The caste census report in Karnataka, a Congress-ruled state, presented in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, recommends increasing reservation in education and employment for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the state from 32 per cent to 51 per cent. Implementation of the recommendation would raise total reservation in the state to 85 per cent, after adding 10 per cent for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and 24 per cent for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST).&nbsp; The commission has also advised the Siddaramaiah government to implement horizontal reservation within employment quotas.
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The panel&rsquo;s proposal is based on the findings of a recent caste survey, which estimated the population of backward classes in the state at nearly 70 per cent.&nbsp; Referring to this data, the report contends that increasing reservation in proportion to the population is necessary for equitable distribution of government benefits and opportunities. &ldquo;Although the population of backward classes has increased by 69.6 per cent from the survey, the present commission has observed that even half of the population in the state of Karnataka does not have the reservation. If reservation is not given to backward classes on the basis of population, government facilities will not be distributed equally,&rdquo; the panel said. Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-of-georgia-introduces-bill-to-recognise-hinduphobia-and-anti-hindu-prejudice-8952805" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US' State of Georgia introduces bill to recognise Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu prejudice</a> The Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, popularly known as the caste census, was submitted in February 2024 but was presented before the Karnataka Cabinet on Friday. The state cabinet will discuss the report in a special meeting on April 17 before taking a decision on adopting the recommendations. In 2014, during his first tenure as CM, Siddaramaiah had ordered the Karnataka Socio-Economic and Educational Census, and a committee headed by then Backward Classes Commission chairman, H Kantharaju, conducted a survey at a cost of around Rs 169 crore, but its report was put in cold storage. Opposition parties, the BJP and JD(S), have opposed the implementation of the report. Major caste groups&mdash;the Lingayats and Vokkaligas&mdash;alleged the report has done injustice to them in terms of their population representation.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-78-to-undergo-checkup-says-never-felt-better-will-his-reports-be-made-public-8951391" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Trump, 78, to undergo checkup, says &lsquo;never felt better&rsquo;; will his reports be made public?</a> Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka assembly, R Ashoka, said the caste census report prepared by the Siddaramaiah government was not scientific. &ldquo;The people conducting the caste census did not visit every household. This report was prepared under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah&rsquo;s instructions. Since it has political motives, no one will accept it. I, too, am saying that a caste census should be conducted. But this report was designed to sow discord among castes for someone&rsquo;s benefit,&rdquo; Ashoka said. Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/father-son-duo-among-3-killed-in-west-bengal-as-protest-against-new-waqf-law-turns-violent-8955166" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">3 killed in West Bengal as protests against Waqf law turn violent; Calcutta HC orders deployment of central forces</a> Siddaramaiah said the caste census was conducted scientifically and his government would implement it. &ldquo;We have accepted the caste census report and will certainly implement it in the coming days. There is no doubt regarding this,&rdquo; he said.

India News: The panel’s proposal is based on the findings of a recent caste survey, which estimated the population of backward classes in the state at nearly 70 per cent.

The caste census report in Karnataka, a Congress-ruled state, presented in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, recommends increasing reservation in education and employment for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the state from 32 per cent to 51 per cent. Implementation of the recommendation would raise total reservation in the state to 85 per cent, after adding 10 per cent for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and 24 per cent for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST). The commission has also advised the Siddaramaiah government to implement horizontal reservation within employment quotas. Also Read | Indian pharma warehouse in Ukraine hit by Russian missile: Ukrainian embassy The panel’s proposal is based on the findings of a recent caste survey, which estimated the population of backward classes in the state at nearly 70 per cent. Referring to this data, the report contends that increasing reservation in proportion to the population is necessary for equitable distribution of government benefits and opportunities. “Although the population of backward classes has increased by 69.6 per cent from the survey, the present commission has observed that even half of the population in the state of Karnataka does not have the reservation. If reservation is not given to backward classes on the basis of population, government facilities will not be distributed equally,” the panel said. Also Read | US' State of Georgia introduces bill to recognise Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu prejudice The Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, popularly known as the caste census, was submitted in February 2024 but was presented before the Karnataka Cabinet on Friday. The state cabinet will discuss the report in a special meeting on April 17 before taking a decision on adopting the recommendations. In 2014, during his first tenure as CM, Siddaramaiah had ordered the Karnataka Socio-Economic and Educational Census, and a committee headed by then Backward Classes Commission chairman, H Kantharaju, conducted a survey at a cost of around Rs 169 crore, but its report was put in cold storage. Opposition parties, the BJP and JD(S), have opposed the implementation of the report. Major caste groups—the Lingayats and Vokkaligas—alleged the report has done injustice to them in terms of their population representation. Also Read | Trump, 78, to undergo checkup, says ‘never felt better’; will his reports be made public? Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka assembly, R Ashoka, said the caste census report prepared by the Siddaramaiah government was not scientific. “The people conducting the caste census did not visit every household. This report was prepared under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s instructions. Since it has political motives, no one will accept it. I, too, am saying that a caste census should be conducted. But this report was designed to sow discord among castes for someone’s benefit,” Ashoka said. Also Read | 3 killed in West Bengal as protests against Waqf law turn violent; Calcutta HC orders deployment of central forces Siddaramaiah said the caste census was conducted scientifically and his government would implement it. “We have accepted the caste census report and will certainly implement it in the coming days. There is no doubt regarding this,” he said.

