JD-S leader H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday attacked Congress leader Siddaramaiah for some of his comments and said he was not a 'parrot' domesticated by Sidaramaiah.

The comments came in the wake of a tweet by Siddaramaiah against Kumaraswamy.

"Yes Mr H D Kumaraswamy, it is true that the parrots which I believed in are haunted. It is my whole fault that even after four decades of political companionship, we made a coalition with vultures. Doesn`t it bite @INC?," Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to media persons in Channapatna, Kumaraswamy stated, "I am not a parrot domesticated by Siddaramaiah. There are several like him who prospered under H D Deve Gowda. I became CM due to blessings from the Congress high command."&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy further accused Siddaramaiah of not listening to the directives of Congress high command resulting in the collapse of Congress-JDS coalition.

"He (Siddaramaiah) didn't listen to the Congress high command when they gave certain directives and that is why the govt didn`t last. After leaving Congress, setting up a regional entity is something that I did, does Siddaramaiah have guts to do anything for regional pride?", he added.

JD-S leader H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday attacked Congress leader Siddaramaiah for some of his comments and said he was not a 'parrot' domesticated by Sidaramaiah.

JD-S leader H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday attacked Congress leader Siddaramaiah for some of his comments and said he was not a 'parrot' domesticated by Sidaramaiah. The comments came in the wake of a tweet by Siddaramaiah against Kumaraswamy. "Yes Mr H D Kumaraswamy, it is true that the parrots which I believed in are haunted. It is my whole fault that even after four decades of political companionship, we made a coalition with vultures. Doesn`t it bite @INC?," Siddaramaiah said. Speaking to media persons in Channapatna, Kumaraswamy stated, "I am not a parrot domesticated by Siddaramaiah. There are several like him who prospered under H D Deve Gowda. I became CM due to blessings from the Congress high command." Kumaraswamy further accused Siddaramaiah of not listening to the directives of Congress high command resulting in the collapse of Congress-JDS coalition. "He (Siddaramaiah) didn't listen to the Congress high command when they gave certain directives and that is why the govt didn`t last. After leaving Congress, setting up a regional entity is something that I did, does Siddaramaiah have guts to do anything for regional pride?", he added.

Not a parrot domesticated by Siddaramaiah: HD Kumaraswamy

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Sunday came down heavily on JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy for treating him as an "enemy" and blamed him for the slump of Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state.

"HD Kumaraswamy never treated me as a friend or confidant, but instead considered me as an enemy and that led to all the problems," the leader told the media persons.&nbsp;

The war of words between the two leaders has been going on unabatedly since last month after their 14-months long turbulent coalition government lost the vote of confidence in the Assembly.

Siddaramaiah had earlier held former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, father of former HD Kumaraswamy, responsible for the collapse of the government.

His rebuttal came in the light of accusations levelled by Gowda, who said that the former wanted to make BJP leader BS Yediyurappa the chief minister instead of his son Kumaraswamy, adding that the two had worked together in the past.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Sunday came down heavily on JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy for treating him as an "enemy" and blamed him for the slump of Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Sunday came down heavily on JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy for treating him as an "enemy" and blamed him for the slump of Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state. "HD Kumaraswamy never treated me as a friend or confidant, but instead considered me as an enemy and that led to all the problems," the leader told the media persons. The war of words between the two leaders has been going on unabatedly since last month after their 14-months long turbulent coalition government lost the vote of confidence in the Assembly. Siddaramaiah had earlier held former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, father of former HD Kumaraswamy, responsible for the collapse of the government. His rebuttal came in the light of accusations levelled by Gowda, who said that the former wanted to make BJP leader BS Yediyurappa the chief minister instead of his son Kumaraswamy, adding that the two had worked together in the past.

Former Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy considered me as enemy: Siddaramaiah

The Karnataka government is not providing funds for the Indira canteens and is instead asking the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to run them, claimed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/disqualification-of-karnataka-rebel-mlas-to-send-strong-signal-across-country-siddaramaiah-239054">Congress leader Siddaramaiah</a> on Saturday.

"I have heard that the government is not providing funds for the Indira canteen. They are instead saying that the BBMP should run it," Siddaramaiah told reporters here.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the BS Yediyurappa led the government's decision he said that the state should continue to manage and pay for the canteens in Bengaluru.

"There are more than 190 canteens in Bangalore. The cost of running them comes to around Rs 200 crore per annum. The state should not let the BBMP run them, the state should pay for it," Siddaramaiah said.&nbsp;

Indira canteens were started by the former Congress government in the state in 2017 to provide meals to the economically disadvantaged sections of society at a subsidised price.

The Karnataka government is not providing funds for the Indira canteens and is instead asking the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to run them, claimed Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Saturday.

The Karnataka government is not providing funds for the Indira canteens and is instead asking the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to run them, claimed Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Saturday. "I have heard that the government is not providing funds for the Indira canteen. They are instead saying that the BBMP should run it," Siddaramaiah told reporters here. Expressing his dissatisfaction with the BS Yediyurappa led the government's decision he said that the state should continue to manage and pay for the canteens in Bengaluru. "There are more than 190 canteens in Bangalore. The cost of running them comes to around Rs 200 crore per annum. The state should not let the BBMP run them, the state should pay for it," Siddaramaiah said. Indira canteens were started by the former Congress government in the state in 2017 to provide meals to the economically disadvantaged sections of society at a subsidised price.

State government should continue running Indira canteens: Siddaramaiah

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Wednesday called for an ''impartial investigation'' into the death of Cafe Coffee Day owner VG Siddhartha and said "invisible hands that ended his (Siddhartha) life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial &amp; fair investigation''.

The Congress leader implicitly alleged that Income Tax department acted as a `politically motivated institution` and Siddhartha was a victim of `tax terrorism`.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The death of V G Siddhartha is both disturbing &amp;mysterious. The reasons &amp; the invisible hands that ended his life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial &amp;fair investigation. 
 
Our party &amp; I shall always stand with Shri. S M Krishna in their fight for justice. 
1/2
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/1156424735405686784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The death of V G Siddhartha is both disturbing &amp; mysterious. The reasons &amp; the invisible hands that ended his life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial &amp; fair investigation. Our party &amp; I shall always stand with Shri. S M Krishna in their fight for justice" tweeted Siddaramaiah.

"The letter supposed to have written by V G Siddhartha a few days before his death has discussed about tax terrorism, which is an ugly face of politically motivated institutions. What signals are we sending to the budding entrepreneurs without even an attempt to reform?" he said in a subsequent tweet.

Following a massive search operation involving multiple agencies, the body of missing CCD founder-owner VG Siddhartha was found on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru. The 58-year-old businessman is the son-in-law of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna and was missing since Monday evening from Mangaluru.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Wednesday called for an ''impartial investigation'' into the death of Cafe Coffee Day owner VG Siddhartha and said "invisible hands that ended his (Siddhartha) life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial & fair investigation''.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Wednesday called for an ''impartial investigation'' into the death of Cafe Coffee Day owner VG Siddhartha and said "invisible hands that ended his (Siddhartha) life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial & fair investigation''. The Congress leader implicitly alleged that Income Tax department acted as a `politically motivated institution` and Siddhartha was a victim of `tax terrorism`. The death of V G Siddhartha is both disturbing &mysterious. The reasons & the invisible hands that ended his life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial &fair investigation. Our party & I shall always stand with Shri. S M Krishna in their fight for justice. 1/2 — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 31, 2019 × "The death of V G Siddhartha is both disturbing & mysterious. The reasons & the invisible hands that ended his life in this tragic way should be unearthed through impartial & fair investigation. Our party & I shall always stand with Shri. S M Krishna in their fight for justice" tweeted Siddaramaiah. "The letter supposed to have written by V G Siddhartha a few days before his death has discussed about tax terrorism, which is an ugly face of politically motivated institutions. What signals are we sending to the budding entrepreneurs without even an attempt to reform?" he said in a subsequent tweet. Following a massive search operation involving multiple agencies, the body of missing CCD founder-owner VG Siddhartha was found on the banks of Netravati River near Hoige Bazaar in Mangaluru. The 58-year-old businessman is the son-in-law of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna and was missing since Monday evening from Mangaluru.

Siddaramaiah calls for impartial probe into death of CCD owner Siddhartha

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

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Saturday claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa took oath in an "unconstitutional way", adding that BJP "misused" the office of the Governor.

Speaking to reporters here, Siddaramaiah said BJP does not have a majority in the Assembly, despite which Yediyurappa took oath as Chief Minister.

"BS Yediyurappa has taken oath in an unconstitutional way. They (BJP) have misused the office of the Governor. The strength of the house is 221. How much do they (BJP) have? They have 105."

"What is the simple majority in 221 member assembly? It is 111. Do they have 111 with them? They have to give a list of 111 members, have they given the list?" he asked.

On being asked whether rebel MLAs are coming back to Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said, "I do not know when they are coming back. Who has remanded them? If they had attended the vote of confidence, Kumaraswamy's government would have survived."

"BJP's victory is not a people's win. It is a victory of horse-trading," he added.

Yediyurappa was sworn in 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. 
&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Saturday claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa took oath in an "unconstitutional way", adding that BJP "misused" the office of the Governor.

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Saturday claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa took oath in an "unconstitutional way", adding that BJP "misused" the office of the Governor. Speaking to reporters here, Siddaramaiah said BJP does not have a majority in the Assembly, despite which Yediyurappa took oath as Chief Minister. "BS Yediyurappa has taken oath in an unconstitutional way. They (BJP) have misused the office of the Governor. The strength of the house is 221. How much do they (BJP) have? They have 105." "What is the simple majority in 221 member assembly? It is 111. Do they have 111 with them? They have to give a list of 111 members, have they given the list?" he asked. On being asked whether rebel MLAs are coming back to Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said, "I do not know when they are coming back. Who has remanded them? If they had attended the vote of confidence, Kumaraswamy's government would have survived." "BJP's victory is not a people's win. It is a victory of horse-trading," he added. Yediyurappa was sworn in 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.

Yediyurappa, BJP misused office of Karnataka Governor, says Siddaramaiah

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

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

<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 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

Supreme Court on Tuesday took up the pleas of 10&nbsp;rebel Karnataka MLAs against Speaker K R Ramesh for not accepting their resignations.

Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi representing rebel MLAs said, "I don't want to be an MLA. Nobody can force me. My resignation must be accepted."

Rohatgi said the Speaker can't hold the resignations for so many days. "This is an attempt to scuttle their resignations. The Speaker is trying to make a decision on both the issues-resignation and disqualification-at the same time," he said.

The Supreme Court on Friday directed Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh to not to decide on the resignations or disqualifications of the MLAs till Tuesday.

Supreme Court's direction had come after ten Congress and JD(S) MLAs moved the top court, seeking a direction to the Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification from the House.

