K’taka Floor Test on Monday, Mayawati Asks Lone MLA to Support HDK
Catch all the live updates of Karnataka political crisis here.
A day before the state is poised to witness a trust vote in the Legislative Assembly, senior Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar told reporters that the JD(S) is ready to give up the chief minister post to save the coalition government in the state. However, state unit President Dinesh Gundu Rao dispelled them as rumours and asserted that the coalition is confident of winning the floor test on Monday, 22 July.
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, on the other hand, said he is “not trying to cling onto power” and instead is seeking time for debate to let the entire country know how “the BJP is trying to subvert the principles of democracy and Constitution.”
The fate of the fragile HD Kumaraswamy led Congress-JDS coalition government in Karnataka is likely to be decided on the floor of the assembly on Monday, 22 July. This comes after the Assembly failed the two deadlines set by Governor Vajubhai Vala to prove majority following the raft of resignations by rebel MLAs.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, 21 July, BSP chief Mayawati directed her lone MLA in Karnataka N Mahesh to vote in favour of the Kumaraswamy government during the floor test. Mahesh had earlier said he has been directed by the BSP supremo to not vote at all.
- Two Independent MLAs from Karnataka R Shankar and H Nagesh have moved the SC seeking direction to conduct floor test forthwith in Assembly
- Kumaraswamy and the Congress had moved the Supreme Court on Friday, accusing the Governor of interfering with the Assembly proceedings
- The coalition government is on shaky ground, with 16 MLAs, 13 of the Congress and three of the JD(S), resigning
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What Happened During Assembly Session on 18 July
Earlier, the Assembly witnessed three adjournments, acrimony and repeated disruptions by belligerent slogan shouting Congress members after the motion was moved by Kumaraswamy to decide the fate of the Congress-JD(S) government wracked by rebellion by a section of its MLAs threatening its survival.
BJP alleged the ruling coalition was deliberately prolonging the trust vote to buy time to shore up its numbers and save the government.
The drama unfolded right from the word go as, facing truncated strength caused by the en masse resignation of 16 ruling coalition MLAs, Kumaraswamy moved a one-line motion, saying the House expressed confidence in the 14-month old ministry headed by him.
Twenty lawmakers did not turn up Thursday, including 17 from the ruling coalition, 12 of whom are corralled in a hotel in Mumbai, as the House debated in a surcharged atmosphere.
Before it was adjourned, BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa declared his party members would stay put in the House itself overnight and even till the time the trust vote was decided.
Karnataka Guv Asks CM to Prove Majority by 1:30 pm on Friday
Marked by high drama, the Karnataka assembly was adjourned till Friday after it took up the confidence motion moved by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy with Governor Vajubhai Vala asking him to prove his majority by 1:30 pm on Friday.
Shortly after the assembly rocked by bedlam was adjourned, Vala shot off a letter to Kumaraswamy, saying resignation of 15 ruling combine MLAs and withdrawal of support by two independents "prima facie" indicated he has lost the confidence of the House.
The Governor's direction to the CM came after his message to the Speaker to conclude the trust vote process by the end of Thursday was not heeded and the House was adjourned after barely focusing on the debate on the motion through the day.
BJP MLAs Stage Overnight 'Dharna' at Vidhan Soudha
BJP leaders camp inside the Assembly to protest against the floor test delay.
Deputy CM Eats Breakfast With BJP MLA
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara eating breakfast with BJP MLA Suresh Kumar at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
Sibal to Move SC for Clarification
Kapil Sibal is likely to move the Supreme Court on behalf of senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah and CM Kumaraswamy, seeking clarification on their order over rebel MLAs’ plea.
Karnataka Police Arrive in Mumbai to Question MLA Patil
Karnataka Police has reached Mumbai to record Srimat Patil’s statement on Friday, 18 July.
The Speaker had earlier asked Home Minister to speak to his family about why he has been taken to Mumbai, and file a report over the same.