Karnataka caste census panel recommends increasing OBC quota from 32% to 51%, stirs debate

A Special Court in Bengaluru on Wednesday ordered a Lokayukta police probe against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case, setting the stage for filing of an FIR against him. 
 
The order of the Special Court Judge, Santhosh Gajanan Bhat, came a day after the High Court upheld the sanction granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to conduct an investigation against CM Siddaramaiah on the allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife B M Parvathi by MUDA.

The Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs, issued the order directing the Lokayukta police in Mysuru to initiate an investigation on the complaint filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna. 
 
The Court issued directions to take up the probe under section 156 (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) (that gives a magistrate the power to order an investigation into a cognisable offense) and file the investigation report by December 24. 
 
The HC had also vacated its August 19 interim order directing the Special Court to defer the decision on complaints against the chief minister, giving the green signal for ordering a probe. 
 
It had dismissed Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the legality of the Governor's August 16 order granting approval for investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988.

Reacting to the Special Court order, Siddaramaiah reiterated that he was ready to face an investigation. 
 
"Already I have said that I am ready to face an investigation. I am not afraid of a probe," Siddaramaiah told reporters here. "I am ready for a legal fight. I had said this yesterday and I am reiterating it today as well." 
 
Home Minister G Parameshwara said Lokayukta police is an independent body. "It is not under anyone's mercy, they will investigate independently." "...Will react once the order copy comes. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that he is ready for any probe....What investigation and other things let the order come, and let's see what (the court) has defined in the order," he said.

Parameshwara chose not to directly respond to a question regarding a statement made by Siddaramaiah seeking BJP leader and former CM B S Yediyurappa's resignation during a "similar situation" in the past&nbsp;and said, "Let's see what's in the order copy." 
 
Meanwhile, the BJP once again demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation and asked him to cooperate with the probe. 
 
State BJP President B Y Vijayendra said: "The CM has said that he is ready for any probe, but has questioned why he should resign. Siddaramaiah seems to have forgotten what he preached as Leader of Opposition to the then Chief Minister Yediyurappa. He had asked Yediyurappa to resign for fair and impartial probe when the accused person is at the helm of affairs." 
 
"The Court might have asked Lokayukta police to probe, but we urge the CM -- before he resigns -- that he should order the investigation to be handed over to independent agency CBI, for free and impartial probe,", he said.

The opposition BJP and JD(S) in Karnataka stepped up their&nbsp;demand for Chief Minister's resignation as they tried to lay siege to his residence. 
 
Holding posters, placards, and raising slogans, members of BJP Yuva Morcha marched towards "Cauvery" but the police thwarted their attempt, took them into preventive custody, and whisked them away in a bus. 
 
Leaders and workers of the JD(S), an NDA partner, headed by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, staged a demonstration at the Freedom Park before proceeding to "Cauvery" but were stopped by police.

Complainant Snehamayi Krishna hailed the Special Court's order and said, once the FIR is filed, he would appeal to the High Court to hand over the case to CBI. 
 
In the MUDA site allotment case, it is alleged that compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land that was "acquired" by MUDA.

MUDA had allotted plots to Parvathi under a 50:50 ratio scheme in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land, where it developed a residential layout.