Following which Speaker K R Ramesh had urged the apex court to recall its order which asked him to take a decision on the resignation of MLAs during the course of the day i.e. July 11.

On Monday, five other rebel MLAs approached the Supreme Court seeking direction to the speaker to accept their resignations at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the Kumaraswamy government will face the trust vote in Karnataka Assembly at 11am on Thursday.

Karnataka government has been reduced to minority in the Assembly after 16 rebel legislators resigned and 2 Independents withdrew support to it. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court on Tuesday took up the pleas of 10 rebel Karnataka MLAs against Speaker K R Ramesh for not accepting their resignations. Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi representing rebel MLAs said, "I don't want to be an MLA.

Supreme Court on Tuesday took up the pleas of 10 rebel Karnataka MLAs against Speaker K R Ramesh for not accepting their resignations. Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi representing rebel MLAs said, "I don't want to be an MLA. Nobody can force me. My resignation must be accepted." Rohatgi said the Speaker can't hold the resignations for so many days. "This is an attempt to scuttle their resignations. The Speaker is trying to make a decision on both the issues-resignation and disqualification-at the same time," he said. The Supreme Court on Friday directed Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh to not to decide on the resignations or disqualifications of the MLAs till Tuesday. Supreme Court's direction had come after ten Congress and JD(S) MLAs moved the top court, seeking a direction to the Speaker to accept their resignation and not proceed with the applications for their disqualification from the House. Following which Speaker K R Ramesh had urged the apex court to recall its order which asked him to take a decision on the resignation of MLAs during the course of the day i.e. July 11. On Monday, five other rebel MLAs approached the Supreme Court seeking direction to the speaker to accept their resignations at the earliest. Meanwhile, the Kumaraswamy government will face the trust vote in Karnataka Assembly at 11am on Thursday. Karnataka government has been reduced to minority in the Assembly after 16 rebel legislators resigned and 2 Independents withdrew support to it. (With inputs from agencies)

Karnataka crisis: Supreme Court takes up rebel MLAs' plea

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah met Congress leader and rebel MLA Ramalinga Reddy, hours after he held a meeting with party MLAs at Taj Vivanta here on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Congress party has also called a meeting of the legislature party tomorrow. This meeting comes ahead of BJP's demand for a trust vote in the state Assembly on Monday.&nbsp;

Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah told ANI on Sunday that the meeting will be held before the start of the Assembly session tomorrow.&nbsp;

The Congress-JD(S) government has plunged into crisis following the resignation by several MLAs from the House.&nbsp;

Ten dissident Congress and JD(S) MLAs have moved the Supreme Court which has directed the Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to maintain status quo on their resignation and disqualification till July 16.&nbsp;

State BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa had asked Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to prove his government`s majority in the Assembly on Monday.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy had on Friday told the Speaker that he was ready to seek a trust vote or face a no-confidence motion during the session which will go on till July 26.

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah met Congress leader and rebel MLA Ramalinga Reddy, hours after he held a meeting with party MLAs at Taj Vivanta here on Sunday.

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah met Congress leader and rebel MLA Ramalinga Reddy, hours after he held a meeting with party MLAs at Taj Vivanta here on Sunday. The Congress party has also called a meeting of the legislature party tomorrow. This meeting comes ahead of BJP's demand for a trust vote in the state Assembly on Monday. Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah told ANI on Sunday that the meeting will be held before the start of the Assembly session tomorrow. The Congress-JD(S) government has plunged into crisis following the resignation by several MLAs from the House. Ten dissident Congress and JD(S) MLAs have moved the Supreme Court which has directed the Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to maintain status quo on their resignation and disqualification till July 16. State BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa had asked Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to prove his government`s majority in the Assembly on Monday. Kumaraswamy had on Friday told the Speaker that he was ready to seek a trust vote or face a no-confidence motion during the session which will go on till July 26.

Siddaramaiah holds meeting with rebel MLA Ramalinga Reddy

As the political situation gets precarious in the state, Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Tuesday said that he has written to the Governor Vajubhai Vala apprising him on the ongoing crisis in the state and asked the rebel MLAs to meet him. 
 
"Have written to Governor that none of the rebel MLAs have met me. He has expressed confidence that I'll uphold constitutional norms. Out of 13 resignations, 8 are not according to law. I've given them time to present themselves before me," he said. 
 
The Speaker also said he has received a petition from Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramiah seekig disqualification of the dissident MLAs. 
 
Earlier today, Congress leader Siddaramaiah had said that his party would seek the disqualification of the rebel legislators for their alleged anti-party activities.&nbsp;

After the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting, the party also urged Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to ban these MLAs, who have "colluded" with the BJP, from contesting elections for at least six years.

"The CLP has decided to submit a petition to the Speaker seeking disqualification of the members who are trying to resign from their membership. Not only to disqualify them, but they shall not be allowed to contest the election for the next six years," Siddaramaiah told reporters after the meeting.

Congress leaders have repeatedly accused the BJP and the Central government of orchestrating the current crisis in the state, a charge the BJP has denied. 
 
"The BJP doesn't want the Congress to be in power anywhere, be it in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan or Karnataka. They are conspiring to topple the government in Karnataka," alleged Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday.

However, BJP leaders have asserted that the Saffron Party has nothing to do with the ongoing crisis in Karnataka.

Responding to Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury who accused the BJP of engineering defections to destabilise the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that his party does not believe in politics of horse-trading and is committed to parliamentary democracy.

Former chief minister and BJP's state unit president BS Yeddyurappa on Monday demanded the resignation of chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, saying the Congress-JD(S) government in the state has lost the majority.

The BJP has made it clear that if a new government is formed in the state, Yeddyurappa will become the chief minister.

Meanwhile, chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday claimed that the current crisis in the state will be resolved and the government will run smoothly. The Chief Minister's statement came after 21 state minister of the Congress stepped down from their positions. Similarly, all JD(S) ministers also resigned, paving way for the restructuring of the cabinet. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As the political situation gets precarious in the state, Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Tuesday said that he has written to the Governor Vajubhai Vala apprising him on the ongoing crisis in the state and asked the rebel MLAs to meet him.

As the political situation gets precarious in the state, Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Tuesday said that he has written to the Governor Vajubhai Vala apprising him on the ongoing crisis in the state and asked the rebel MLAs to meet him. "Have written to Governor that none of the rebel MLAs have met me. He has expressed confidence that I'll uphold constitutional norms. Out of 13 resignations, 8 are not according to law. I've given them time to present themselves before me," he said. The Speaker also said he has received a petition from Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramiah seekig disqualification of the dissident MLAs. Earlier today, Congress leader Siddaramaiah had said that his party would seek the disqualification of the rebel legislators for their alleged anti-party activities. After the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting, the party also urged Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to ban these MLAs, who have "colluded" with the BJP, from contesting elections for at least six years. "The CLP has decided to submit a petition to the Speaker seeking disqualification of the members who are trying to resign from their membership. Not only to disqualify them, but they shall not be allowed to contest the election for the next six years," Siddaramaiah told reporters after the meeting. Congress leaders have repeatedly accused the BJP and the Central government of orchestrating the current crisis in the state, a charge the BJP has denied. "The BJP doesn't want the Congress to be in power anywhere, be it in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan or Karnataka. They are conspiring to topple the government in Karnataka," alleged Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday. However, BJP leaders have asserted that the Saffron Party has nothing to do with the ongoing crisis in Karnataka. Responding to Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury who accused the BJP of engineering defections to destabilise the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that his party does not believe in politics of horse-trading and is committed to parliamentary democracy. Former chief minister and BJP's state unit president BS Yeddyurappa on Monday demanded the resignation of chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, saying the Congress-JD(S) government in the state has lost the majority. The BJP has made it clear that if a new government is formed in the state, Yeddyurappa will become the chief minister. Meanwhile, chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday claimed that the current crisis in the state will be resolved and the government will run smoothly. The Chief Minister's statement came after 21 state minister of the Congress stepped down from their positions. Similarly, all JD(S) ministers also resigned, paving way for the restructuring of the cabinet. (With inputs from agencies)

Karnataka crisis: Assembly Speaker writes to Governor, summons rebel MLAs

Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) leader and Higher Education Minister GT Deve Gowda on Sunday said that he would not have any objection if Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-strict-action-against-mlas-who-miss-legislature-party-meeting-on-july-9-says-congress-233797">Siddaramaiah becomes the state chief minister</a>.

"If the Congress-JDS Co-ordination Committee decides to make Siddaramaiah the chief minister, I will have no objection," he told reporters.

Deve Gowda said that if instructed, he is ready to resign from the party too.

"If my party decides, I am ready to resign. I am not going to the BJP. Ours is a coalition government for the betterment of the state," said the JDS leader.

Talking about party MLA H Vishwanath, he said,&nbsp;"I spoke to H Vishwanath. He told me that he would come back to the party."

Vishwanath had submitted his resignation along with 11 Congress-JDS legislators on Saturday. He had claimed that as many as 14 MLAs have resigned.

Devegowda said that Congress was making efforts to save the government in the state.

"They have told the members that some seniors should resign from the Cabinet and make way for others," he said.

Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) leader and Higher Education Minister GT Deve Gowda on Sunday said that he would not have any objection if Congress leader Siddaramaiah becomes the state chief minister.

Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) leader and Higher Education Minister GT Deve Gowda on Sunday said that he would not have any objection if Congress leader Siddaramaiah becomes the state chief minister. "If the Congress-JDS Co-ordination Committee decides to make Siddaramaiah the chief minister, I will have no objection," he told reporters. Deve Gowda said that if instructed, he is ready to resign from the party too. "If my party decides, I am ready to resign. I am not going to the BJP. Ours is a coalition government for the betterment of the state," said the JDS leader. Talking about party MLA H Vishwanath, he said, "I spoke to H Vishwanath. He told me that he would come back to the party." Vishwanath had submitted his resignation along with 11 Congress-JDS legislators on Saturday. He had claimed that as many as 14 MLAs have resigned. Devegowda said that Congress was making efforts to save the government in the state. "They have told the members that some seniors should resign from the Cabinet and make way for others," he said.

Karnataka crisis: Won't have objection if Siddaramaiah appointed CM, says JDS leader GT Deve Gowda

The Congress party, which is struggling hard to save the coalition government in the state, on Sunday said that strict action will be taken against MLAs, who miss the Legislature Party meeting on July 9.

According to the party circular on Sunday, all Congress MLAs have been asked to attend the meeting, which will start at 9.30 am.

The circular states that strict action would be taken against those who skip the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, which will discuss among other things the crisis over the coalition government.

The CLP meeting has been called by former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Congress leader KC Venugopal and Dinesh Gundu Rao will also be present in the meeting.

The July 9 meeting precedes the Assembly Session, which is scheduled to commence on July 12.

The coalition government in the state is faced with a serious crisis after the resignation of 11 Congress MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly on Saturday.