Karnataka BJP to Hold Meeting Ahead of Assembly Session
Karnataka BJP MLAs to hold a meeting with State BJP President BS Yeddyurappa before the commencement of Assembly session today.
Congress MLAs Arrive at Vidhan Soudha
Karnataka Assembly Session Begins
Karnataka Assembly session resumed. Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar allows CM Kumaraswamy to discuss the trust vote motion.
BJP Trying to Toppy Congress-JD(S) Govt From Day One: Kumaraswamy
Addressing the House, Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy claimed that BJP was trying to topple his government from day one.
Kumaraswamy added that he will “not plead with anyone” to remain the chief minister and will see how long the BJP government lasts.
BJP Offered Me Rs 5 Crore to Switch Sides: JD(S) MLA Srinivas Gowda
JD(S) MLA Srinivas Gowda alleged that BJP MLAs Ashwathnarayana and SR Vishwanath came to his house and offered him Rs 5 crore to switch sides.
Congress leaders, led by Krishna Byre Gowda, are demanding a probe into the matter.
Karnataka Police Allowed to Take Patil's Statement in Mumbai Hospital
The Mumbai Police has allowed Karnataka Police officials to meet and take statement of Congress MLA Shrimant Patil, who is admitted at St George hospital in Mumbai .
Decide Whether Guv Can Direct Trust Vote: Kumaraswamy to Speaker
Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy asked Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to decide whether the Governor can decide on a matter that is already being discussed in the Assembly.
Is Guv's Direction Infringing Our Rights: Krishna Byre Gowda Asks Speaker
Congress leader Krishna Byre Gowda asked the Speaker if the governor’s direction to conduct trust vote by 1:30 pm was “infringing” the rights of the Assembly.
Not Kidnapped by BJP, Had to Move to Mumbai Due to Ill Health: Shrimanth Patil
Karnataka Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar said that he has received an email from MLA Shrimanth Patil, who claimed that he had to move to Mumbai hospital as he was unwell. Patil, in his email, also asserted that he was not kidnapped by the BJP.
BJP Had 15 Days to Prove Majority, We Had 15 Hours: Byre Gowda
Congress leader Krishna Byre Gowda raised that the BJP was given 15 days to prove majority in May 2018.
“In May 2018, the Governor gave the BJP 15 days to prove majority but we're given 15 hours. If this doesn't smack of conspiracy what does,”said Byre Gowda.
Vishwanath Denied Allegations by Srinivas Gowda
BJP leader SR Vishwanath denied the allegations levelled by Srinivas Gowda, saying:
BJP Asks For Trust Vote, Opposes 'Any Other Business'
Karnataka Crisis: Guv’s Deadline Ends, No Signs of Floor Test Yet
Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar said that it was not possible to go for division, for trust vote, without having a discussion. He added that it was up to the chief minister to respond to the governor.
Trust Vote Only After 20 MLAs Speak in Assembly: Siddaramaiah
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the trust vote will take place only after the discussion is complete
“As many as 20 MLAs have sent their names to the speaker. Speaker will give them opportunity and only after all these MLAs speak, the discussion will be complete. Following this, vote will take place,” said Siddaramaiah.
Gundu Rao Moves SC, Seeks Review of 17 July Order
Karnataka Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao moved the Supreme Court on Friday, seeking clarification over its 17 July interim order, that said the 15 rebel MLAs 'cannot be compelled' to attend the Assembly vote.
He said that the SC order violated the party’s right under the Tenth Schedule to issue a whip to its MLAs.
We Have Faith in Speaker: BJP Leader Ashok
Addressing the media over the horse-trading allegations and the on-going floor test procession in the Karnataka Assembly, BJP leader R Ashok, said: "We have faith in the Speaker... that he will take right decision. Allegations made by Congress regarding horse-trading are a bit bizarre," he said.
