Karnataka Budget: Finance Bill Passed Amid BJP Protests
CM Kumaraswamy, who also holds the Finance portfolio, is scheduled to present the budget on 8 February.
The Karnataka Assembly finally passed the Finance bill on Thursday, 14 February, almost one week after CM Kumaraswamy presented the Budget. The coalition government in the state appears to be safe for now with the return of the four rebel MLAs one day ago.
All four rebel MLAs who resurfaced after days of absence participated in the Budget session of the Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday, 13 February. They are – Mahesh Kumathalli, Ramesh Jarjkoholi, B Nagendra and Umesh Jadhav.
Days after the Budget was presented by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday, 8 February, there has been no debate on the finance bill or its provision in the days since. Ahead of the Budget day last Friday, CM Kumaraswamy announced at a press conference that BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa offered JD(S) MLA Naganagowda Kandkur's son Sharan a ministerial berth and claimed to have ‘booked’ the Assembly Speaker for a sum of Rs 50 crore. BJP has denied all allegations.
- The ten-day Karnataka Budget session began on 6 February with Governor Vajubhai Vala’s customary address to the joint sitting of the legislature.
- Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the Budget on 8 February, amidst BJP protest.
- The political crisis deepened after on Friday CM Kumaraswamy released audio tapes of BJP trying bribe JD(S) MLAs
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Cong-JDS Govt Braces for Stormy Budget Session
Amid alleged renewed attempts by the Opposition BJP in Karnataka to destabilise it, the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition government, which is beset with dissidence, is gearing up for a stormy Budget session of the state legislature commencing from Wednesday.
The eight-day session will begin with Governor Vajubhai Vala's customary address to the joint sitting of the legislature.
BJP is likely to corner the government on a host of issues including the administration’s handling of the drought situation in the state, cash allegedly seized from a clerk working at a minister's office, among others.
Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who also holds the finance portfolio, is scheduled to present his coalition government second Budget on February 8.
Expressing doubts about Budget presentation on 8 February, senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister R Ashoka has claimed that 20 to 25 disgruntled MLAs of the alliance were out of reach of their leaders and the coalition government was in a “coma.”
Also, the saffron party has said it was not averse to moving a no-confidence motion against the Kumaraswamy-led government.
In the Budget, among other things, the government is expected to make an announcement directed at the fulfilment of its loan waiver promise.
Whip Issued to Cong-JDS MLAs Ahead of Budget Session
A whip was issued to all MLAs of ruling JD(S)-Congress coalition on Tuesday to be present in the state Assembly during all days of the Budget session commencing on Wednesday and vote in favour of the government.
The issuance of the whip is seen as a move by the ruling coalition to pre-empt any plans of disgruntled Congress MLAs on the radar of BJP to stay away from the Assembly and pose a threat to the stability of the government.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who also holds the finance portfolio, said his government was stable and he would present a good Budget and deliver good administration despite few people trying to create hurdles.
Congress MLA Anand Singh Arrives for the Meeting
Congress MLA Anand Singh, who was injured in a scuffle at the Eagleton Resort, has arrived for the meeting. He was discharged from the hospital yesterday.
“I am feeling better now and I am recovering,” he said to ANI.
Session Starts Amid Ruckus by Protesting BJP MLAs; Governor Walks Out
The BJP leaders allege that the government doesn't have majority because of the dissidence within the coalition, and in such a situation, the governor can not legitimise the government by giving his speech.
“This government does not have the support of nearly half the MLAs. How will you pass the Budget,” BJP leader R Ashoka yelled in the midst of Governor Vala’s speech, reported The Newsminute.
Four MLAs Still Missing
The four MLAs - Ramesh Jarkiholi, Umesh Jadhav, Mahesh Kumathahalli, B Nagendra - who skipped the first Congress Legislative Party meeting on 18 January, remained absent during the Budget session as well.
BJP Alleges 11 MLAs Missing; Claims Coalition Govt Doesn't Have Adequate Numbers
According to the BJP, the MLAs Ramesh Jarkiholi, Umesh Jhadav, Narayan Gouda, Basanagouda Daddal, B Nagendra, BC Patil, Nagesh, Shankar, JN Ganesh, Mahesh Kumthahalli and Pratap Gowda failed to turn up for the meeting.