However, JDS MLA H Vishwanath has claimed that 14 MLAs have jointly tendered resignations to Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar and requested him to accept them. The Speaker, however, has not yet accepted their resignation.

The Congress party, which is struggling hard to save the coalition government in the state, on Sunday said that strict action will be taken against MLAs, who miss the Legislature Party meeting on July 9.

The Congress party, which is struggling hard to save the coalition government in the state, on Sunday said that strict action will be taken against MLAs, who miss the Legislature Party meeting on July 9. According to the party circular on Sunday, all Congress MLAs have been asked to attend the meeting, which will start at 9.30 am. The circular states that strict action would be taken against those who skip the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, which will discuss among other things the crisis over the coalition government. The CLP meeting has been called by former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Congress leader KC Venugopal and Dinesh Gundu Rao will also be present in the meeting. The July 9 meeting precedes the Assembly Session, which is scheduled to commence on July 12. The coalition government in the state is faced with a serious crisis after the resignation of 11 Congress MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly on Saturday. However, JDS MLA H Vishwanath has claimed that 14 MLAs have jointly tendered resignations to Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar and requested him to accept them. The Speaker, however, has not yet accepted their resignation.

Karnataka: Strict action against MLAs who miss Legislature Party meeting on July 9, says Congress

Senior state Congress leaders including Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Home Minister MB Patil, former chief minister Siddaramaiah, HK Patil, KC Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge met to discuss the <a href="http://wionws.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-lets-wait-and-see-says-yedyurappa-as-congress-gets-into-huddle-233744">prevailing political situation in the state</a> following the resignation of at least 11 legislators.

After the meeting at ITC Windsor Palace hotel here, Parameshwara said that the coalition leaders were talking to the disgruntled leaders to save the state government which is staring at a collapse.

"We have been talking to them," he said.

"There is a scope for improvement. We should explore that improvement," Patil said.

Congress-JD (S) government slipped into a minority following the resignation of at least 11 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly.

JD(S) MLA H Vishwanath claimed that 14 MLAs have jointly tendered resignations to Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar and requested him to accept them.

The Speaker, however, has not yet accepted the resignations.

The strength of the ruling coalition in Karnataka has come down to 105, equal to that of BJP's and eight short of the half-way mark of 113 for the majority.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda also held a meeting to discuss the situations. (ANI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Senior state Congress leaders including Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Home Minister MB Patil, former chief minister Siddaramaiah, HK Patil, KC Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge met to discuss the prevailing political situation in the state following the resignation of at least 11 legislators.

Senior state Congress leaders including Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Home Minister MB Patil, former chief minister Siddaramaiah, HK Patil, KC Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge met to discuss the prevailing political situation in the state following the resignation of at least 11 legislators. After the meeting at ITC Windsor Palace hotel here, Parameshwara said that the coalition leaders were talking to the disgruntled leaders to save the state government which is staring at a collapse. "We have been talking to them," he said. "There is a scope for improvement. We should explore that improvement," Patil said. Congress-JD (S) government slipped into a minority following the resignation of at least 11 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly. JD(S) MLA H Vishwanath claimed that 14 MLAs have jointly tendered resignations to Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar and requested him to accept them. The Speaker, however, has not yet accepted the resignations. The strength of the ruling coalition in Karnataka has come down to 105, equal to that of BJP's and eight short of the half-way mark of 113 for the majority. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda also held a meeting to discuss the situations. (ANI)

Karnataka: 'In talks' with disgruntled leaders, says deputy CM Parameshwara amid political crisis

Karnataka Congress In-charge, KC Venugopal on Saturday held meetings with state Congress leaders including former chief minister Siddaramaiah on the crisis gripping the state's coalition government in the wake of resignation by 11 MLAs.

Siddaramaiah, who is also Congress Legislature Party (CLP), Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Working President Eashwar Khandre, minister D K Shivakumar, D K Suresh and other leaders were also present in the discussions.

The dissident MLAs belonging to Congress and JD(S) coalition were flown to Mumbai.

In the wake of this political crisis in Karnataka, the BJP said that it is ready to form the government in the state following fresh trouble in the ruling Congress-JD(S) government with the resignations of 11 MLAs from the two parties.

Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister DV Sadananda Gowda told reporters here that the MLAs had decided to resign as they thought it was not in the interest of the people of the state and their constituency to be part of the current government.

"If the Governor calls us, certainly we are ready to form the government as we are the single largest party. We have got 105 people with us," he had said when asked if the next government will be that of the BJP.&nbsp;

Karnataka Congress In-charge, KC Venugopal on Saturday held meetings with state Congress leaders including former chief minister Siddaramaiah on the crisis gripping the state's coalition government in the wake of resignation by 11 MLAs.

Karnataka Congress In-charge, KC Venugopal on Saturday held meetings with state Congress leaders including former chief minister Siddaramaiah on the crisis gripping the state's coalition government in the wake of resignation by 11 MLAs. Siddaramaiah, who is also Congress Legislature Party (CLP), Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Working President Eashwar Khandre, minister D K Shivakumar, D K Suresh and other leaders were also present in the discussions. The dissident MLAs belonging to Congress and JD(S) coalition were flown to Mumbai. In the wake of this political crisis in Karnataka, the BJP said that it is ready to form the government in the state following fresh trouble in the ruling Congress-JD(S) government with the resignations of 11 MLAs from the two parties. Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister DV Sadananda Gowda told reporters here that the MLAs had decided to resign as they thought it was not in the interest of the people of the state and their constituency to be part of the current government. "If the Governor calls us, certainly we are ready to form the government as we are the single largest party. We have got 105 people with us," he had said when asked if the next government will be that of the BJP.

Venugopal meets Siddaramaiah, other leaders amid political crisis in Karnataka

A day after Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy shouted at a group of workers, Congress leader Siddaramaiah too lashed out at the people of Badami for voting for BJP.

"I don't know why you people voted for BJP. News started coming in that BJP is leading from this place. Panchayat Bhawan was made by us. We gave you food, shelter, and you vote for BJP. I wonder why," he said.

On Wednesday, Kumaraswamy shouted at a group of workers who approached him to submit a list of grievances.

"You voted for Narendra Modi and want me to get your works done! You want me to give you respect. Should I baton-charge you? Leave the place," he told the YTPS employees. 
 
The Karnataka BJP had condemned the chief minister's outburst and threatened to stage state-wide agitations if Kumaraswamy did not apologise to the masses.

After the rout in the Lok Sabha polls, the ruling coalition fears an onslaught by the BJP to destabilise the government by taking advantage of the simmering discontent.

The BJP and Yeddyurappa had earlier predicted the collapse of the coalition after the Lok Sabha poll results, claiming that 20 odd Congress MLAs were unhappy and may take "a decision" anytime. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

A day after Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy shouted at a group of workers, Congress leader Siddaramaiah too lashed out at the people of Badami for voting for BJP.

A day after Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy shouted at a group of workers, Congress leader Siddaramaiah too lashed out at the people of Badami for voting for BJP. "I don't know why you people voted for BJP. News started coming in that BJP is leading from this place. Panchayat Bhawan was made by us. We gave you food, shelter, and you vote for BJP. I wonder why," he said. On Wednesday, Kumaraswamy shouted at a group of workers who approached him to submit a list of grievances. "You voted for Narendra Modi and want me to get your works done! You want me to give you respect. Should I baton-charge you? Leave the place," he told the YTPS employees. The Karnataka BJP had condemned the chief minister's outburst and threatened to stage state-wide agitations if Kumaraswamy did not apologise to the masses. After the rout in the Lok Sabha polls, the ruling coalition fears an onslaught by the BJP to destabilise the government by taking advantage of the simmering discontent. The BJP and Yeddyurappa had earlier predicted the collapse of the coalition after the Lok Sabha poll results, claiming that 20 odd Congress MLAs were unhappy and may take "a decision" anytime. (With inputs from PTI)

After Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy, Congress leader Siddaramaiah lashes out at crowd for voting for BJP

The Congress on Tuesday suspended MLA R Roshan Baig from the party with immediate effect for his ''anti-party'' activities.

Shivajinagar MLA had held Siddaramaiah's "arrogance" and KPCC President Dinesh Gundu Rao's "immaturity" responsible for the defeat of Congress party in the recently held general elections.

Baig also hinted on quitting the party and requesting Muslims to "compromise" with the situation, on NDA returning to power.

"All India Congress Committee has approved the proposal sent by KPCC to take action against R Roshan Baig, MLA on account of his anti-party activities," the state Congress said in a release.

"He has been suspended from the party with immediate effect, on the basis of inquiry conducted on this matter," it said.

According to sources, Baig has not responded to show cause notice for his conduct issued by Karnataka PCC.

Baig, a seven-time MLA and a former minister, has been expressing displeasure against the Congress party leadership on not being included in the coalition cabinet headed by H D Kumaraswamy.

The Congress on Tuesday suspended MLA R Roshan Baig from the party with immediate effect for his ''anti-party'' activities. Shivajinagar MLA had held Siddaramaiah's "arrogance" and KPCC President Dinesh Gundu Rao's "immaturity" responsible for the defeat of Congress party in the recently held general elections.

The Congress on Tuesday suspended MLA R Roshan Baig from the party with immediate effect for his ''anti-party'' activities. Shivajinagar MLA had held Siddaramaiah's "arrogance" and KPCC President Dinesh Gundu Rao's "immaturity" responsible for the defeat of Congress party in the recently held general elections. Baig also hinted on quitting the party and requesting Muslims to "compromise" with the situation, on NDA returning to power. "All India Congress Committee has approved the proposal sent by KPCC to take action against R Roshan Baig, MLA on account of his anti-party activities," the state Congress said in a release. "He has been suspended from the party with immediate effect, on the basis of inquiry conducted on this matter," it said. According to sources, Baig has not responded to show cause notice for his conduct issued by Karnataka PCC. Baig, a seven-time MLA and a former minister, has been expressing displeasure against the Congress party leadership on not being included in the coalition cabinet headed by H D Kumaraswamy.

Congress suspends Karnataka MLA Roshan Baig for 'anti-party' activities

Congress on Wednesday dissolved its unit in Karnataka while retaining its president and working president, news agency PTI reported.

"The AICC has decided to dissolve the present committee of (the) Karnataka Pradesh Congress. The president and working president remain unchanged," a statement issued by AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal said.

Rumblings within the Karnataka Congress unit have grown amid the reports of differences over the functioning of the Congress-JD(S) government in the state.

The development comes a day after Congress suspended its senior Karnataka MLA Roshan Baig citing his "anti-party" activities. Baig was reportedly unhappy for not being included in the coalition cabinet.

Meanwhile, Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy once again hinted at the growing differences within the ruling coalition. 
 