Under the controversial scheme, MUDA allotted 50 per cent of developed land to the land losers in lieu of undeveloped land acquired from them for residential layouts. It is alleged that Parvathi had no legal title over this 3.16 acres of land at survey number 464 of Kasare village, Kasaba hobli of Mysuru taluk.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

&nbsp;

A Special Court in Bengaluru on Wednesday ordered a Lokayukta police probe against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case, setting the stage for filing of an FIR against him.

A Special Court in Bengaluru on Wednesday ordered a Lokayukta police probe against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case, setting the stage for filing of an FIR against him. The order of the Special Court Judge, Santhosh Gajanan Bhat, came a day after the High Court upheld the sanction granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to conduct an investigation against CM Siddaramaiah on the allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife B M Parvathi by MUDA. The Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs, issued the order directing the Lokayukta police in Mysuru to initiate an investigation on the complaint filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna. The Court issued directions to take up the probe under section 156 (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) (that gives a magistrate the power to order an investigation into a cognisable offense) and file the investigation report by December 24. The HC had also vacated its August 19 interim order directing the Special Court to defer the decision on complaints against the chief minister, giving the green signal for ordering a probe. It had dismissed Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the legality of the Governor's August 16 order granting approval for investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988. Reacting to the Special Court order, Siddaramaiah reiterated that he was ready to face an investigation. "Already I have said that I am ready to face an investigation. I am not afraid of a probe," Siddaramaiah told reporters here. "I am ready for a legal fight. I had said this yesterday and I am reiterating it today as well." Home Minister G Parameshwara said Lokayukta police is an independent body. "It is not under anyone's mercy, they will investigate independently." "...Will react once the order copy comes. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that he is ready for any probe....What investigation and other things let the order come, and let's see what (the court) has defined in the order," he said. Parameshwara chose not to directly respond to a question regarding a statement made by Siddaramaiah seeking BJP leader and former CM B S Yediyurappa's resignation during a "similar situation" in the past and said, "Let's see what's in the order copy." Meanwhile, the BJP once again demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation and asked him to cooperate with the probe. State BJP President B Y Vijayendra said: "The CM has said that he is ready for any probe, but has questioned why he should resign. Siddaramaiah seems to have forgotten what he preached as Leader of Opposition to the then Chief Minister Yediyurappa. He had asked Yediyurappa to resign for fair and impartial probe when the accused person is at the helm of affairs." "The Court might have asked Lokayukta police to probe, but we urge the CM -- before he resigns -- that he should order the investigation to be handed over to independent agency CBI, for free and impartial probe,", he said. The opposition BJP and JD(S) in Karnataka stepped up their demand for Chief Minister's resignation as they tried to lay siege to his residence. Holding posters, placards, and raising slogans, members of BJP Yuva Morcha marched towards "Cauvery" but the police thwarted their attempt, took them into preventive custody, and whisked them away in a bus. Leaders and workers of the JD(S), an NDA partner, headed by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, staged a demonstration at the Freedom Park before proceeding to "Cauvery" but were stopped by police. Complainant Snehamayi Krishna hailed the Special Court's order and said, once the FIR is filed, he would appeal to the High Court to hand over the case to CBI. In the MUDA site allotment case, it is alleged that compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land that was "acquired" by MUDA. MUDA had allotted plots to Parvathi under a 50:50 ratio scheme in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land, where it developed a residential layout. Under the controversial scheme, MUDA allotted 50 per cent of developed land to the land losers in lieu of undeveloped land acquired from them for residential layouts. It is alleged that Parvathi had no legal title over this 3.16 acres of land at survey number 464 of Kasare village, Kasaba hobli of Mysuru taluk. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Karnataka court orders Lokayukta probe against CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA case

Veteran Congress leader&nbsp;Siddaramaiah and KPCC president D K Shivakumar were sworn in as Karnataka's new Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday (May 20)&nbsp;at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium. G Parameshwara, K H Muniyappa, K J George, M B Patil, Satish Jarkiholi, Priyank Kharge, Ramalinga Reddy, and B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan are among the Congress MLAs who have been sworn in as Ministers in Siddaramaiah's Cabinet.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah takes oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka in Bengaluru. <a href="https://t.co/S90btY2N6z">pic.twitter.com/S90btY2N6z</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1659821010915594246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The swearing-in ceremony&nbsp;was attended by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and numerous Opposition party leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, and Former J&amp;K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, as per ANI reports.