Leaders Pay Respects to Siddaganga Seer and George Fernandes
Speaker Ramesh, CM Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah pay their respects to Siddaganga Lingayat seer Shivakumara Swami and George Fernandes on the first day of the Budget session.
BJP to Continue Protest
Sriramulu, BJP MLA from Chitradurga said, “We will continue protest inside Assembly, this is a minority government .. we will meet the Governor soon and give him a memorandum to dissolve the government. On no confidence motion, the party will take decision later.
Congress MLAs Ramalinga Reddy and Soumya Reddy Skip Meet; Say They Have Permission
“Have taken permission from Chief Whip and Speaker to skip as I am not well and had some work. Otherwise, I am a regular attendee. My father and I had taken permission. We will be attending tomorrow. Absence should not be misconstrued,” she said in an interview.
Karntataka Congress Slams BJP on Twitter
Taking to Twitter, the official handle of the Karnataka Congress said that Yeddyurappa, along with other BJP lawmakers had disrespected the Speaker, the Governor and the sanctity of the House.
“This shows that BJP is not concerned about working for the development of the state. After saying there is no Operation Kamala and there was no attempt to topple the government, Yeddyurappa and others disrupted the Budget session,” read the tweet.
"Nobody is Missing," says CLP leader Siddaramaiah
Even as several Congress MLAs skipped the first day of the Budget session at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah said that “nobody is missing”.
Session Adjourned for the Day
After the leaders paid their respects to the departed souls, the Budget session was adjourned for the day. It shall resume on Thursday, 7 February.
'We are not Going to Move a No-confidence Motion': Yeddyurappa
“No development is going on, there is infighting within the cabinet, that is why we boycotted Governor's speech. We are not going to move a no-confidence motion. We're waiting & observing everything,” said Yeddyurappa, reported ANI.
Let Them Try, Says DKS on BJP Moving a No-Confidence Motion
Congress leader DK Shivakumar, on being asked what if BJP moves a no-confidence motion, said, "Let them try." He also said that it is very shocking that BJP legislators are showing this attitude of frustration towards the Governor's speech, reported ANI.
'Our Alliance is Going Strong': Dinesh Gundu Rao, KPCC President
CLP Leader Siddaramaiah Issues Whip to Congress MLAs to Attend Budget Session
Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah has issued a whip to Congress MLAs to be present in the state assembly during the Budget session, reported ANI
Not Allowing Budget Speech of Governor is Insult to his Position: Siddaramaiah
Yeddyurappa Holds Meeting With Senior BJP Leaders
Ahead of the second day of the Budget session of Karnataka Assembly, BJP State President BS Yeddyurappa met senior leaders from the party at his Dollar Colony residence in Bengaluru.
Yeddyurappa will also be a holding a meeting with BJP legislators at 10.30 am today.
Assembly Resumes Amidst BJP Protest
The second day of Karnataka Budget session begins amidst protest by BJP legislators. BJP MLAs are shouting slogans alleging the government doesn't have majority. Congress leaders are challenging the BJP to move no-confidence motion.
BJP Leader Demands CM's Resignation
BJP leader Sriramulu said: “We are not doing any operation Kamala or operation Congress. Despite the whip, the 7 MLAs have not turned up. The CM has to resign today.”
Assembly Adjourned Till Tomorrow
After the BJP disrupted the proceedings of the day, the Speaker Adjourned Assembly session till tomorrow. The Budget will be presented on Friday.
BJP Won't Move No Confidence Motion, Says Yeddyurappa
Even though BJP legislators claimed the coalition government doesn’t have a majority, during their protests in the well of the house, BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa said his party will not move a no confidence motion.
“No chance of no confidence motion. Congress and JD(S) are fighting each other. Congress MLAs are saying Siddaramaiah is chief minister. We don’t have to do anything,” he told reporters.
"Rs 30-50 Crore Being Offered to Cong MLAs": Siddaramaiah
“They are offering Rs 30 crore, 50 crore and such amounts. There is evidence of that. The Speaker has no power to look into it because it’s not a violation of whip or anti-defection. We know when we have to take action. The Budget will be presented tomorrow. There should be no doubt,“ Siddaramaiah said.
"Why Isn't BJP Moving No-Confidence Motion?": Siddaramaiah
After the adjournment of the session, Congress Legislative Party Leader Siddaramaiah questioned why the BJP didn’t move no-confidence motion, if they were certain of numbers. “That is an option open to them. What is preventing them?” he asked.