"I promise I will fulfil your expectations. I can't express the pain I am going through every day. I want to express it with you, but cannot. But I need to solve the pain of people of the state. I have the responsibility of running the government smoothly," he said at an event in Channapatna in Karnataka on Tuesday. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress on Wednesday dissolved its unit in Karnataka while retaining its president and working president, news agency PTI reported. "The AICC has decided to dissolve the present committee of (the) Karnataka Pradesh Congress.

Congress on Wednesday dissolved its unit in Karnataka while retaining its president and working president, news agency PTI reported. "The AICC has decided to dissolve the present committee of (the) Karnataka Pradesh Congress. The president and working president remain unchanged," a statement issued by AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal said. Rumblings within the Karnataka Congress unit have grown amid the reports of differences over the functioning of the Congress-JD(S) government in the state. The development comes a day after Congress suspended its senior Karnataka MLA Roshan Baig citing his "anti-party" activities. Baig was reportedly unhappy for not being included in the coalition cabinet. Meanwhile, Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy once again hinted at the growing differences within the ruling coalition. "I promise I will fulfil your expectations. I can't express the pain I am going through every day. I want to express it with you, but cannot. But I need to solve the pain of people of the state. I have the responsibility of running the government smoothly," he said at an event in Channapatna in Karnataka on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress dissolves its Karnataka unit

Amid talks of cabinet expansion to save the government in Karnataka, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday met the Congress-JD(S) coalition coordination committee chief Siddaramaiah and held discussions.

"Both leaders have met on cabinet issue and have held discussions. Whether it is expansion or reshuffle, it may take place only after June 4," official sources said.

The Congress in Karnataka over the last couple of days had gone into a huddle to avert a potential existential crisis to the one-year-old coalition ministry and discussed the possible cabinet rejig to address the dissent within.

Kumaraswamy had also held discussions with Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi.

Coalition leaders were initially unable to reach consensus on whether to go in for cabinet expansion by filling three vacant posts or reshuffle by asking a few ministers to step down and make way for the disgruntled lawmakers.

CLP leader Siddaramaiah, however, had indicated that reshuffle was on the cards.

According to party sources, there are talks about first filling three vacant posts and then going in for reshuffle if the need arises.

Meanwhile, Independent MLA Nagesh and KPJP MLA R Shankar also met Siddaramaiah on Saturday and held discussions.

There are reports that in case of cabinet expansion they are likely to be inducted into the Ministry.

During the meeting, Siddaramaiah is said to have asked both legislators not to fall prey to any attempts by the BJP to woo them.

On Wednesday reports and pictures of Nagesh and Shankar meeting rebel Congress MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who is allegedly hobnobbing with the BJP, had added to the coalition's worry.

Shankar was inducted into Kumaraswamys cabinet but was subsequently dropped during the reshuffle in December last year, following which both of them had withdrawn their support from the government and sided with BJP.

Coalition worries have multiplied after the BJP's spectacular win with 25 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in its pocket, leaving a mere one seat each to the Congress and JDS, which, despite a joint fight, were swept away by the Modi wave.

Also, growing unrest within the party and threat by Ramesh Jarkiholi to quit Congress along with other MLAs have worried the leadership as it would trigger a number game in the assembly.

The talk about cabinet reshuffle or expansion has also given rise to a number of aspirants within the party.

Of the total 34 ministerial positions in Karnataka, the Congress and JD(S) have shared 22 and 12 respectively.

Currently, three posts are vacant, two from JD(S) and one from Congress.

However, allaying fears that the BJP was trying to weaken the JD(S)-Congress government in Karnataka, the saffron party's state president B S Yeddyurappa Friday had said central leaders have asked the state unit not to indulge in any activity to "destabilise" it.&nbsp;

Amid talks of cabinet expansion to save the government in Karnataka, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday met the Congress-JD(S) coalition coordination committee chief Siddaramaiah and held discussions.

Amid talks of cabinet expansion to save the government in Karnataka, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday met the Congress-JD(S) coalition coordination committee chief Siddaramaiah and held discussions. "Both leaders have met on cabinet issue and have held discussions. Whether it is expansion or reshuffle, it may take place only after June 4," official sources said. The Congress in Karnataka over the last couple of days had gone into a huddle to avert a potential existential crisis to the one-year-old coalition ministry and discussed the possible cabinet rejig to address the dissent within. Kumaraswamy had also held discussions with Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. Coalition leaders were initially unable to reach consensus on whether to go in for cabinet expansion by filling three vacant posts or reshuffle by asking a few ministers to step down and make way for the disgruntled lawmakers. CLP leader Siddaramaiah, however, had indicated that reshuffle was on the cards. According to party sources, there are talks about first filling three vacant posts and then going in for reshuffle if the need arises. Meanwhile, Independent MLA Nagesh and KPJP MLA R Shankar also met Siddaramaiah on Saturday and held discussions. There are reports that in case of cabinet expansion they are likely to be inducted into the Ministry. During the meeting, Siddaramaiah is said to have asked both legislators not to fall prey to any attempts by the BJP to woo them. On Wednesday reports and pictures of Nagesh and Shankar meeting rebel Congress MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who is allegedly hobnobbing with the BJP, had added to the coalition's worry. Shankar was inducted into Kumaraswamys cabinet but was subsequently dropped during the reshuffle in December last year, following which both of them had withdrawn their support from the government and sided with BJP. Coalition worries have multiplied after the BJP's spectacular win with 25 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in its pocket, leaving a mere one seat each to the Congress and JDS, which, despite a joint fight, were swept away by the Modi wave. Also, growing unrest within the party and threat by Ramesh Jarkiholi to quit Congress along with other MLAs have worried the leadership as it would trigger a number game in the assembly. The talk about cabinet reshuffle or expansion has also given rise to a number of aspirants within the party. Of the total 34 ministerial positions in Karnataka, the Congress and JD(S) have shared 22 and 12 respectively. Currently, three posts are vacant, two from JD(S) and one from Congress. However, allaying fears that the BJP was trying to weaken the JD(S)-Congress government in Karnataka, the saffron party's state president B S Yeddyurappa Friday had said central leaders have asked the state unit not to indulge in any activity to "destabilise" it.

Amid coalition worries, HD Kumaraswamy holds talks with Siddaramaiah

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-may-revive-operation-kamala-post-ls-polls-but-it-will-not-succeed-siddaramaiah-210843">Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday termed the growing clamour within his party to make him chief minister once again as an expression of supporters' "affection", but said he still stands by his word about not contesting the next assembly polls.

The Congress Legislature party Leader said he saw nothing wrong in the demand being made by his supporters.

"I have made it very very clear that the chief minister's post is not vacant now (hence no question about me becoming CM). What our people are saying is, after next election, I should become chief minister once again," Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, he said, "Is there anything that I should not become (Chief Minister) if people give their blessings? Where is that I should not become, if people bless our party?"&nbsp;

"Have they (supporters) said I should become now? In the 2023 election if people bless Congress, Siddaramaiah may become chief minister - this is what they are saying. What is wrong in that?" he asked.

However, Siddaramaiah said, he stands by his earlier word, not to contest the next assembly polls.

"I have said, I will not contest next election, but is there anything that they (supporters) should also say what I have said, they are expressing their opinion.

"I have expressed my opinion that I will not contest next election, even today I will abide by it," he said.

Siddaramaiah noted that when people at meetings demand that he should become CM once again, he responds by saying, "if people bless let us see".

"What is wrong in responding like that to a particular situation,?" he asked.&nbsp;

He also blamed the media for making it a big issue and said, "Where have I said, I will become CM?"&nbsp;

Ahead of the May 2018 assembly polls, Siddaramaiah had said it could "most likely" be his last election.

Earlier, during the 2013 assembly polls too, Siddaramaiah had said that it was his last election and went on to become chief minister after the polls.

For the last few days there has been a growing clamour among Congress legislators to make Siddaramaiah CM once again, which has irked JD(S) leaders and the incumbent Chief Minister of the coalition government H D Kumaraswamy.

The issue also had led to a bitter public spat between Siddaramaiah, and his bete noire and JD(S) state President A H Vishwanath. &nbsp; &nbsp;

He said state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa was "dreaming" about forming the government and becoming chief minister has become a "laughing stock" in the eyes of the people.

"He has been saying this from the day one. He did become the chief minister with 104 MLAs as the single largest party, but had to resign in three days, unable to prove the majority.

He should be ashamed about repeatedly claiming that he will become the chief minister? If he had said it once people might have taken it seriously, but repeatedly saying it, no one will believe him," he said.

Yeddyurappa had recently claimed that there is an "atmosphere" for the BJP to form government in the state, and had said longevity of the coalition government would depend on the stand taken by about 20 "disgruntled" Congress legislators after Lok Sabha poll results.

On his spat with JD(S) state President Vishwanth, Siddaramaiah said, "I have already said what I had to on the issue, I don't want to discuss it publicly again.

"I will discuss it in the coordination committee meeting, there ends the matter."&nbsp;

Growing differences between alliance partners has resulted in a public spat between leaders of the two parties in the past few days.

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday termed the growing clamour within his party to make him chief minister once again as an expression of supporters' "affection", but said he still stands by his word about not contesting the next assembly polls.

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday termed the growing clamour within his party to make him chief minister once again as an expression of supporters' "affection", but said he still stands by his word about not contesting the next assembly polls. The Congress Legislature party Leader said he saw nothing wrong in the demand being made by his supporters. "I have made it very very clear that the chief minister's post is not vacant now (hence no question about me becoming CM). What our people are saying is, after next election, I should become chief minister once again," Siddaramaiah said. Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, he said, "Is there anything that I should not become (Chief Minister) if people give their blessings? Where is that I should not become, if people bless our party?" "Have they (supporters) said I should become now? In the 2023 election if people bless Congress, Siddaramaiah may become chief minister - this is what they are saying. What is wrong in that?" he asked. However, Siddaramaiah said, he stands by his earlier word, not to contest the next assembly polls. "I have said, I will not contest next election, but is there anything that they (supporters) should also say what I have said, they are expressing their opinion. "I have expressed my opinion that I will not contest next election, even today I will abide by it," he said. Siddaramaiah noted that when people at meetings demand that he should become CM once again, he responds by saying, "if people bless let us see". "What is wrong in responding like that to a particular situation,?" he asked. He also blamed the media for making it a big issue and said, "Where have I said, I will become CM?" Ahead of the May 2018 assembly polls, Siddaramaiah had said it could "most likely" be his last election. Earlier, during the 2013 assembly polls too, Siddaramaiah had said that it was his last election and went on to become chief minister after the polls. For the last few days there has been a growing clamour among Congress legislators to make Siddaramaiah CM once again, which has irked JD(S) leaders and the incumbent Chief Minister of the coalition government H D Kumaraswamy. The issue also had led to a bitter public spat between Siddaramaiah, and his bete noire and JD(S) state President A H Vishwanath. He said state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa was "dreaming" about forming the government and becoming chief minister has become a "laughing stock" in the eyes of the people. "He has been saying this from the day one. He did become the chief minister with 104 MLAs as the single largest party, but had to resign in three days, unable to prove the majority. He should be ashamed about repeatedly claiming that he will become the chief minister? If he had said it once people might have taken it seriously, but repeatedly saying it, no one will believe him," he said. Yeddyurappa had recently claimed that there is an "atmosphere" for the BJP to form government in the state, and had said longevity of the coalition government would depend on the stand taken by about 20 "disgruntled" Congress legislators after Lok Sabha poll results. On his spat with JD(S) state President Vishwanth, Siddaramaiah said, "I have already said what I had to on the issue, I don't want to discuss it publicly again. "I will discuss it in the coordination committee meeting, there ends the matter." Growing differences between alliance partners has resulted in a public spat between leaders of the two parties in the past few days.