This follows days of heated discussions in which the Congress chose Siddaramaiah as chief minister and Shivakumar as his deputy. While Siddaramaiah, 75, is a backward-class politician with over five decades of political experience and is regarded as one of the state's three remaining mass leaders, KPCC president DK Shivakumar, who is from the Vokkaliga group, is regarded as the architect of the triumph in Karnataka.

<h2>Congress's victory in Karnataka</h2>

After a 10-year absence, the Congress returned to power in Karnataka on its own strength on May 13, with victories or leads in 137 of 224 seats.

The party has received an overwhelming mandate from the voters. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has borne the price for "various failures." The regional party, the Janata Dal (Secular), has once again demonstrated that it is not a force to be reckoned with throughout the state.

Karnataka was the BJP's lone southern state. The state upheld its tradition of not re-electing a political party.

There might be a variety of reasons why an election is won or lost. However, some elements become apparent. For example, the ruling BJP is still a party that needs to spread across the state. The Congress, on the other hand, is thoroughly anchored in each district.

A swing of 2-5 percentage points is enough for the Congress to prevail over the BJP. Unlike the BJP, the Congress state leaders accepted the responsibility of guiding the party to the polls, reported Moneycontrol.&nbsp;

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DK Shivakumar, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee head, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah positioned the party brilliantly in front of the people. There was no let-up in their efforts to portray the ruling BJP as corrupt. Efforts began with the PayCM campaign months ago. The Congress didn't simply depend on its own strategy; it also enlisted the help of political organisations to boost its campaign.

Unlike the BJP, the Congress placed a high value on its senior Karnataka leadership. This has also contributed to the party's good mood today. The vote share of Congress has surpassed 40 per cent, a recent high. Surprisingly, the traditional Vokkaliga belt, primarily Mandya and Hassan, supported the Congress as well. The Congress has also received a lot of support over the years.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023 | Modi Tells Zelenksy: Ongoing war a challenge for the whole world

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Additionally, the corruption accusations levelled against the Basavaraj Bommai administration harmed the BJP's image. BJP state officials, including ministers, were unable to trumpet their accomplishments or explain to the public how the Narendra Modi-led administration at the Centre has benefited the people of Karnataka.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Veteran Congress leader Siddaramaiah and KPCC president D K Shivakumar were sworn in as Karnataka's new Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday (May 20) at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

Veteran Congress leader Siddaramaiah and KPCC president D K Shivakumar were sworn in as Karnataka's new Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday (May 20) at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium. G Parameshwara, K H Muniyappa, K J George, M B Patil, Satish Jarkiholi, Priyank Kharge, Ramalinga Reddy, and B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan are among the Congress MLAs who have been sworn in as Ministers in Siddaramaiah's Cabinet. #WATCH | Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah takes oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/S90btY2N6z — ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2023 × The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and numerous Opposition party leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, and Former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, as per ANI reports. This follows days of heated discussions in which the Congress chose Siddaramaiah as chief minister and Shivakumar as his deputy. While Siddaramaiah, 75, is a backward-class politician with over five decades of political experience and is regarded as one of the state's three remaining mass leaders, KPCC president DK Shivakumar, who is from the Vokkaliga group, is regarded as the architect of the triumph in Karnataka. Congress's victory in Karnataka After a 10-year absence, the Congress returned to power in Karnataka on its own strength on May 13, with victories or leads in 137 of 224 seats. The party has received an overwhelming mandate from the voters. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has borne the price for "various failures." The regional party, the Janata Dal (Secular), has once again demonstrated that it is not a force to be reckoned with throughout the state. Karnataka was the BJP's lone southern state. The state upheld its tradition of not re-electing a political party. There might be a variety of reasons why an election is won or lost. However, some elements become apparent. For example, the ruling BJP is still a party that needs to spread across the state. The Congress, on the other hand, is thoroughly anchored in each district. A swing of 2-5 percentage points is enough for the Congress to prevail over the BJP. Unlike the BJP, the Congress state leaders accepted the responsibility of guiding the party to the polls, reported Moneycontrol. ALSO READ | Delhi’s ‘biggest cyber fraud’: Doctor duped of Rs 4.5 crore ($548K) via Skype calls DK Shivakumar, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee head, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah positioned the party brilliantly in front of the people. There was no let-up in their efforts to portray the ruling BJP as corrupt. Efforts began with the PayCM campaign months ago. The Congress didn't simply depend on its own strategy; it also enlisted the help of political organisations to boost its campaign. Unlike the BJP, the Congress placed a high value on its senior Karnataka leadership. This has also contributed to the party's good mood today. The vote share of Congress has surpassed 40 per cent, a recent high. Surprisingly, the traditional Vokkaliga belt, primarily Mandya and Hassan, supported the Congress as well. The Congress has also received a lot of support over the years. ALSO WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023 | Modi Tells Zelenksy: Ongoing war a challenge for the whole world Additionally, the corruption accusations levelled against the Basavaraj Bommai administration harmed the BJP's image. BJP state officials, including ministers, were unable to trumpet their accomplishments or explain to the public how the Narendra Modi-led administration at the Centre has benefited the people of Karnataka. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Congress leader Siddaramaiah takes oath as Karnataka’s new CM, DK Shivakumar his deputy