Talking about the missing MLAs, he said they might be having some personal work. “Tomorrow I have called a legislature meeting, I have issued a whip. Let me see. I am in contact with all of them, they will all be there tomorrow,” he added.
All Eyes on Budget Speech on Friday
"BJP Doesn't Believe in Democracy or our Constitution": Siddaramaiah
"Confident all MLAs Will Attend Meet Tomorrow": Siddaramaiah
Taking to Twitter, Siddaramaiah said:
Kumaraswamy Issues Whip to JD(S) MLAs
Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy has issued whip to all Janata Dal (Secular) MLAs to be present in the House tomorrow.
Kumaraswamy Removes Warehouse Corporation Chairman Umesh Jadhav
Ahead of the Budget session, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has removed dissenting Congress MLA Dr Umesh Jadhav from the post of the chairman of the Warehouse Corporation.
Congress MLA Pratap Gowda Patil has replaced Jadhav.
JD(S) MLA Narayan Gowda to Skip Budget Session
Amid suspicions that JD(S) MLA Narayan Gowda was in touch with BJP over his absence from the session over the last two days, he released a video on Friday, explaining his absence.
Congress MLA Daddal Will Attend CLP Meet
Basanagouda Daddal, Congress MLA from Raichur who was reportedly disgruntled with the party: “I'm in the party, I haven't gone anywhere. That's the reason I'm attending legislative party meeting. All rumours spread by media.”
(ANI)
CM Starts Emergency Press Conference
CM Lashes out at PM Modi, Asks for Support From "Opposition Friends"
“According to my view, he (Modi) is systematically demolishing democracy in the country. Request all Opposition party friends, to rise. One side he is projecting himself at saviour of this country and claims to demolish corruption. On the other hand, how he is encouraging his friends. they must participate in parliament and reveal the truth behind the country's PM,” Kumaraswamy said.
CM Claims Modi Spurring BJP to Topple Government
Yeddyurappa Started Trend of Poaching MLAs: Kumaraswamy:
Kumaraswamy said that he received information from his party workers late last night, which is why he called an emergency press meet.
“I got information at 1.30AM. I appreciate my party workers who are sincere, and credits to them for my party surviving. My worker called me at night. I thought BS Yeddyurappa went to Devadurga to pay respects to an elderly man who passed away. But I was wrong. He has called late in the night. In the discussion, Maharashtra CM is there. Several institution heads are mentioned. But Opposition leaders are saying we are not destabilising government. I will give proof today. Nobody has done mimicry. In the night, they are asking to come to Devadurga.”
Kumaraswamy Plays Audio Clip, Claims Proof of Poaching Efforts
Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy releases an audio clip of a conversation allegedly between BJP State chief BS Yeddyurappa and JDS MLA Naganagowda Kandkur's son Sharan where Yeddyurappa made an offer Rs 25 crore and ministerial post for his father, reported ANI.
'We Will Make You a Minister': JD(S) MLA's Son Recounts Poaching Efforts
Sharan Gouda, son of JD(S) MLA Nagangouda Kandkur, said he was offered a ministerial post and money to switch loyalties.
Advocate Files Complaint Against BJP Leader Yeddyurappa for "Kidnapping and Wrongful Confinement"
Advocate RLN Murthy files complaint against BS Yeddyurappa, Malleshwaram BJP MLA Ashwath Narayan and others, alleging that “the BJP has committed an offence of kidnapping and wrongful confinement of some members of legislative Assembly, not allowing them to participate in Budget session 2019”
'10-11 Congress MLAs Will Not Attend Budget Session Today': Yeddyurappa
BJP's Yeddyurappa Says They Will Not Interfere With Karnataka Budget Session
Addressing mediapersons, Yeddyurappa said, “We will participate in the Budget session. There will be no opposition from our side. Their MLAs are not turning up, should we remain quiet? We will allow them to present budget and we will ask for two three days of extension to discuss budget in detail.”
Congress to Petition for Disqualification of Four MLAs
CLP leader Siddaramaiah on Friday said that the party will petition Speaker Ramesh Kumar to disqualify the four truant MLAs B Nagendra, Ramesh Jarkiholi, Mahesh Kumthalli and Umesh Jadhav for failing to turn up for the CLP meet and Budget session despite whips. Action will be initiated against them under the anti-defection law.
