions will conclude by 4pm followed by CM'S response, eventually concluding the trust vote by 6pm. A disappointed BJP lashed out at the Speaker for delaying the trust vote by another day. 'Is there no value for our demands at all?' questioned an emotional Madhu Swamy, BJP leader. 'It was a long discussion during which lot of members presented their views. Many members are yet to speak on the trust vote. That is the reason the trust vote has been delayed by another day. It will be completed tomorrow' said Eshwar Khandre, Congress leader. The Congress and JD(S) are hopeful for a favourable decision from the Supreme Court on clarity sought over the effectiveness of party whip that has been issued for the trust vote. The Supreme Court in its order last week had said the rebel MLAs were not compelled to attend the session, essentially insulating them from the whip. If the party's right to issue a whip is upheld, the coalition plans to use it as a pressure tactic to lure back the MLAs with the threat of disqualification. The petition is likely to be heard alongside another petition filed by the two independent MLAs who had sought the floor test to be conducted by the end of Monday. Also, the Speaker's decision on the whip came as a shot in the arm to the struggling coalition on Monday. 'Karnataka Speaker has upheld the sanctity of the whip and says it’s applicable as per 10th schedule of the Constitution. He ruled that the Supreme Court interim order in no way protects the rebel MLAs if they violate the Whip' tweeted Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka Congress President. By hook and by crook the coalition has managed to give itself another lease of life, albeit for just a day. Can it manage to survive the trust vote after the multiple delays? We will hopefully know on Tuesday.

Karnataka crisis: Trust vote in Vidhana Soudha expected to take place before 6pm today

The ruling coalition and the opposition MLAs were on Tuesday locked in a heated debate in the Assembly over the trust vote.

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah accused the BJP government of attempting to topple the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition using bribery and "wholesale trade" of rebel MLAs. Speaking in the proceeding in the Karnataka Assembly over the motion of confidence moved by chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, Siddaramaiah said, "This wholesale trade is a problem. If there is retail trade of one or two members then it's not a problem. The MLAs (rebel) who have gone have indulged in wholesale trade." "Rs 25 crore, 30 crore, 50 crore were offered, where is this money coming from?," Siddaramaiah questioned.

On Monday, the Congress-JDS and the BJP leaders continued to trade charges forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House till Tuesday without trust vote taking place. Following which, the Speaker had directed the chief minister to ensure that the ruling JD(S)-Congress alliance members completed the debate on his motion by 4pm on Tuesday and his own reply by 5pm so that the floor test could be held by 6pm by division of votes. 
 
Meanwhile, Bengaluru police imposed Section 144 across the city till Wednesday after Congress and BJP workers clashed outside an apartment on Race Course Road alleging that two Independent MLAs were lodged there.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court deferred the hearing till Wednesday on a plea filed by two Independent Karnataka MLAs seeking directions on the trust vote.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that it will hear the matter on Wednesday after Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu, representing Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, appeared optimistic and assured the court that the floor test might take place by the end of the day.

On Friday, the Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote. After which, chief minister Kumaraswamy 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.

The 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.

 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

The ruling coalition and the opposition MLAs were on Tuesday locked in a heated debate in the Assembly over the trust vote. Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah accused the BJP government of attempting to topple the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition using bribery and "wholesale trade" of rebel MLAs.