Still stand by my word not to contest next assembly polls: Congress leader Siddaramaiah

Trouble is brewing again for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-coalition-is-a-20-commission-government-pm-modi-209866">coalition government in the South Indian state of Karnataka</a> as another MLA has assured he will be resigning from the Congress party over differences.

Ramesh Jarkiholi, the MLA from Gokak constituency, and the leader who led the rebellion in January this year has&nbsp;said he will soon be quitting the Congress. Ramesh was also seen campaigning for the BJP in the run-up to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-karnataka-to-witness-neck-to-neck-contests-211263">Lok Sabha elections</a>.

'I have not quit the Congress, but will be doing it soon. I will contest from Yemkanmardi seat in the next assembly elections. When Ramesh Katti had rebelled against the BJP, Yeddyurappa immediately reached out to pacify him. No one from the Congress has reached out to me' said Ramesh while speaking in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The statement comes days after BJP State Chief BS Yeddyurappa had expressed confidence that the coalition government will crumble after the Lok Sabha elections.

While there is no clear figure on how many rebel MLAs are with Ramesh Jarkiholi, sources within the BJP claim that the figure is enough to topple the HD Kumaraswamy government.

Satish Jarkiholi, Ramesh's brother, who replaced him in the state cabinet, has thrown an open challenge to the dissenting MLA.

'He has been threatening to quit for a year. We do not know why he is disgruntled. He might ask the BJP to give him a ticket and make him a minister. We are waiting for the speaker to take the decision on the disqualification of dissenting MLAs' said Satish Jarkiholi.&nbsp;

The Congress currently has 78 MLAs after the demise of CH Shivalli and resignation of Umesh Jadhav. Along with the JD(S) and one independent the coalition government has 116 MLAs in a 225 member house. If Ramesh Jarkiholi exits with 4 other MLAs as claimed, then the house strength comes down along with the number of the coalition government.

However, the Kumaraswamy government can still function as a minority government if it can get more votes in its favour than against.&nbsp;

BJP is also banking on the two by-elections to be held on May 19 in Chincholi and Kundgol. Also, if sitting MLAs Eshwar Khandre and Krishna Byre Gowda manage to win Lok Sabha elections, two more constituencies will go for by-polls&nbsp;in the state. If the saffron party manages to win all four seats, then along with the support of one independent it will have 109 MLAs on its side.

Another fear for the coalition government will be the outcomes of elections in Mandya and Tumkur, where HD Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil and HD Deve Gowda are contesting elections amidst rebellion within the Congress cadres.

If the Congress fails to transfer votes to the JD(S) in these crucial constituencies, the rift within the coalition will only get deeper.

'The results of the elections will clearly be an indication on whether this government will continue or not. There could be a threat to the state government if the BJP succeeds in Karnataka and at the national level. Big question marks will then rise on the state government. If the Congress-JD(S) do not do well in Karnataka, there are serious questions going to be raised. If they do well in the state, but BJP does well in the national level, they might survive but there will be constant hiccups.' says Sandeep Shastri, Political Analyst.&nbsp;

All eyes are now on Lok Sabha election results on May 23 that could not only decide the fate of the nation, but also the Karnataka state coalition government. If the situation arrives and the government fails to prove majority on the floor of the house, BS Yeddyurappa might prefer to go for fresh elections in the South Indian state.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trouble is brewing again for the coalition government in the South Indian state of Karnataka as another MLA has assured he will be resigning from the Congress party over differences.

Trouble is brewing again for the coalition government in the South Indian state of Karnataka as another MLA has assured he will be resigning from the Congress party over differences. Ramesh Jarkiholi, the MLA from Gokak constituency, and the leader who led the rebellion in January this year has said he will soon be quitting the Congress. Ramesh was also seen campaigning for the BJP in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. 'I have not quit the Congress, but will be doing it soon. I will contest from Yemkanmardi seat in the next assembly elections. When Ramesh Katti had rebelled against the BJP, Yeddyurappa immediately reached out to pacify him. No one from the Congress has reached out to me' said Ramesh while speaking in Bengaluru. The statement comes days after BJP State Chief BS Yeddyurappa had expressed confidence that the coalition government will crumble after the Lok Sabha elections. While there is no clear figure on how many rebel MLAs are with Ramesh Jarkiholi, sources within the BJP claim that the figure is enough to topple the HD Kumaraswamy government. Satish Jarkiholi, Ramesh's brother, who replaced him in the state cabinet, has thrown an open challenge to the dissenting MLA. 'He has been threatening to quit for a year. We do not know why he is disgruntled. He might ask the BJP to give him a ticket and make him a minister. We are waiting for the speaker to take the decision on the disqualification of dissenting MLAs' said Satish Jarkiholi. The Congress currently has 78 MLAs after the demise of CH Shivalli and resignation of Umesh Jadhav. Along with the JD(S) and one independent the coalition government has 116 MLAs in a 225 member house. If Ramesh Jarkiholi exits with 4 other MLAs as claimed, then the house strength comes down along with the number of the coalition government. However, the Kumaraswamy government can still function as a minority government if it can get more votes in its favour than against. BJP is also banking on the two by-elections to be held on May 19 in Chincholi and Kundgol. Also, if sitting MLAs Eshwar Khandre and Krishna Byre Gowda manage to win Lok Sabha elections, two more constituencies will go for by-polls in the state. If the saffron party manages to win all four seats, then along with the support of one independent it will have 109 MLAs on its side. Another fear for the coalition government will be the outcomes of elections in Mandya and Tumkur, where HD Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil and HD Deve Gowda are contesting elections amidst rebellion within the Congress cadres. If the Congress fails to transfer votes to the JD(S) in these crucial constituencies, the rift within the coalition will only get deeper. 'The results of the elections will clearly be an indication on whether this government will continue or not. There could be a threat to the state government if the BJP succeeds in Karnataka and at the national level. Big question marks will then rise on the state government. If the Congress-JD(S) do not do well in Karnataka, there are serious questions going to be raised. If they do well in the state, but BJP does well in the national level, they might survive but there will be constant hiccups.' says Sandeep Shastri, Political Analyst. All eyes are now on Lok Sabha election results on May 23 that could not only decide the fate of the nation, but also the Karnataka state coalition government. If the situation arrives and the government fails to prove majority on the floor of the house, BS Yeddyurappa might prefer to go for fresh elections in the South Indian state.

Lok Sabha results to decide fate of Karnataka's coalition

Taking a jibe at former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, BJP leader and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said that though Gowda`s party is contesting only on a few seats in the state, he is nursing ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister of the country, or at least an advisor to the PM.

Speaking exclusively to Smita Prakash of ANI, Yeddyurappa said, "Deve Gowda is fighting on 7 seats in Karnataka and has ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister or an advisor to the Prime Minister."

Gowda had said in a recent interview that unlike BJP veteran LK Advani, he is not going to retire from active politics and that if Congress president Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of the country, he will be sitting by his side.

Of the 28 parliamentary constituencies in the state, Congress and JD(S) are contesting on 21 and 7 seats, respectively, as per a pre-poll arrangement.

Expressing his confidence of BJP gaining a big victory at the polls, Yeddyurappa said, "Despite all the divisive tactics by the Congress party, BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections by winning 104 seats. In this election too we are hundred per cent confident that we will not only win Shimoga Lok Sabha seat with a huge margin but also win more than 22 seats in the state."

Shimoga has become a high profile constituency in the state as sons of two chief ministers are battling it out. Yeddyurappa`s son B Y Raghavendra has been campaigning extensively and tells ANI that despite the state machinery being used against the BJP in his constituency, the people are with him.

His father is very popular in Shikaripura where they have a modest family home in a congested locality but Raghavendra feels that Modi`s popularity is his trump card.

The JD (S) nominee Madhu Bangarappa, son of former CM is banking on the Ediga community and his late father`s popularity. HD Kumaraswamy has made several emotional appeals to minorities and other communities to break the hold that Yeddyurappa has in central Karnataka.But the ageing Kannada stalwart Yeddyurappa is confident of adding Karnataka to Modi`s kitty, "We are going to win at least 300 seats in the entire country," he added.

On the prospects of JD(S)-Congress alliance getting `destabilized` in Karnataka if BJP wins the Lok Sabha elections, Yeddyurappa said, "After results, anything may happen," claiming that "over 20 Congress MLAs are not ready to help the Chief Minister, they are not happy with him".

He, however, denied that the allegedly estranged MLAs were in touch with him. "These MLAs have not spoken to me, they have spoken secretly," he said. He probably means that there is a whisper campaign.

Talking about the Veerashaiva-Lingayat issue, Yeddyurappa accused former Congress president Sonia Gandhi of hatching a conspiracy with the local Congress leadership to divide the Lingayat community in the state.

"Congress leader and Home Minister MB Patil had written to the then AICC chief Sonia Gandhi on Veerashaiva-Lingayat issue which exposes the conspiracy hatched by Congress to prevent BJP from coming to power in Karnataka. What is surprising is that Sonia Gandhi is involved in this conspiracy as the letter written by Patil starts with `as suggested by you`, that means she herself has guided state Congress leaders on the issue," he said.

"Being the head of a national party and claiming the legacy of Nehru family, she should not have stooped to such a level because we have high regards for Nehru and his family. Though it is not new for Congress people to involve in such conspiracies," he added.

On Kumaraswamy`s alleged claims that he knew about the `Pulwama terrorist attack` two years back, Yeddyurappa hit back questioning the CM`s silence for so long."If he knew about the attack two years back, he should have informed it to the police or to the President of India so that such a tragic incident and the death of our more than 40 soldiers could have been prevented," he said.

Yeddyurappa is dismissive of the Chief Minister`s statements on Pulwama and Balakot, telling ANI that HDK seems mentally unsound.

Refuting the allegations levelled on him by the Congress in the `Yeddyurappa diary` row wherein he was alleged to have paid Rs 1800 crore to some top BJP leaders, the former CM said that there was no truth in it.