'Unanimous Opinion of the CLP to Take Action Against Anti-Defection Law': Siddaramaiah
'All Four Rebels Have Written me Letters': Siddaramaiah
“Jadhav said he was preoccupied and so couldn't attend the CLP meeting. Jarkiholi said there is a wedding. Kumathahalli said he was unwell. Nagendra said he had personal work. All of them have said they can't come till 15th. Sufficient opportunities have been given to these MLAs. I had issued show cause notices to them after they skipped the meeting on 18 January. I had asked them after they replied to the notices to justify their excuses in the replies. I also told them to meet me personally but they have not turned up so far,” said Siddaramaiah.
No Action Against 'Wanted' Cong MLA JN Ganesh Yet
Siddaramaiah said that no action would be initiated against Kampli MLA JN Ganesh who is wanted by the Bidadi police for allegedly assaulting fellow Congress MLA Anand Singh at Eagleton Resort.
“No action against JN Ganesh yet because he is absconding and natural justice requires sufficient opportunity to be given. The other four were given sufficient opportunities but failed to turn up,” said Siddaramaiah.
CM Starts Budget Speech; BJP Disrupts With Slogans, Protests
A superstitious CM started his presentation of the state Budget at the auspicious time of 12:32 pm on Friday. However, he was shouted down by protesting BJP MLAs. Barely an hour ago, BJP State President Yeddyurappa had said that his MLAs would not disrupt Budget proceedings.
BJP MLAs Walk Out As CM Presents Budget
Soon after starting their protests during the Budget session of the Assembly, BJP MLAs, including BS Yeddyurappa, walked out of the session.
CM Continues Budget Speech; Announces Funds for Drought Aid and Flood Relief
- Rs 900 crore released for drought relief.
- Rs 8,015 crore set aside for Brand Bengaluru
- 854 houses to be built for Kodagu flood victims.
BJP MLAs Take Their Protest Outside Vidhana Soudha
After staging a walkout during the Budget speech, BJP MLAs took their protest outside the Vidhana Soudha. They sat and demonstrated right outside the Assembly Hall, on the steps of a Mahatma Gandhi statue.
'No Intention of Leaving the Cong Party': Congress' Umesh Jadhav:
Congress MLA Umesh Jadhav, who is one of the four MLAs against whom a petition for disqualification has been sent to the Speaker, wrote in a letter to CLP leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday, 7 February that he would be unable to attend the CLP meeting on Friday due to “certain preoccupations” and that he had no intention of leaving the Congress party.
He also wrote in the letter that he would meet Siddaramaiah personally very soon.
Yeddyurappa Says Walkout Over Lack of Clarity in Poaching Allegations
Speaking to reporters about why the BJP had staged a walkout, BJP State President Yeddyurappa said they had not received any clarity on the allegations of him offering Rs 50 crore to ‘book’ the Speaker.
Karnataka Budget: Crop Loan Waiver of Rs 12,000 Crore, Brand Bengaluru Gets Plum Allocation
Favouring his own crop loan waiver scheme over his predecessor’s direct transfer solution, in the coalition government;s second budget, Kumaraswamy announced an allocation of Rs 6,500 crore for the waiver of crop loan of farmers to Commercial Banks and Rs.6,150 crore to Co-operative Banks. He also said that loan waiver for the cooperative sector would be completed by May 2019. Loan waiver with respect to commercial banks would also be completed in this financial year.
The controversial elevated corridor project also saw a mention with the CM allocating a sum of Rs 100 crore for this purpose in the year 2019-20.
Regarding suburban rail services, the CM set aside Rs.23,093 crore, as well as the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Bengaluru Rail Infrastructure Development Entity (B-RIDE) under State and Central Government partnership.
Congress Leaders Release Fresh Audio Tape With Subtitles
Source: Indian National Congress
Venugopal also pointed that clipping in the clipping, Yeddyurappa could heard saying they offered Rs 50 crore to the Karnataka Speaker for not disqualifying his MLAs.
“Clippings are referring to the names of Amit Shah and Narendra Modi ji for managing here and there through Yeddyurappa himself,” he said during the press conference.
Secretary of All India Congress Committee Randeep Surjewala questioned, “in what capacity is Yeddyurappa discussing approaching Supreme Court judges to get the case right? Have Narendra Modi and Amit Shah given them such assurances? Has the SC become a 'jebi dukaan' of BJP?”