The ruling coalition and the opposition MLAs were on Tuesday locked in a heated debate in the Assembly over the trust vote. Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah accused the BJP government of attempting to topple the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition using bribery and "wholesale trade" of rebel MLAs. Speaking in the proceeding in the Karnataka Assembly over the motion of confidence moved by chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, Siddaramaiah said, "This wholesale trade is a problem. If there is retail trade of one or two members then it's not a problem. The MLAs (rebel) who have gone have indulged in wholesale trade." "Rs 25 crore, 30 crore, 50 crore were offered, where is this money coming from?," Siddaramaiah questioned. On Monday, the Congress-JDS and the BJP leaders continued to trade charges forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House till Tuesday without trust vote taking place. Following which, the Speaker had directed the chief minister to ensure that the ruling JD(S)-Congress alliance members completed the debate on his motion by 4pm on Tuesday and his own reply by 5pm so that the floor test could be held by 6pm by division of votes. Meanwhile, Bengaluru police imposed Section 144 across the city till Wednesday after Congress and BJP workers clashed outside an apartment on Race Course Road alleging that two Independent MLAs were lodged there. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court deferred the hearing till Wednesday on a plea filed by two Independent Karnataka MLAs seeking directions on the trust vote. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that it will hear the matter on Wednesday after Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu, representing Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, appeared optimistic and assured the court that the floor test might take place by the end of the day. On Friday, the Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote. After which, chief minister Kumaraswamy 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. The 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Karnataka crisis: Trust vote delayed again; Section 144 imposed across Bengaluru

The Supreme Court on Tuesday deferred the hearing till Wednesday on a plea filed by two Independent Karnataka MLAs seeking directions on the trust vote.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that it will hear the matter on Wednesday after Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu, representing Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, appeared optimistic and assured the court that the floor test might take place by the end of the day.

The two MLAs, H Nagesh and R Shankar, who withdrew support to the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka, have made state Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, and the Central government as respondents in their petition.&nbsp;

On Friday, the Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote.

After which, chief minister Kumaraswamy 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.

Last week, the Supreme Court had ruled that the Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh cannot be forced to decide on the resignations of 15 rebel MLAs within a time frame.

The top court also said that the 15 rebel MLAs cannot be compelled to participate in the Assembly proceedings or the trust vote on Thursday.

Karnataka government has been reduced to a minority in the Assembly after 16 rebel legislators resigned and 2 Independents withdrew support to it. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday deferred the hearing till Wednesday on a plea filed by two Independent Karnataka MLAs seeking directions on the trust vote. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that it will hear the matter on Wednesday after Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu, representing Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, appeared optimistic and assured the court that the floor test might take place by the end of the day.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday deferred the hearing till Wednesday on a plea filed by two Independent Karnataka MLAs seeking directions on the trust vote. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that it will hear the matter on Wednesday after Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu, representing Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, appeared optimistic and assured the court that the floor test might take place by the end of the day. The two MLAs, H Nagesh and R Shankar, who withdrew support to the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka, have made state Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, and the Central government as respondents in their petition. On Friday, the Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote. After which, chief minister Kumaraswamy 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. Last week, the Supreme Court had ruled that the Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh cannot be forced to decide on the resignations of 15 rebel MLAs within a time frame. The top court also said that the 15 rebel MLAs cannot be compelled to participate in the Assembly proceedings or the trust vote on Thursday. Karnataka government has been reduced to a minority in the Assembly after 16 rebel legislators resigned and 2 Independents withdrew support to it. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court defers hearing on plea filed by Karnataka Independent MLAs seeking trust vote

The ruling coalition and the opposition MLAs were on Monday locked in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-security-beefed-up-around-vidhana-soudha-ahead-of-trust-vote-237568">heated debate in the Assembly</a> over whether the vote on the confidence motion should be taken up tonight or tomorrow.

Leader of Oppositions BS Yeddyurappa demanded that the motion should be put to vote as "we are prepared to sit till midnight for the same" in the Assembly.

This was objected by the Congress MLAs, who started shouting slogans.

Congress MLA HK Patil informed the House about a pending court case and said that a debate should be done after this.

"After the Supreme Court takes a decision tomorrow, then it'll be right to speak and debate on this issue (trust vote)," Patil said.

However, his suggestion was strongly objected by Speaker KR Ramesh, who said, "Don't push me to a point where I will have to make a decision without asking you. The consequences will be disastrous."

Speaking in the Assembly, Madhu Swamy, MLA from Chiknayakanhalli constituency, stressed on trust vote, irrespective of presence or absence of rebel MLAs.