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP), which met at a private hotel in Bengaluru on Sunday evening, passed a unanimous resolution authorising All India Congress Committee (AICC) President M Mallikarjun Kharge to pick its leader, who will be the next chief minister of Karnataka.

The CLP meeting was attended by AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal and three central observers. 
Before the meeting, Venugopal and the central observers held a meeting with Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assembly Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president D K Shivakumar - the two front-runners for the chief minister's post.

"The Congress Legislature Party unanimously resolves that the AICC President is hereby authorised to appoint the new Leader of the Congress Legislature Party," according to a one-line resolution passed at the CLP meeting. Siddaramaiah moved the resolution. 
With the ball now in Kharge's court, lobbying for the top post is set to shift to Delhi with both the contenders expected to arrive in the national capital on Monday to meet Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and the AICC chief.

After the CLP meeting, Randeep Surjewala, AICC in-charge for Karnataka, said: "The MLAs will meet the central observers after dinner tonight and their decision will be conveyed to the party president for taking a decision to appoint a new CLP leader." 
Venugopal said, "This process of taking the opinion of all MLAs will be completed tonight itself." Sources said the observers will be handing over their report upon consulting all MLAs to Kharge by Monday.

On the process adopted by Congress to elect the CLP leader, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said this was "inner-party democracy at its best".

"This is the Congress way of arriving at a consensus giving confidence to all that they have been heard," he said.

"The new Congress Govt in Karnataka that will take over soon will be a STAR-Sensitive, Transparent, Accountable &amp; Responsive," Ramesh said on Twitter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-election-results-legislators-meet-to-decide-on-who-takes-top-post-in-the-state-592421">WATCH |&nbsp;Karnataka Election Results: Legislators meet to decide on who takes top post in the state</a>

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In the May 10 elections to the 224-member Assembly, the Congress scored an emphatic victory with 135 seats, while the ruling BJP and the former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular) secured 66 and 19, respectively.

After the results were declared on Saturday, Congress president Kharge deputed former Maharashtra chief minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh and former AICC general secretary Deepak Babaria as observers for the election of the CLP leader in Karnataka.

The legislature party passed another resolution, moved by Shivakumar, promising to implement the five promises made to the people of Karnataka.

The resolution stated the Congress Legislature Party in Karnataka "wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude towards the 6.5 crore Kannadigas for reposing their faith in us and giving a decisive mandate to the Congress Party in the Karnataka Assembly Elections."

"This is indeed a victory of every Kannadiga, a victory of 'swabhimana' of Karnataka and a victory of progress and harmony to rebuild 'Brand Karnataka'," it said.

"...Karnataka has once again shone a new light to democracy and protecting the Constitution, which are under attack from the forces of hate and divisiveness, both from inside and outside the State," the resolution stated. 
The Congress Legislature Party also expressed its appreciation and thanks to Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and state leaders for their efforts.

The resolution stated: "It is no coincidence that the Congress campaign in its true earnestness began way back in September-October 2022 during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, when Rahul Gandhi walked nearly 600 kilometres for a period of 21 days through the length and breadth of Karnataka, which immensely energised the cadre to take on the malgovernance, corruption and maladministration of the ruling BJP government."

"The Congress Legislature Party resolves to work determinedly and unitedly to give a responsible, accountable, transparent government to our brothers and sisters of Karnataka. Serving the 6.5 crore Kannadigas will be our sole motto and guiding light," the resolution read.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-reasons-behind-congresss-triumph-bjps-failure-to-keep-power-592344">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Karnataka elections 2023: Reasons behind Congress's triumph, BJP's failure to keep power</a>

The CLP expressed its heartfelt appreciation to Kharge for the extensive and tireless campaign undertaken by him all throughout the elections as also for his "sagacious advice" on electoral strategy.