Country Shocked by Yeddyurappa Audio Tape: KC Venugopal
A day after Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy released an audio clip alleging BJP State President BS Yeddyurappa tried to offer bribes to MLAs, senior AICC leaders held a press conference in New Delhi on Saturday.
During his address, Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal (in-charge Karnataka) said that the entire country is shocked by the audio tapes.
“It (audio clips) states that BS Yeddyurappa is offering Rs 10 crore per MLA and in his deliberation, it's clear there are 18 MLAs. Therefore, it comes at the rate of around Rs 200 crore. He's offering 12 MLAs minister post, 6 were offered chairman posts in different boards,” he said.
Yeddyurappa Did Not Say He Had Bribed Him: Karnataka Speaker
After Chief Minister Kumaraswamy's revelations, where he released an audio recording purportedly of BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa saying he had "booked the Speaker for Rs 50 crore," the Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly has refuted the allegations, reported The News Minute. Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar said that he could not easily discern the identity of each voice on the recording and that Yeddyurappa did not say he had bribed him.
"I received the audio and before speaking to you (the media), I listened to it carefully. One cannot understand who said what to whom in that tape. Yeddyurappa did not say that he had bribed the Speaker,” said Ramesh.
Yeddyurappa Admits he met Gurmitkal MLA’s son
BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa on Sunday admitted that he did meet Sharanagouda, son of JD(S) MLA from Gurmitkal, Naganagouda Kandkur. Chief Minister Kumaraswamy on Friday had released two audio tapes allegedly of Yeddyurappa trying to lure JD(S) MLA with the promise of money and minister post.
“It is true that I met Shankargouda. Kumaraswamy sent the MLA's son to me to make me speak according to their requirements and then used whatever was useful to them. But they have covered up few truths", said Yeddyurappa.
The Speaker May Order Probe Into Audio Tapes
Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar may order a probe into the audio clip released by chief minister HD Kumaraswamy last Friday, reported The Times of India.
According to the report, the Speaker is likely to decide on whether to go for an in-house inquiry by the ethics panel or an investigating agency. “The chief minister has written to me seeking an inquiry. I’ll raise this issue on Monday and take an appropriate decision after seeking the opinion of the House,” TOI quoted Kumar.
Congress Submits Letter Seeking Disqualification of Rebel MLAs
Congress Legislative Party leader Siddaramaiah on Monday submitted a 50-page letter demanding the disqualification of the four rebel MLAs, the Speaker. On Friday, Siddaramaiah had announced that the party would move against the four MLAs –Ramesh Jarkiholi, Umesh Jadhav, Mahesh Kumathalli, and B Nagendra – under the Anti-Defection Law, after they failed to appear for the budget session despite repeated warnings.
Speaker Orders SIT to Probe Leaked Audio Tapes
Karnataka Assembly Speaker Ramesh Kumar on Monday asked Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to conduct a probe into the audio tapes released on Friday. He asked the government to ensure the SIT will submit the report within 15 days.
Chief Minister Kumaraswamy on Friday had released two audio tapes allegedly of Yeddyurappa trying to lure JD(S) MLA with the promise of money and minister post. The BJP has opposed the probe saying they don’t trust the government.
Speaker Refuses BJP's Demand for Judicial Inquiry
Assembly proceedings resume after a brief adjournment. Responding to the BJP’s demand for a judicial inquiry, Speaker Ramesh Kumar said he will not reverse his order to conduct a SIT probe into the audio tapes released by CM Kumaraswamy. He said a judicial probe would be time consuming, hence it can’t be allowed as there is requirement to finish the probe within 15 days.
Assembly Adjourned Amidst BJP Protest
Speaker Ramesh Kumar adjourns Karnataka Assembly after BJP MLAs continue protest against the decision to conduct a SIT probe into the audio tapes. The session will reconvene at 11 am on Tuesday.
JD(S) MLA Narayana Gowda Reaches Bengaluru
JD(S) MLA Narayana Gowda, who skipped the Budget session, arrived in Bengaluru on Tuesday night. He was alleged to be in touch with the BJP, however talking to the media Gowda said: “BJP can't and never purchase me. If I want I can bring 10 BJP MLAs. I was admitted in hospital after food poisoning, I have the hospital bills. There will be some internal issues inside the party and we'll clear it as usual.”