"If there is even a small amount of truth in it, I will retire from politics. Officials and experts have checked my handwriting and signature and have come out openly saying that it was not my signature at all. It was not a diary but only 2-3 loose sheets," he said.

Continuing his tirade against the JD(S)-Congress government in the state, the senior BJP leader said that it has been a complete failure and that the CM has lost his "mental balance".

"We are seeking votes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s 5-year performance. The existing coalition government has miserably failed in Karnataka and the Chief Minister has lost his mental balance and is speaking irresponsibly," he said.

"In Mandya district, Sumalatha is giving a very good fight and she may win the election. The Chief Minister was there only for a week, thereafter he lost his mental balance and is speaking nonsense wherever he has gone after that," said Yeddyurappa.

The BJP has fielded candidates in all constituencies except in Mandya where it has extended support to independent candidate Sumalatha, wife of late actor-turned-politician Ambareesh. Sensing difficulties for his son Nikhil, who is the coalition candidate, Kumaraswamy had been campaigning in Mandya for the past few days.

When asked about his statements on Balakot, Yeddyurappa said that he has been misquoted by some media outlets. "I didn`t say that Balakot air strike will help us to win 22 seats, I was misquoted by the media. The credit will go to the military," he said.&nbsp;

Taking a jibe at former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, BJP leader and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said that though Gowda`s party is contesting only on a few seats in the state, he is nursing ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister of the country, or at least an advisor to the PM.

Taking a jibe at former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, BJP leader and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said that though Gowda`s party is contesting only on a few seats in the state, he is nursing ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister of the country, or at least an advisor to the PM. Speaking exclusively to Smita Prakash of ANI, Yeddyurappa said, "Deve Gowda is fighting on 7 seats in Karnataka and has ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister or an advisor to the Prime Minister." Gowda had said in a recent interview that unlike BJP veteran LK Advani, he is not going to retire from active politics and that if Congress president Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of the country, he will be sitting by his side. Of the 28 parliamentary constituencies in the state, Congress and JD(S) are contesting on 21 and 7 seats, respectively, as per a pre-poll arrangement. Expressing his confidence of BJP gaining a big victory at the polls, Yeddyurappa said, "Despite all the divisive tactics by the Congress party, BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections by winning 104 seats. In this election too we are hundred per cent confident that we will not only win Shimoga Lok Sabha seat with a huge margin but also win more than 22 seats in the state." Shimoga has become a high profile constituency in the state as sons of two chief ministers are battling it out. Yeddyurappa`s son B Y Raghavendra has been campaigning extensively and tells ANI that despite the state machinery being used against the BJP in his constituency, the people are with him. His father is very popular in Shikaripura where they have a modest family home in a congested locality but Raghavendra feels that Modi`s popularity is his trump card. The JD (S) nominee Madhu Bangarappa, son of former CM is banking on the Ediga community and his late father`s popularity. HD Kumaraswamy has made several emotional appeals to minorities and other communities to break the hold that Yeddyurappa has in central Karnataka.But the ageing Kannada stalwart Yeddyurappa is confident of adding Karnataka to Modi`s kitty, "We are going to win at least 300 seats in the entire country," he added. On the prospects of JD(S)-Congress alliance getting `destabilized` in Karnataka if BJP wins the Lok Sabha elections, Yeddyurappa said, "After results, anything may happen," claiming that "over 20 Congress MLAs are not ready to help the Chief Minister, they are not happy with him". He, however, denied that the allegedly estranged MLAs were in touch with him. "These MLAs have not spoken to me, they have spoken secretly," he said. He probably means that there is a whisper campaign. Talking about the Veerashaiva-Lingayat issue, Yeddyurappa accused former Congress president Sonia Gandhi of hatching a conspiracy with the local Congress leadership to divide the Lingayat community in the state. "Congress leader and Home Minister MB Patil had written to the then AICC chief Sonia Gandhi on Veerashaiva-Lingayat issue which exposes the conspiracy hatched by Congress to prevent BJP from coming to power in Karnataka. What is surprising is that Sonia Gandhi is involved in this conspiracy as the letter written by Patil starts with `as suggested by you`, that means she herself has guided state Congress leaders on the issue," he said. "Being the head of a national party and claiming the legacy of Nehru family, she should not have stooped to such a level because we have high regards for Nehru and his family. Though it is not new for Congress people to involve in such conspiracies," he added. On Kumaraswamy`s alleged claims that he knew about the `Pulwama terrorist attack` two years back, Yeddyurappa hit back questioning the CM`s silence for so long."If he knew about the attack two years back, he should have informed it to the police or to the President of India so that such a tragic incident and the death of our more than 40 soldiers could have been prevented," he said. Yeddyurappa is dismissive of the Chief Minister`s statements on Pulwama and Balakot, telling ANI that HDK seems mentally unsound. Refuting the allegations levelled on him by the Congress in the `Yeddyurappa diary` row wherein he was alleged to have paid Rs 1800 crore to some top BJP leaders, the former CM said that there was no truth in it. "If there is even a small amount of truth in it, I will retire from politics. Officials and experts have checked my handwriting and signature and have come out openly saying that it was not my signature at all. It was not a diary but only 2-3 loose sheets," he said. Continuing his tirade against the JD(S)-Congress government in the state, the senior BJP leader said that it has been a complete failure and that the CM has lost his "mental balance". "We are seeking votes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s 5-year performance. The existing coalition government has miserably failed in Karnataka and the Chief Minister has lost his mental balance and is speaking irresponsibly," he said. "In Mandya district, Sumalatha is giving a very good fight and she may win the election. The Chief Minister was there only for a week, thereafter he lost his mental balance and is speaking nonsense wherever he has gone after that," said Yeddyurappa. The BJP has fielded candidates in all constituencies except in Mandya where it has extended support to independent candidate Sumalatha, wife of late actor-turned-politician Ambareesh. Sensing difficulties for his son Nikhil, who is the coalition candidate, Kumaraswamy had been campaigning in Mandya for the past few days. When asked about his statements on Balakot, Yeddyurappa said that he has been misquoted by some media outlets. "I didn`t say that Balakot air strike will help us to win 22 seats, I was misquoted by the media. The credit will go to the military," he said.

Gowda is fighting in 7 seats, yet dreaming of becoming PM: BS Yeddyurappa

The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said.

There is no "threat" to the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) government, which is "very much stable" and functioning smoothly without hiccups, he told PTI on Monday.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader further said "Operation Kamala 2.0" will not succeed as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unlikely to return to power at the Centre.

"Operation Kamala" (Operation Lotus) refers to the successful attempt of the BJP to engineer the defection of opposition legislators to ensure the stability of the BS Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka in 2008. It is widely believed that the saffron party is attempting "Operation Kamala 2.0" to form the government in the southern state by trying to lure the legislators of the ruling coalition.

The BJP had tried to engineer defections soon after the May 2018 Assembly polls when it emerged as the single-largest party with 104 seats but fell short of a majority. However, the Congress-JD(S) coalition was on guard.

"They may try Operation Kamala again and I do not think they will succeed," Siddaramaiah told PTI in an exclusive interview.

He was responding to a query on the possibility of the BJP, if it returns to power at the Centre, reviving its "poach-all" operation to stake claim to form the government in Karnataka.

"The BJP cannot come to power at the Centre as it will not win a good number of seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the 2014 (Lok Sabha) election, it had won 102 of the 120 seats in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Is it possible to win the same number of seats again? How can you say the BJP will come to power?," the former Karnataka chief minister said, adding that the saffron party may not get 50 per cent of the seats it had bagged in these two states five years ago.

"In Gujarat, the BJP had won all the 26 seats and do you think it is possible this time? Where is the Modi wave? Why is the Modi wave created? I want to know what factors are contributing to the Modi wave," he said.

Dismissing reports of any threat to the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, he said, "We do not have any fear. It is the BJP which is saying the government is not stable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also saying it."

The Congress-JD(S) coalition has 117 MLAs, whereas the BJP has 104. The saffron party will have to get at least 13 legislators from the ruling alliance to resign from the Assembly in order to bring down the strength of the House, allowing it to stake claim to form the government in the southern state.

The defecting MLAs cannot join the BJP straightaway as in that case, they will attract disqualification under the anti-defection law.

Karnataka goes to the polls in the second and third phases on April 18 and 23.

The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said.

The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said. There is no "threat" to the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) government, which is "very much stable" and functioning smoothly without hiccups, he told PTI on Monday. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader further said "Operation Kamala 2.0" will not succeed as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unlikely to return to power at the Centre. "Operation Kamala" (Operation Lotus) refers to the successful attempt of the BJP to engineer the defection of opposition legislators to ensure the stability of the BS Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka in 2008. It is widely believed that the saffron party is attempting "Operation Kamala 2.0" to form the government in the southern state by trying to lure the legislators of the ruling coalition. The BJP had tried to engineer defections soon after the May 2018 Assembly polls when it emerged as the single-largest party with 104 seats but fell short of a majority. However, the Congress-JD(S) coalition was on guard. "They may try Operation Kamala again and I do not think they will succeed," Siddaramaiah told PTI in an exclusive interview. He was responding to a query on the possibility of the BJP, if it returns to power at the Centre, reviving its "poach-all" operation to stake claim to form the government in Karnataka. "The BJP cannot come to power at the Centre as it will not win a good number of seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the 2014 (Lok Sabha) election, it had won 102 of the 120 seats in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Is it possible to win the same number of seats again? How can you say the BJP will come to power?," the former Karnataka chief minister said, adding that the saffron party may not get 50 per cent of the seats it had bagged in these two states five years ago. "In Gujarat, the BJP had won all the 26 seats and do you think it is possible this time? Where is the Modi wave? Why is the Modi wave created? I want to know what factors are contributing to the Modi wave," he said. Dismissing reports of any threat to the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, he said, "We do not have any fear. It is the BJP which is saying the government is not stable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also saying it." The Congress-JD(S) coalition has 117 MLAs, whereas the BJP has 104. The saffron party will have to get at least 13 legislators from the ruling alliance to resign from the Assembly in order to bring down the strength of the House, allowing it to stake claim to form the government in the southern state. The defecting MLAs cannot join the BJP straightaway as in that case, they will attract disqualification under the anti-defection law. Karnataka goes to the polls in the second and third phases on April 18 and 23.

BJP may revive 'Operation Kamala' post LS polls, but it will not succeed: Siddaramaiah

The country was heading towards a coalition government as neither the Congress nor the BJP are unlikely to get an absolute majority despite claims by political leadership, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Monday.&nbsp;

He said the mood of the country is clearly in favour of bringing in a UPA government to reject communal and divisive forces.