It also thanked former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for being a pillar of strength to the party and for her guidance and campaign in the elections.

The CLP said it shall ensure social justice and economic equality remain at the core of its government's policies and will fulfil the five "guarantees".

These are 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), $24 (Rs 2,000) monthly assistance to woman heads of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), 10 kg of rice free to every member of BPL households (Anna Bhagya), $37 (Rs 3,000) every month for unemployed graduate youths and $18 (Rs 1,500) for unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) for two years (Yuva Nidhi), and free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti).

"We are duty bound to protect and preserve Kannada culture, language and our rich traditions. We will reclaim Karnataka as Sarva Janangada Shantiya Thota once again and will make Karnataka truly the number one state in India in terms of peace, progress and prosperity," the resolution read.

The CLP appreciated the insurmountable hard work, resilience and dedication of Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah as also the entire team for leading the campaign from the front.

Both the eight-time MLA Shivakumar and former chief minister Siddaramaiah have made no secret of their ambition to become Chief Minister and had been involved in a game of political one-upmanship in the past.

The Congress had entered the campaign phase with the challenge of keeping at bay the factionalism, especially between the camps of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who had been openly rooting for their leaders, but the party put up a united front and ensured that no rift came out in open that could derail its prospects, under the mentorship of Kharge.

Banners have come up in front of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar's residences here, erected by supporters, congratulating them for Congress' win and projecting them as the "next CM".

While the 60-year-old Shivakumar is considered to be a "troubleshooter" for the Congress, Siddaramaiah has a pan-Karnataka appeal.

If Siddaramaiah, who joined Congress after being expelled from JD(S), gets elected as the CLP leader, this would be his second stint as the Chief Minister from the party after having occupied the top post for five years between 2013-18. Shivakumar had served as Minister in Siddaramaiah's cabinet.

Shivakumar has been openly expressing his chief ministerial aspirations at various events, especially the ones connected with Vokkaligas. He had asked the dominant community, to which he belongs, not to "lose out an opportunity" with him as the KPCC president, while pointing out that S M Krishna was the last Vokkaliga leader to lead the party in the polls and then went on to become the CM in 1999.

In fact in this election, the Congress has significantly improved its electoral performance in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region (south Karnataka) and that credit largely goes to Shivakumar.

Also, there have been instances in the party that whoever has successfully led as KPCC President in election, have been the natural choice to be the CM, like in the case of Krishna and Veerendra Patil.

Siddaramaiah, who has seniority on his side, is known for able administrative skills, and has the experience of having run a successful tenure as the Chief Minister. He also enjoys the distinction of having presented 13 budgets for the state as Finance Minister.

Being a mass leader, he has considerable clout among the AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) class. The mega 75th birthday bash of Siddaramaiah held last year in Davanagere was largely seen as an attempt by him and his loyalists to project him as the future CM.

Seventy-five-year-old Siddaramaiah, who has already announced that this was his last election, has been maintaining that the chief minister will be elected by the newly elected MLAs in consultation with the party's high command.

There are also other contenders for the post like former deputy chief minister and ex-KPCC president G Parameshwara and veteran leader and seven-time MP K H Muniyappa - both dalits and MB Patil - a Lingayat.