Speaker Calls for Meeting Between CM and Opposition Leaders
Karnataka Speaker Ramesh Kumar has called for a meeting at 10.30am on Wednesday between the leaders of both camps to reach a conclusion on the audio tape investigation. While the BJP is opposed an SIT investigation, coalition leaders insist on a police probe alleging the charges against Yeddyurappa are criminal in nature.
Rebel Congress Leader Ramesh Jarkiholi Reaches Bengaluru
Senior Congress leader and former cabinet minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, who had rebelled to the BJP returned to Bengaluru on Wednesday. Jarkiholi had been incommunicado for more than a month.
JD(S) Releases Complete 40 Minute Audio Tape on Yeddyurappa
A day after Yeddyurappa alleged Kumaraswamy leaked only selected parts of the audio tapes, the JD(S) on Wednesday, released the entire 30 minutes video.
Part of the Original 4 Rebel MLAs, Mahesh Kumathalli Says he Will Vote as Part of Cong
Political Conspiracy by CM to Hide Dissidence: Vijayendra, Yeddyurappa's son
“This is a political conspiracy orchestrated by Chief Minister to hide the dissidence within his party… just because of a tape released it doesn’t mean we are guilty. We don’t know how these tapes have been manipulated,” said Vijayendra, Yeddyurappa’s son, who is alleged of trying to bribe JD(S) MLA’s son.
I Never Left Bengaluru: Rebel MLA Jadhav
“I never left town. I was always in Bengaluru, and participating in all events,” said Umesh Jadhav to media persons on Wednesday.
The MLAs had so far failed to turn up for the Budget session and CLP meetings despite multiple whips being issued.
BJP Leader Tara Says She is Pained by Speaker's Comparison to a Rape Victim
BJP leader Tara says as a woman she is pained by Speaker Ramesh Kumar's remarks. The Speaker had compared his situation to that of a rape victim.
Where are the Protectors of the Culture of Sangha Parivar? Asks Siddaramaiah
In subsequent tweets, Siddaramaiah said,” Having political differences is natural in a democratic setup but anticipating bad to happen to opposition leaders in their personal life is only possible for those who derive sadistic pleasures.”
Let us See the Action of the MLAs: DK Shivakumar
“I have already said that they have been elected in the Congress party and living in the Congress party since two decades, I think some good sense has prevailed. We have a report that everyone is back, Let us see their actions,” he told ANI.
BJP Leaders Walk out of Meeting Called by Speaker as Coalition Insists on SIT Probe
Protesting the SIT probe into the audio tapes, released by CM Kumaraswamy, BJP MLas on Wednesday, walked out of the meeting called by Speaker Kumar. A group of MLAs led by Yeddyurappa walked out of the meeting mid-way.
MLA Mahesh Kumathalli Reaches Vidhana Soudha for Session
Having made his appearance at the Legislator Hall earlier in the morning, Athani MLA Mahesh Kumathalli arrives at Assembly for the Budget session.
Still Part of the Congress: B Nagendra
After Days of Disappearance, Ramesh Jarkiholi Seen at Assembly
Not in Mumbai, Pictures Are False: MLA Umesh Jadhav
“I was not in Mumbai, all photos are false. It’s not of me. I have different issues, I was taking care of my constituency issues,” MLA Umesh Jadhav told reporters at Vidhana Soudha.
BJP MLAs Storm Session; Start Protesting
Minutes after the session began, opposing the SIT probe into Audiogate, BJP lawmakers chanted slogans and stormed the well of the House.
We Have no Option but to Stage a Dharna: Yeddyurappa
"I don’t understand the insistence on an SIT probe. They can refer to a privileged committee or hand it over to High Court for an inquiry. We should be debating on budget, but coalition is insisting on an SIT probe. But this insistence is beyond us, we will have to sit on dharna, we have no option. We will sit all night,” Yeddyurappa said during the Assembly session.
Budget Session Adjourned Till Afternoon
Amid continued protests by the BJP, Speaker Ramesh Kumar was forced to adjourn the session till 3:30 pm on Wednesday.
Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan Says Decision to be Taken on Disqualifying 4 MLAs
“BJP led them astray from their path, now they have realised that the path they had chosen was a wrong one, and that they will have to suffer on that path. They have now returned home. Now the party high command will decide, decision to disqualify them has been taken in the CLP meeting. We have given a letter to the Governor already.”