"It's not our duty to prove the numbers but it's their choice. It doesn't matter if the rebels will come or won't. SC is well aware of the no-confidence motion," he said.

"We could have questioned them but we didn't. We could have argued regarding the Whip applying to the rebels or not. But we didn't. We are against the matters, which are seized up in the SC," added Swamy.

Addressing the House after BJP lawmaker, Public Works Minister H D Revanna said: "CM had moved the trust vote motion. We're not dragging it but it's the BJP. We didn't go to the SC but it was the rebels. They said we cannot compel the MLAs to come for the Session and Siddaramaiah has spoken about our issues."

BJP lawmaker Madhu Swamy then urged the House to finish the trust vote by today itself.

"Please finish it today to save everyone's dignity," he said.

To this, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy responded sharply: "What do you mean by saving everyone's dignity? What have we done? We got to know everything about yourself this morning."

Later while speaking to reporters, Congress leader DK Shivakumar said, "The Speaker has served notice to rebel MLAs, giving them time till 11 am tomorrow. BJP is trying to convince them that they won't be disqualified and they will be made ministers. As per the Constitution of India, you can't be made a member once you are disqualified."

The ruling coalition and the opposition MLAs were on Monday locked in a heated debate in the Assembly over whether the vote on the confidence motion should be taken up tonight or tomorrow.

The ruling coalition and the opposition MLAs were on Monday locked in a heated debate in the Assembly over whether the vote on the confidence motion should be taken up tonight or tomorrow. Leader of Oppositions BS Yeddyurappa demanded that the motion should be put to vote as "we are prepared to sit till midnight for the same" in the Assembly. This was objected by the Congress MLAs, who started shouting slogans. Congress MLA HK Patil informed the House about a pending court case and said that a debate should be done after this. "After the Supreme Court takes a decision tomorrow, then it'll be right to speak and debate on this issue (trust vote)," Patil said. However, his suggestion was strongly objected by Speaker KR Ramesh, who said, "Don't push me to a point where I will have to make a decision without asking you. The consequences will be disastrous." Speaking in the Assembly, Madhu Swamy, MLA from Chiknayakanhalli constituency, stressed on trust vote, irrespective of presence or absence of rebel MLAs. "It's not our duty to prove the numbers but it's their choice. It doesn't matter if the rebels will come or won't. SC is well aware of the no-confidence motion," he said. "We could have questioned them but we didn't. We could have argued regarding the Whip applying to the rebels or not. But we didn't. We are against the matters, which are seized up in the SC," added Swamy. Addressing the House after BJP lawmaker, Public Works Minister H D Revanna said: "CM had moved the trust vote motion. We're not dragging it but it's the BJP. We didn't go to the SC but it was the rebels. They said we cannot compel the MLAs to come for the Session and Siddaramaiah has spoken about our issues." BJP lawmaker Madhu Swamy then urged the House to finish the trust vote by today itself. "Please finish it today to save everyone's dignity," he said. To this, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy responded sharply: "What do you mean by saving everyone's dignity? What have we done? We got to know everything about yourself this morning." Later while speaking to reporters, Congress leader DK Shivakumar said, "The Speaker has served notice to rebel MLAs, giving them time till 11 am tomorrow. BJP is trying to convince them that they won't be disqualified and they will be made ministers. As per the Constitution of India, you can't be made a member once you are disqualified."

Karnataka crisis: Ruling and Opposition MLAs lock horns over trust vote; Session to continue till midnight

Ahead of the floor test of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, security has been beefed up around Vidhana Soudha.

Adequate security has been deployed at Vidhana Soudha and Raj Bhavan road.

Both the BJP and the Congress leaders simultaneously held legislative party meetings in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Also, ahead of the trust vote, the BJP is scheduled to convene another parliamentary party meeting today. BJP MLAs, who are lodged at Ramada Hotel, Bengaluru, were spotted performing Yoga today.