The senior Congress leader observed that neither of the two national parties were in a position to cross the 150 marks out of 543, despite claims to the contrary by BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In Karnataka, he said the Congress along with its ally JD(S) is expected to win around 20 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies.&nbsp;

The first phase of polling is scheduled on April 18 in the state.&nbsp;

Talking to PTI in an exclusive interview during a campaign trail, Siddaramaiah said: "Both Congress and BJP appear not to be in a position to get an absolute majority on their own. The UPA will, however, get a clear majority."&nbsp;

Holding that claims and reality are two different things, he said there is no Modi wave. On the contrary, there is a growing wave of people wanting to curb divisive and communal forces. This has put a full stop to the second term for the NDA.

"According to me, the UPA will get enough seats and will emerge as a single largest front. Naturally, other regional parties will rally around," he said and added the Mahagathbandhan (the grand-alliance) has taken place so that the secular votes are not divided.&nbsp;

He said, "The campaign is against the BJP which is a communal party. All secular forces which were fighting each other, have come together to prevent the division of votes among secular parties. We are fighting against the communal party."

Siddaramaiah, who is also chairman of the Congress-JD(S) coalition committee in the state, is, however, confident that the Congress will be able to make major inroads in Karnataka along with the JD(S), limiting the BJP to anywhere between 8 and 10 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies.

The Congress, which is contesting 21 seats in the state, would win 13-14 seats and its ally JD(S) will take the combined tally to around 20, he said.&nbsp;

Rubbishing claims that there was lack of coordination between Congress and JD(S) workers resulting from an unfair allocation of seats, he said the two parties were in perfect harmony and the campaigning was going on satisfactorily.

"This issue has been verified because myself and JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda jointly toured all constituencies. Look, myself and G T Devegowda of JD(S) fought against each other during the last assembly elections, now we have come together. We have asked workers to work together," he said.

Three out of seven seats allocated to JD(S) are being contested by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and his two grandsons, forcing the JD(S) leadership to concentrate on three constituencies of Tumkur, Mandya and Hassan.

Gowda is contesting from Tumkur, his grandson and chief minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy from Mandya and elder son H D Revanna's son Ujwal Revanna from Hassan.&nbsp;

Asserting that the Congress-JD(S) alliance will benefit in this Lok Sabha poll, Siddaramaiah said, "Our vote share will be definitely more than the BJP. Both voters, irrespective of what Congress and JD(S) got in the assembly poll, put together will get more votes."&nbsp;

On too much of Modi bashing in the election campaign, he said, "It is because Modi is prime minister of this country and has completed five years. Who else should I attack? If you attack Modi, it means we are attacking the RSS. He is a symbol of RSS."

He said Congress's narrative of the election campaign is positive, unlike the BJP which is not raising issues concerning the poor people, farmers, youth and women.&nbsp;

"Is Modi discussing these issues in the public meeting? Why he is not mentioning his achievements in the public meeting? He is talking only about surgical strikes" the Congress leader said.

"There were 12 surgical strikes in the past. In the first war against Pakistan in 1948-49, Narendra Modi was not even born then. In 1977, when Indira Gandhi was PM and Bangladesh was liberated, where was he? Was he a soldier in the Indian army?" Siddaramaiah said adding these surgical strikes are taking place frequently in the country after Independence.

Even the BJP's manifesto talks of the same old issues such as the scrapping of Article 370 and construction of Ram temple. "It is raising emotional and very old issues. These issues were there since 1982," he noted.

The country was heading towards a coalition government as neither the Congress nor the BJP are unlikely to get an absolute majority despite claims by political leadership, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Monday.

The country was heading towards a coalition government as neither the Congress nor the BJP are unlikely to get an absolute majority despite claims by political leadership, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Monday. He said the mood of the country is clearly in favour of bringing in a UPA government to reject communal and divisive forces. The senior Congress leader observed that neither of the two national parties were in a position to cross the 150 marks out of 543, despite claims to the contrary by BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Karnataka, he said the Congress along with its ally JD(S) is expected to win around 20 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies. The first phase of polling is scheduled on April 18 in the state. Talking to PTI in an exclusive interview during a campaign trail, Siddaramaiah said: "Both Congress and BJP appear not to be in a position to get an absolute majority on their own. The UPA will, however, get a clear majority." Holding that claims and reality are two different things, he said there is no Modi wave. On the contrary, there is a growing wave of people wanting to curb divisive and communal forces. This has put a full stop to the second term for the NDA. "According to me, the UPA will get enough seats and will emerge as a single largest front. Naturally, other regional parties will rally around," he said and added the Mahagathbandhan (the grand-alliance) has taken place so that the secular votes are not divided. He said, "The campaign is against the BJP which is a communal party. All secular forces which were fighting each other, have come together to prevent the division of votes among secular parties. We are fighting against the communal party." Siddaramaiah, who is also chairman of the Congress-JD(S) coalition committee in the state, is, however, confident that the Congress will be able to make major inroads in Karnataka along with the JD(S), limiting the BJP to anywhere between 8 and 10 seats out of 28 parliamentary constituencies. The Congress, which is contesting 21 seats in the state, would win 13-14 seats and its ally JD(S) will take the combined tally to around 20, he said. Rubbishing claims that there was lack of coordination between Congress and JD(S) workers resulting from an unfair allocation of seats, he said the two parties were in perfect harmony and the campaigning was going on satisfactorily. "This issue has been verified because myself and JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda jointly toured all constituencies. Look, myself and G T Devegowda of JD(S) fought against each other during the last assembly elections, now we have come together. We have asked workers to work together," he said. Three out of seven seats allocated to JD(S) are being contested by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and his two grandsons, forcing the JD(S) leadership to concentrate on three constituencies of Tumkur, Mandya and Hassan. Gowda is contesting from Tumkur, his grandson and chief minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy from Mandya and elder son H D Revanna's son Ujwal Revanna from Hassan. Asserting that the Congress-JD(S) alliance will benefit in this Lok Sabha poll, Siddaramaiah said, "Our vote share will be definitely more than the BJP. Both voters, irrespective of what Congress and JD(S) got in the assembly poll, put together will get more votes." On too much of Modi bashing in the election campaign, he said, "It is because Modi is prime minister of this country and has completed five years. Who else should I attack? If you attack Modi, it means we are attacking the RSS. He is a symbol of RSS." He said Congress's narrative of the election campaign is positive, unlike the BJP which is not raising issues concerning the poor people, farmers, youth and women. "Is Modi discussing these issues in the public meeting? Why he is not mentioning his achievements in the public meeting? He is talking only about surgical strikes" the Congress leader said. "There were 12 surgical strikes in the past. In the first war against Pakistan in 1948-49, Narendra Modi was not even born then. In 1977, when Indira Gandhi was PM and Bangladesh was liberated, where was he? Was he a soldier in the Indian army?" Siddaramaiah said adding these surgical strikes are taking place frequently in the country after Independence. Even the BJP's manifesto talks of the same old issues such as the scrapping of Article 370 and construction of Ram temple. "It is raising emotional and very old issues. These issues were there since 1982," he noted.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Country heading towards coalition government, says Siddaramaiah

BJP Karnataka president B S Yeddyurappa Friday rubbished as "fake" and "a concocted story" audio clips released by state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy about his alleged bid to lure an MLA to topple the Congress-JD(S) government.

Shortly after Kumaraswamy released the clips, Yeddyurappa said he had not met anyone to woo JD(S) lawmaker Nagana Gouda as alleged and that the charge against him was "far from the truth."

Yeddyurappa said he went to Devadurga, where the MLA's son Sharan Gouda claimed to have met him and recorded the conversation, to visit a temple and flew back to the city.

Kumaraswamy had "concocted" the story to hide his failures and inability to keep the JD(S) and Congress flock together, Yeddyurappa told reporters in Bengaluru.

"It is a fake audio... I have not met anyone. Kumaraswamy is trying to hide his failures. This is a drama," Yeddyurappa said.

He said the Kumaraswamy government had lost the trust of the people and had "no moral right" to continue in office.

"Kumaraswamy himself is a film producer. He is an expert in voice recording.... Whatever the charge he has made is baseless," Yeddyurappa said.

He also dismissed a claim by the chief minister that he had spoken in the audio about a "Rs 50 crore" offer to the assembly speaker.

"I will retire from politics if it (the allegation) is proved...If I had spoken like this (about the speaker), if it is proved... I will resign as an MLA and quit politics."

BJP Karnataka president B S Yeddyurappa Friday rubbished as "fake" and "a concocted story" audio clips released by state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy about his alleged bid to lure an MLA to topple the Congress-JD(S) government.

BJP Karnataka president B S Yeddyurappa Friday rubbished as "fake" and "a concocted story" audio clips released by state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy about his alleged bid to lure an MLA to topple the Congress-JD(S) government. Shortly after Kumaraswamy released the clips, Yeddyurappa said he had not met anyone to woo JD(S) lawmaker Nagana Gouda as alleged and that the charge against him was "far from the truth." Yeddyurappa said he went to Devadurga, where the MLA's son Sharan Gouda claimed to have met him and recorded the conversation, to visit a temple and flew back to the city. Kumaraswamy had "concocted" the story to hide his failures and inability to keep the JD(S) and Congress flock together, Yeddyurappa told reporters in Bengaluru. "It is a fake audio... I have not met anyone. Kumaraswamy is trying to hide his failures. This is a drama," Yeddyurappa said. He said the Kumaraswamy government had lost the trust of the people and had "no moral right" to continue in office. "Kumaraswamy himself is a film producer. He is an expert in voice recording.... Whatever the charge he has made is baseless," Yeddyurappa said. He also dismissed a claim by the chief minister that he had spoken in the audio about a "Rs 50 crore" offer to the assembly speaker. "I will retire from politics if it (the allegation) is proved...If I had spoken like this (about the speaker), if it is proved... I will resign as an MLA and quit politics."

'Concocted story': Yeddyurappa on CM Kumaraswamy's audio clips alleging he lured Karnataka MLA

National Commission for Women (NCW) has urged the Karnataka Police to investigate into an incident in which Congress leader Siddaramaiah allegedly misbehaved with a woman.

Taking cognizance of the news reports on the incident, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma in a letter to state DGP Neelmani Raju on Monday requested for an investigation and action as per relevant provisions of law.

She has also urged that the commission should be apprised of the developments.

Earlier in the day, former Karnataka Chief Minister&nbsp;Siddaramaiah was caught on camera losing his cool while interacting with a woman in Mysuru.

In a video, Siddaramaiah was seen&nbsp;snatching away the mike from the woman's hand and in the process, her 'dupatta'&nbsp;also dropped. The woman was apparently raising some issue, which agitated the Congress leader.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah misbehaves with a woman at a public meeting in Mysuru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/MhQvUHIc3x">pic.twitter.com/MhQvUHIc3x</a>
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The incident triggered an outrage across the country sparking strong reactions from the opposition.

However, the woman&nbsp;defending Siddaramaiah's actions said that she has "no issues" with him and he got angry because "I slammed the table".