(ANI)
Yeddyurappa Should Stick to his Word and Quit: Siddaramaiah
“He had said that he will quit if his voice is on the tape. After that in Hubbali, he said, I met Sharangouda, and that it was his voice, but contents are concocted. What does this mean? He should stick to his word,” Siddaramaiah told reporters on Wednesday.
Kumaraswamy, Revanna Ordered Attack on my Family and I: Hassan MLA
Hassan MLA Preetham Gowda ha claimed that it was Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and his brother HD Revanna who ordered an attack on his home and his family in Hassan on Wednesday.
Gowda is one of the persons believed to be in the meeting with Yeddyurappa and Sharangouda that is the subject of the contentious audio clip released by Kumaraswamy last week.
Speaking to the media outside the Vidhana Soudha after the session was adjourned he said.
Siddaramaiah Condemns Attack on Hassan MLA's Home
Taking to Twitter, Siddaramaiah said that Congress and JD(S) party workers would have to conduct themselves with restraint. Condemning the attack on the MLA’s home and family, he said that the police must conduct an an impartial investigation into the matter.
JD(S) MLA's Son Sharanagouda to File Plaint Against Yeddyurappa
Sharanagouda, son of JD(S) MLA Nanganagouda Kandakur is going to Raichur to file a police complaint against BJP leader Yeddyurappa for allegedly trying to lure him and his father.
Session Restarts; BJP Up in Arms Over Attack on Hassan MLA's Home
Soon after the session was convened after adjournment, BJP lawmakers were up in arms over the attack on the home and family of Hassan MLA Preetham Gowda, who has alleged that the CM and his brother were responsible for ordering the attack.
After 5 minutes of protesting, BJP MLA’s staged a walk-out for the second time in a day, with no meaningful debate on the Budget.
Police Will Investigate Altercation at Hassan: CM
"After I learnt from the media about the incident, I have contacted Mysore IG and Hassan SP. They have briefed me on the incident. As per information i have, some followers of Deve Gowda were holding protest against the statements made against Deve Gowda. Some BJP workers provoked them and the incident has happened. However, I have asked police to investigate the matter and take strict action,” he said.
Yeddyurappa, 15 BJP MLAs to go to Hassan, Meet BJP Workers
Heavily condemning the attack on the house of Hassan MLA, Yeddyurappa along with several other BJP lawmakers has said he will set out for Hassan on Wednesday to meet with party workers there , family of the MLA and the person injured in the altercation.
“We are going to Hassan to Preetham Gowda's house. We will go meet his mother, we condemn this thuggery. His mother was manhandled. We will go and speak to our supporters there. We will also have an event for our BJP workers there. they are waiting for us. This does not show JD(S) in a good light. They will have to answer for this on the coming days,” said Yeddyurappa.
Speaker Asks for Rape Comment to be Redacted, Apologizes to Female Lawmakers
Addressing the Assembly, Speaker Ramesh Kumar on Wednesday said that it was not his intention to offend any women. He called for his comments to be removed from the records and also said that never again would a woman feel insulted inside the House.
He also blamed the media for sensationalizing his comments that were allegedly meant to be taken in a different context.
Independent MLA Nagesh Extends his Support to Congress in Karnataka.
Independent MLA H Nagesh extends his support to Congress in Karnataka. He had defected to BJP and now has pledged support to Congress once again.
FIR Filed Against Yeddyurappa Under Prevention of Corruption Act
Raichur district police have registered an FIR against leader of opposition and BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa under Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 for trying to bribe JDS MLA Naganagouda Kandkur's son Sharanagouda.
The police have also booked the accused under Section 506 of Indian Penal Code for criminal intimidation and Section 120(B) of IPC for criminal conspiracy
BJP Takes Out March to Raj Bhavan
BJP leaders take out Padayatra from Vidhana Soudha to Raj Bhavan. BJP leaders to meet the Governor Vajubhai Vala and lodge a complaint over the attack on BJP MLA Preetham Gowda's residence in Hassan.
Assembly Passes Finance Bill Amid Protests by BJP MLAs
With the passage of the Finance Bill steeped in suspense for the past many days, the Karnataka Assembly on Thursday, 14 February passed the Finance Bill or the Budget, albeit amidst protests by BJP MLAs over the violence in Hassan on Tuesday.
With the BJP’s latest attempt to topple the government coming to naught due to the return of the four rebel MLAs, it would appear that the government is stable for now.