In an attempt to persuade rebel MLAs, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday appealed them to attend the Assembly Session and explain how the BJP allegedly sabotaged democratic edifice and "destroyed its sanctity".With Karnataka Assembly scheduled to take confidence motion on Monday, all eyes are now stuck on the proceedings of the day particularly in the backdrop of BJP alleging the Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar of dragging his feet on the floor test.

On Friday, the Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote. After that, Chief Minister Kumaraswamy moved to Supreme Court challenging the Governor`s directive to the government saying it violated well-settled law laid down by the court.

On the other hand, two independent Karnataka MLAs on Sunday moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to conclude a floor test in the state Assembly on Monday before 5 pm.

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.&nbsp;

Ahead of the floor test of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, security has been beefed up around Vidhana Soudha. Adequate security has been deployed at Vidhana Soudha and Raj Bhavan road.

Ahead of the floor test of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, security has been beefed up around Vidhana Soudha. Adequate security has been deployed at Vidhana Soudha and Raj Bhavan road. Both the BJP and the Congress leaders simultaneously held legislative party meetings in Bengaluru on Sunday. Also, ahead of the trust vote, the BJP is scheduled to convene another parliamentary party meeting today. BJP MLAs, who are lodged at Ramada Hotel, Bengaluru, were spotted performing Yoga today. In an attempt to persuade rebel MLAs, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday appealed them to attend the Assembly Session and explain how the BJP allegedly sabotaged democratic edifice and "destroyed its sanctity".With Karnataka Assembly scheduled to take confidence motion on Monday, all eyes are now stuck on the proceedings of the day particularly in the backdrop of BJP alleging the Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar of dragging his feet on the floor test. On Friday, the Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote. After that, Chief Minister Kumaraswamy moved to Supreme Court challenging the Governor`s directive to the government saying it violated well-settled law laid down by the court. On the other hand, two independent Karnataka MLAs on Sunday moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to conclude a floor test in the state Assembly on Monday before 5 pm. 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: Security beefed up around Vidhana Soudha ahead of trust vote

The ongoing high-voltage political drama in Karnataka is likely to culminate on Monday with Congress-JD (S) coalition government schedule to face the crucial floor test in the Assembly.

Tension in both the camps ie&nbsp;JD(S)-Congress and the BJP, is apparently at its peak with leaders pulling up their socks and making all-out efforts to fetch numbers.

In pursuit, both BJP and Congress leaders simultaneously held legislative party meetings in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Also, ahead of the trust vote, the BJP is scheduled to convene another parliamentary party meeting on Monday morning.

In a seemingly last-ditch attempt to persuade rebel MLAs, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday appealed them to attend the Assembly Session and explain how the BJP allegedly sabotaged democratic edifice and "destroyed its sanctity".

With Karnataka Assembly scheduled to take confidence motion on Monday, all eyes are now stuck on the proceedings of the day particularly in the backdrop of BJP alleging the Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar of dragging his feet on the floor test.

On Friday, the Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote.

After which, Chief Minister Kumaraswamy 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.

On the other hand, two independent Karnataka MLAs on Sunday moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to conclude a floor test in the state Assembly on Monday before 5 pm.

Earlier giving a twist to the political stalemate in Karnataka, the Supreme Court had on July 12 ordered a status quo until July 16 on a plea filed by 10 dissident MLAs of Congress and JD (S) seeking a direction to the Assembly Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification.

Afterwards, the Supreme Court on July 17 held that the 15 rebel Karnataka Congress-JD(S) MLAs cannot be compelled to participate in the trust vote in the Assembly.

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.&nbsp;

The ongoing high-voltage political drama in Karnataka is likely to culminate on Monday with Congress-JD (S) coalition government schedule to face the crucial floor test in the Assembly.