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The Congress Legislature Party (CLP), which met at a private hotel in Bengaluru on Sunday evening, passed a unanimous resolution authorising All India Congress Committee (AICC) President M Mallikarjun Kharge to pick its leader, who will be the next chief minister of Karnataka.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP), which met at a private hotel in Bengaluru on Sunday evening, passed a unanimous resolution authorising All India Congress Committee (AICC) President M Mallikarjun Kharge to pick its leader, who will be the next chief minister of Karnataka. The CLP meeting was attended by AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal and three central observers. Before the meeting, Venugopal and the central observers held a meeting with Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assembly Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president D K Shivakumar - the two front-runners for the chief minister's post. "The Congress Legislature Party unanimously resolves that the AICC President is hereby authorised to appoint the new Leader of the Congress Legislature Party," according to a one-line resolution passed at the CLP meeting. Siddaramaiah moved the resolution. With the ball now in Kharge's court, lobbying for the top post is set to shift to Delhi with both the contenders expected to arrive in the national capital on Monday to meet Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and the AICC chief. After the CLP meeting, Randeep Surjewala, AICC in-charge for Karnataka, said: "The MLAs will meet the central observers after dinner tonight and their decision will be conveyed to the party president for taking a decision to appoint a new CLP leader." Venugopal said, "This process of taking the opinion of all MLAs will be completed tonight itself." Sources said the observers will be handing over their report upon consulting all MLAs to Kharge by Monday. On the process adopted by Congress to elect the CLP leader, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said this was "inner-party democracy at its best". "This is the Congress way of arriving at a consensus giving confidence to all that they have been heard," he said. "The new Congress Govt in Karnataka that will take over soon will be a STAR-Sensitive, Transparent, Accountable & Responsive," Ramesh said on Twitter. WATCH | Karnataka Election Results: Legislators meet to decide on who takes top post in the state × In the May 10 elections to the 224-member Assembly, the Congress scored an emphatic victory with 135 seats, while the ruling BJP and the former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular) secured 66 and 19, respectively. After the results were declared on Saturday, Congress president Kharge deputed former Maharashtra chief minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh and former AICC general secretary Deepak Babaria as observers for the election of the CLP leader in Karnataka. The legislature party passed another resolution, moved by Shivakumar, promising to implement the five promises made to the people of Karnataka. The resolution stated the Congress Legislature Party in Karnataka "wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude towards the 6.5 crore Kannadigas for reposing their faith in us and giving a decisive mandate to the Congress Party in the Karnataka Assembly Elections." "This is indeed a victory of every Kannadiga, a victory of 'swabhimana' of Karnataka and a victory of progress and harmony to rebuild 'Brand Karnataka'," it said. "...Karnataka has once again shone a new light to democracy and protecting the Constitution, which are under attack from the forces of hate and divisiveness, both from inside and outside the State," the resolution stated. The Congress Legislature Party also expressed its appreciation and thanks to Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and state leaders for their efforts. The resolution stated: "It is no coincidence that the Congress campaign in its true earnestness began way back in September-October 2022 during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, when Rahul Gandhi walked nearly 600 kilometres for a period of 21 days through the length and breadth of Karnataka, which immensely energised the cadre to take on the malgovernance, corruption and maladministration of the ruling BJP government." "The Congress Legislature Party resolves to work determinedly and unitedly to give a responsible, accountable, transparent government to our brothers and sisters of Karnataka. Serving the 6.5 crore Kannadigas will be our sole motto and guiding light," the resolution read. ALSO READ | Karnataka elections 2023: Reasons behind Congress's triumph, BJP's failure to keep power The CLP expressed its heartfelt appreciation to Kharge for the extensive and tireless campaign undertaken by him all throughout the elections as also for his "sagacious advice" on electoral strategy. It also thanked former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for being a pillar of strength to the party and for her guidance and campaign in the elections. The CLP said it shall ensure social justice and economic equality remain at the core of its government's policies and will fulfil the five "guarantees". These are 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), $24 (Rs 2,000) monthly assistance to woman heads of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), 10 kg of rice free to every member of BPL households (Anna Bhagya), $37 (Rs 3,000) every month for unemployed graduate youths and $18 (Rs 1,500) for unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) for two years (Yuva Nidhi), and free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti). "We are duty bound to protect and preserve Kannada culture, language and our rich traditions. We will reclaim Karnataka as Sarva Janangada Shantiya Thota once again and will make Karnataka truly the number one state in India in terms of peace, progress and prosperity," the resolution read. The CLP appreciated the insurmountable hard work, resilience and dedication of Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah as also the entire team for leading the campaign from the front. Both the eight-time MLA Shivakumar and former chief minister Siddaramaiah have made no secret of their ambition to become Chief Minister and had been involved in a game of political one-upmanship in the past. The Congress had entered the campaign phase with the challenge of keeping at bay the factionalism, especially between the camps of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who had been openly rooting for their leaders, but the party put up a united front and ensured that no rift came out in open that could derail its prospects, under the mentorship of Kharge. Banners have come up in front of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar's residences here, erected by supporters, congratulating them for Congress' win and projecting them as the "next CM". While the 60-year-old Shivakumar is considered to be a "troubleshooter" for the Congress, Siddaramaiah has a pan-Karnataka appeal. If Siddaramaiah, who joined Congress after being expelled from JD(S), gets elected as the CLP leader, this would be his second stint as the Chief Minister from the party after having occupied the top post for five years between 2013-18. Shivakumar had served as Minister in Siddaramaiah's cabinet. Shivakumar has been openly expressing his chief ministerial aspirations at various events, especially the ones connected with Vokkaligas. He had asked the dominant community, to which he belongs, not to "lose out an opportunity" with him as the KPCC president, while pointing out that S M Krishna was the last Vokkaliga leader to lead the party in the polls and then went on to become the CM in 1999. In fact in this election, the Congress has significantly improved its electoral performance in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region (south Karnataka) and that credit largely goes to Shivakumar. Also, there have been instances in the party that whoever has successfully led as KPCC President in election, have been the natural choice to be the CM, like in the case of Krishna and Veerendra Patil. Siddaramaiah, who has seniority on his side, is known for able administrative skills, and has the experience of having run a successful tenure as the Chief Minister. He also enjoys the distinction of having presented 13 budgets for the state as Finance Minister. Being a mass leader, he has considerable clout among the AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) class. The mega 75th birthday bash of Siddaramaiah held last year in Davanagere was largely seen as an attempt by him and his loyalists to project him as the future CM. Seventy-five-year-old Siddaramaiah, who has already announced that this was his last election, has been maintaining that the chief minister will be elected by the newly elected MLAs in consultation with the party's high command. There are also other contenders for the post like former deputy chief minister and ex-KPCC president G Parameshwara and veteran leader and seven-time MP K H Muniyappa - both dalits and MB Patil - a Lingayat. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Karnataka election: Dilemma for Congress as Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar remain firm on CM post