&nbsp;"Have no issues, he was the best chief minister. I only told him about some grievances and spoke roughly. I shouldn't have spoken like that to a former chief minister. He got angry because I slammed the table," ANI quoted her as saying.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has said that he was just "trying to stop long speech of a party worker" and had no "bad intention".

"When I was trying to stop a long speech of a party worker that incident happened, it was an accident, there was no bad intention. I know her since 15 years, she is just like my sister," ANI quoted Siddaramaiah as saying.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

National Commission for Women (NCW) has urged the Karnataka Police to investigate into an incident in which Congress leader Siddaramaiah allegedly misbehaved with a woman.

National Commission for Women (NCW) has urged the Karnataka Police to investigate into an incident in which Congress leader Siddaramaiah allegedly misbehaved with a woman. Taking cognizance of the news reports on the incident, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma in a letter to state DGP Neelmani Raju on Monday requested for an investigation and action as per relevant provisions of law. She has also urged that the commission should be apprised of the developments. Earlier in the day, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was caught on camera losing his cool while interacting with a woman in Mysuru. In a video, Siddaramaiah was seen snatching away the mike from the woman's hand and in the process, her 'dupatta' also dropped. The woman was apparently raising some issue, which agitated the Congress leader. #WATCH Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah misbehaves with a woman at a public meeting in Mysuru. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/MhQvUHIc3x — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2019 × The incident triggered an outrage across the country sparking strong reactions from the opposition. However, the woman defending Siddaramaiah's actions said that she has "no issues" with him and he got angry because "I slammed the table". "Have no issues, he was the best chief minister. I only told him about some grievances and spoke roughly. I shouldn't have spoken like that to a former chief minister. He got angry because I slammed the table," ANI quoted her as saying. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has said that he was just "trying to stop long speech of a party worker" and had no "bad intention". "When I was trying to stop a long speech of a party worker that incident happened, it was an accident, there was no bad intention. I know her since 15 years, she is just like my sister," ANI quoted Siddaramaiah as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

NCW urges Karnataka police to launch an investigation into Siddaramaiah incident

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday accused BJP of continuing its efforts to poach MLAs and claimed one of his party`s legislators was on Thursday offered huge amount of money under the saffron party's 'Operation Kamala'.

“Operation Kamala is still on. Even last night they (BJP) offered one of our MLAs, a huge amount of money and asked him where it should be sent. You will be surprised to know the gift amount. Our MLA responded that he did not need any gift and wants to be left alone.This is how they are still working on poaching,” Kumaraswamy said.

Former state chief minister and CLP leader Siddaramaiah also accused BJP of attempting to poach legislators. There is no operation Kamala. They have Benami money which they have earned through corruption. With that corruption money they tried and failed.”

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the other hand refuted all such allegations and asserted that legislators are trying to leave the JD(S)-Congress coalition due to internal fight.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are not resorting to any operation Kamala. Their MLAs are trying to go away from them because of their internal fights and it is their duty to keep them intact within their party. They should stop giving baseless statements against us. We have 104 MLAs and two 2 independent MLAs and we are concentrating on our work as the Opposition," Yeddyurappa said,

The Congress, which shares power with JD-S, has 80 MLAs in the 224-member Assembly, including the Speaker. Accordingly, 79 MLAs were expected to attend the CLP meeting held under the supervision of central leaders K C Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday accused BJP of continuing its efforts to poach MLAs and claimed one of his party`s legislators was on Thursday offered huge amount of money under the saffron party's 'Operation Kamala'.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday accused BJP of continuing its efforts to poach MLAs and claimed one of his party`s legislators was on Thursday offered huge amount of money under the saffron party's 'Operation Kamala'. “Operation Kamala is still on. Even last night they (BJP) offered one of our MLAs, a huge amount of money and asked him where it should be sent. You will be surprised to know the gift amount. Our MLA responded that he did not need any gift and wants to be left alone.This is how they are still working on poaching,” Kumaraswamy said. Former state chief minister and CLP leader Siddaramaiah also accused BJP of attempting to poach legislators. There is no operation Kamala. They have Benami money which they have earned through corruption. With that corruption money they tried and failed.” Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the other hand refuted all such allegations and asserted that legislators are trying to leave the JD(S)-Congress coalition due to internal fight. “We are not resorting to any operation Kamala. Their MLAs are trying to go away from them because of their internal fights and it is their duty to keep them intact within their party. They should stop giving baseless statements against us. We have 104 MLAs and two 2 independent MLAs and we are concentrating on our work as the Opposition," Yeddyurappa said, The Congress, which shares power with JD-S, has 80 MLAs in the 224-member Assembly, including the Speaker. Accordingly, 79 MLAs were expected to attend the CLP meeting held under the supervision of central leaders K C Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge.

Karnataka CM claims operation Kamala still on, BJP refutes baseless allegation

The former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Siddaramaiah has called for another Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting at 11 am on Monday.

All MLAs have been directed to attend the meeting, which comes in the wake of an alleged rift in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government.

The meeting has been called for a day after two Congress MLAs-Anand Singh and JN Ganesh- had a "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-turmoil-congress-mla-injured-in-brawl-notices-sent-to-4-lawmakers-for-skipping-clp-meet-191682">minor fight</a>".

However, Congress leader Zameer Ahmed said the two leaders had minor differences after a discussion between the "two friends".

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had said on Saturday that the party would issue a show-cause notice to MLAs who did not attend the CLP meeting held in Bengaluru on Friday, asking for an explanation from them.

"First, we will issue a show-cause notice asking for an explanation. Then we will take some action after discussion with the party members," he told ANI.

Also, Kharge said out of the four MLAs who were absent at the meeting, two MLAs clarified their absence. "We will issue notices to the two who did not respond," he had said.

Four Congress MLAs skipped Friday`s meeting, following which the Congress moved rest of the 76 legislators to a resort.

The meeting was convened by the party to assess whether its flock was intact amid speculation that some of the party MLAs had switched over to the BJP.

The Congress, which shares power with JD-S, has 80 MLAs in the 224-member Assembly, including the Speaker. Accordingly, 79 MLAs were expected to attend the CLP meeting held under the supervision of central leaders K C Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge.&nbsp;

The former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Siddaramaiah has called for another Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting at 11 am on Monday. All MLAs have been directed to attend the meeting, which comes in the wake of an alleged rift in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government.

The former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Siddaramaiah has called for another Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting at 11 am on Monday. All MLAs have been directed to attend the meeting, which comes in the wake of an alleged rift in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government. The meeting has been called for a day after two Congress MLAs-Anand Singh and JN Ganesh- had a "minor fight". However, Congress leader Zameer Ahmed said the two leaders had minor differences after a discussion between the "two friends". Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had said on Saturday that the party would issue a show-cause notice to MLAs who did not attend the CLP meeting held in Bengaluru on Friday, asking for an explanation from them. "First, we will issue a show-cause notice asking for an explanation. Then we will take some action after discussion with the party members," he told ANI. Also, Kharge said out of the four MLAs who were absent at the meeting, two MLAs clarified their absence. "We will issue notices to the two who did not respond," he had said. Four Congress MLAs skipped Friday`s meeting, following which the Congress moved rest of the 76 legislators to a resort. The meeting was convened by the party to assess whether its flock was intact amid speculation that some of the party MLAs had switched over to the BJP. The Congress, which shares power with JD-S, has 80 MLAs in the 224-member Assembly, including the Speaker. Accordingly, 79 MLAs were expected to attend the CLP meeting held under the supervision of central leaders K C Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge.

Siddaramaiah to hold Congress Legislature Party meeting today

Faced with internal rebellion, Karnataka Congress on Friday shifted all its MLAs to to Eagleton resort following crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet&nbsp;which was skipped by four 'dissidents'.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The CLP meeting was&nbsp;called as a show of strength in a counter to an alleged bid by the BJP to topple the coalition government in Karnataka.

The absence of four lawmakers posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government headed by H D Kumaraswamy but suggested that all was not well within the Congress which has been hit by dissidence.

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In a notice issued to Congress MLAs ahead of the meeting, CLP leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah had warned that absence of MLAs would be viewed "seriously" and action taken against them under the Anti-Defection Law.

As the meeting got underway, Congress sources said the absentee MLAs were: Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be extremely unhappy over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli.

Jadhav has written to Siddaramaiah noting that a letter about the meeting has been affixed outside his room at the Legislators Home and that since he is unwell and not able to travel, he would not attend the meet.

He requested that his absence may be "excused."&nbsp;

Nagendra had said Thursday he may not be able to be present in the CLP meet because of a court case.

Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddaramaiah, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and state leaders were present at the meet.

Earlier, as the CLP was underway, Yeddyurappa said several legislators appeared to be attending the meet out of compulsion.

"Let them indulge in squabbles... We have nothing to do with it."&nbsp;

He said the ruling coalition was claiming the support of some BJP MLAs and it was because of this that the party had decided they should stay together in a hotel in Gurugram.

In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. BSP is supporting the government.

Two Independents have announced the withdrawal of their support to the government. Yeddyurappa claimed they are backing the BJP.

Faced with internal rebellion, Karnataka Congress on Friday shifted all its MLAs to to Eagleton resort following crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet which was skipped by four 'dissidents'.

Faced with internal rebellion, Karnataka Congress on Friday shifted all its MLAs to to Eagleton resort following crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet which was skipped by four 'dissidents'. The CLP meeting was called as a show of strength in a counter to an alleged bid by the BJP to topple the coalition government in Karnataka. The absence of four lawmakers posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government headed by H D Kumaraswamy but suggested that all was not well within the Congress which has been hit by dissidence. Bengaluru: Congress MLAs move to Eagleton resort after CLP meeting pic.twitter.com/Y2W9t0ZGEK — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × In a notice issued to Congress MLAs ahead of the meeting, CLP leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah had warned that absence of MLAs would be viewed "seriously" and action taken against them under the Anti-Defection Law. As the meeting got underway, Congress sources said the absentee MLAs were: Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be extremely unhappy over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli. Jadhav has written to Siddaramaiah noting that a letter about the meeting has been affixed outside his room at the Legislators Home and that since he is unwell and not able to travel, he would not attend the meet. He requested that his absence may be "excused." Nagendra had said Thursday he may not be able to be present in the CLP meet because of a court case. Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddaramaiah, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and state leaders were present at the meet. Earlier, as the CLP was underway, Yeddyurappa said several legislators appeared to be attending the meet out of compulsion. "Let them indulge in squabbles... We have nothing to do with it." He said the ruling coalition was claiming the support of some BJP MLAs and it was because of this that the party had decided they should stay together in a hotel in Gurugram. In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. BSP is supporting the government. Two Independents have announced the withdrawal of their support to the government. Yeddyurappa claimed they are backing the BJP.

Karnataka Congress moves MLAs to resort after 4 dissidents give party meet a miss

siddaramaiah

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