The ongoing high-voltage political drama in Karnataka is likely to culminate on Monday with Congress-JD (S) coalition government schedule to face the crucial floor test in the Assembly. Tension in both the camps ie JD(S)-Congress and the BJP, is apparently at its peak with leaders pulling up their socks and making all-out efforts to fetch numbers. In pursuit, both BJP and Congress leaders simultaneously held legislative party meetings in Bengaluru on Sunday. Also, ahead of the trust vote, the BJP is scheduled to convene another parliamentary party meeting on Monday morning. In a seemingly last-ditch attempt to persuade rebel MLAs, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday appealed them to attend the Assembly Session and explain how the BJP allegedly sabotaged democratic edifice and "destroyed its sanctity". With Karnataka Assembly scheduled to take confidence motion on Monday, all eyes are now stuck on the proceedings of the day particularly in the backdrop of BJP alleging the Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar of dragging his feet on the floor test. On Friday, the Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote. After which, Chief Minister Kumaraswamy 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. On the other hand, two independent Karnataka MLAs on Sunday moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to conclude a floor test in the state Assembly on Monday before 5 pm. Earlier giving a twist to the political stalemate in Karnataka, the Supreme Court had on July 12 ordered a status quo until July 16 on a plea filed by 10 dissident MLAs of Congress and JD (S) seeking a direction to the Assembly Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification. Afterwards, the Supreme Court on July 17 held that the 15 rebel Karnataka Congress-JD(S) MLAs cannot be compelled to participate in the trust vote in the Assembly. 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.

After missing two deadlines, Karnataka gears up for trust vote again

Karnataka Assembly Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnatakas-floor-test-to-be-held-thursday-236112">K R Ramesh Kumar</a> on Monday said a decision on the confidence motion has to be taken today."Don`t repeat what I already said on Friday. I have already said that the decision is to be taken today," he said when BJP MLA Madhuswamy told the Speaker that floor test should be completed today.

"I will have to pass a ruling today. I was delayed as I was checking the Supreme Court order...in your speeches, today, make sure that that the dignity of Assembly, Speaker and also an image of you as MLAs," Kumar said.

&nbsp;On BJP MLA Jagadish Shettar asking for the time limit on debates during the trust vote, the Speaker said, "I am not setting a time limit. I am asking treasury benches to consider the commitment that decision has to be taken by today. Instead of the Speaker giving a time limit, people should take it upon themselves. There is no ambiguity on my part."

When BJP MLA Madhuswamy told the Speaker that floor test should be completed today, the Speaker reported, "Don`t repeat what I have already said on Friday. I have already said that the decision is to be taken today."

The 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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/doddalahalli-kempegowda-shivakumar-meets-rebel-congress-mla-mtb-nagaraj-in-bengaluru-asks-to-reconsider-resignation-235454">Congress and three JD(S) MLAs have resigned</a>.

On Friday, the Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote. The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113.&nbsp;

Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Monday said a decision on the confidence motion has to be taken today."Don`t repeat what I already said on Friday.

Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Monday said a decision on the confidence motion has to be taken today."Don`t repeat what I already said on Friday. I have already said that the decision is to be taken today," he said when BJP MLA Madhuswamy told the Speaker that floor test should be completed today. "I will have to pass a ruling today. I was delayed as I was checking the Supreme Court order...in your speeches, today, make sure that that the dignity of Assembly, Speaker and also an image of you as MLAs," Kumar said. On BJP MLA Jagadish Shettar asking for the time limit on debates during the trust vote, the Speaker said, "I am not setting a time limit. I am asking treasury benches to consider the commitment that decision has to be taken by today. Instead of the Speaker giving a time limit, people should take it upon themselves. There is no ambiguity on my part." When BJP MLA Madhuswamy told the Speaker that floor test should be completed today, the Speaker reported, "Don`t repeat what I have already said on Friday. I have already said that the decision is to be taken today." The 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. On Friday, the Assembly failed to meet two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to complete the trust vote. The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113.

A decision on confidence motion has to be taken today: Karnataka Assembly Speaker

<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.

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 <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>.

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'&nbsp;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 <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.

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;

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

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