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah on Monday said that while it is up to the Assembly Speaker to take a call on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-missing-two-deadlines-karnataka-gears-up-for-trust-vote-again-237561">confidence motion</a> they have also filed a petition in the Supreme Court.

"The Speaker will take a call on a confidence motion. We have already said that we will prove the confidence in Vidhana Soudha. The case is pending in Supreme Court. We have also filed the petition, most probably tomorrow Supreme Court will hear our plea," Siddaramaiah told&nbsp;reporters.

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Siddaramaiah, Congress: Speaker will take a call on confidence motion. We have already told that we will prove the confidence in Vidhana Soudha. Case is pending in Supreme Court. We have also filed the petition, most probably tomorrow Supreme Court will hear our plea. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qb5iiWAatW">pic.twitter.com/Qb5iiWAatW</a>
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In an attempt to again reach out to rebel legislators, Siddaramaiah said, "If the rebel MLAs come back then they will be with us. Rebels have said that they are not living comfortably. They could have stayed back here itself."

The Congress-JDS government fell 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.

Earlier, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-decision-on-confidence-motion-has-to-be-taken-today-k-r-ramesh-kumar-237649">Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar</a> on Monday said a decision on the confidence motion has to be taken today.&nbsp;

"Don't repeat what I already said on Friday. I have already said that the decision is to be taken today," K R Ramesh Kumar said when BJP MLA Madhuswamy told the Speaker that floor test should be completed today.

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah on Monday said that while it is up to the Assembly Speaker to take a call on a confidence motion they have also filed a petition in the Supreme Court.

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah on Monday said that while it is up to the Assembly Speaker to take a call on a confidence motion they have also filed a petition in the Supreme Court. "The Speaker will take a call on a confidence motion. We have already said that we will prove the confidence in Vidhana Soudha. The case is pending in Supreme Court. We have also filed the petition, most probably tomorrow Supreme Court will hear our plea," Siddaramaiah told reporters. Siddaramaiah, Congress: Speaker will take a call on confidence motion. We have already told that we will prove the confidence in Vidhana Soudha. Case is pending in Supreme Court. We have also filed the petition, most probably tomorrow Supreme Court will hear our plea. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/Qb5iiWAatW — ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2019 × In an attempt to again reach out to rebel legislators, Siddaramaiah said, "If the rebel MLAs come back then they will be with us. Rebels have said that they are not living comfortably. They could have stayed back here itself." The Congress-JDS government fell 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. Earlier, 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," K R Ramesh Kumar said when BJP MLA Madhuswamy told the Speaker that floor test should be completed today.

Speaker will take call on confidence motion: Congress leader Siddaramaiah

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Speaker will take call on confidence motion: Congress leader Siddaramaiah