Ashok also asked where were Congress' principles when "they backstabbed previous coalitions."
Karnataka Assembly Resumes After Lunch
The floor test debatein the Karnataka Assembly resumed after the lunch.
On Thursday, Governor Vajubhai Vala had given 1.30 pm deadline to Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to prove his majority in the House.
K’taka Guv Asks CM Kumaraswamy to Prove Majority by 6 PM
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala sends letter to Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to prove majority before 6 pm, today.
BJP Against Debate as They Are Nervous: KPCC Chief Gundu Rao
As the sessions resumed on Friday, KPCC Chief Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday said that the BJP is nervous therefore, they don't want to have a debate in the House.
"If the BJP is so confident of numbers, they should not care whether the trust vote is today or tomorrow.
The reason they are against the debate on trust vote is they are nervous. Their single desire is to form the next government but as the Speaker, you must ensure that there is proper debate. Arbitrary deadlines for the trust vote cannot be set."
Cong Claims Guv Has No Role in Current Trust Vote Matter, BJP Counters
Congress leader and state Home Minister MB Patil on Friday said that the Governor has no role as the motion in the Karnataka Assembly is set.
"The motion is set here and the Governor has no role. The voting will come after discussion. It can happen anytime," he said.
Countering Patil's claims, BJP leader CT Ravi said that the "coalition has worked out their roles and they are playing it well."
Guv's Second Love Letter Hurt Me: CM Kumaraswamy
Referring to the Karnataka governor's second letter, CM Kumaraswamy said that his "love letter" had hurt him, adding, "party is not afraid of politics and the coalition is not going anywhere."
“I have respect for the governor. But the 'second love letter' from him has hurt me," he said.
"After 10 days, he (governor) has woken up only now. Why is he talking about horse-trading ? Did he not see it being flashed on TV?"
K’taka CM Moves SC, Seeks Clarity on Party’s Right to Issue Whip
After KPPC Chief Dinesh Gundu Rao sought clarification on SC's 17 July order, CM Kumaraswamy also moved the apex court, contending the same order which affects the right of the Janata Dal to issue a whip.
In his application, the CM also said that the governor cannot dictate the House on the manner in which debate of Confidence motion has to take place.
"Tell Us How Much Time You Need," Speaker to Coalition on Floor Test
With the JD(S)-Congress coalition demanding to defer the floor test, Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on Friday asked the government to specify a time frame.
"I can't be guilty of dragging the procedure. Tell me how much more time you need?" the Speaker asked on Friday. "The House is willing to sit for one more hour."
Can Finish Floor Test by 22 July: CM Kumaraswamy
Responding to Assembly speaker KR Ramesh Kumar on the "required time frame," CM Kumaraswamy said that the the floor test can be finish by Monday, 22 July.
"Since they (MLAs) have other programmes to attend, we can finish by Monday," he said.
BJP, meanwhile, said that if the floor test will lose its relevance if delayed again.
"The trust vote has lost sanctity. If the proceedings are dragged more, it will lose relevance and sanctity," BJP leader Suresh Kumar said.
BJP Willing to Finish Floor Test Today As Per Guv's Letter: Yeddyurappa
BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa on Friday said that the party is willing to sit for the floor test debate till midnight so that the proceedings are over today. He added saying that he party respects the governor's direction to the House.
“We respect you, speaker sir. The Governor's last letter said that the vote should finish today... I appeal to you and our people to sit peacefully till late in the night," he said.
"Let it take however long and it will also mean that we respect the Governor's direction," he added.
Didn't Receive Any Letter from MLAs Seeking Protection: Speaker
Karnataka Speaker KR Ramesh on Friday said that he did not receive any letter from the MLAs, seeking protection.
"If they (MLAs) have informed any member that they have stayed away from the House for security reasons, they're misleading people," he added.
Experts Differ over Power of Guv to Direct Assembly Speaker on Trust Vote
Amid the on-going floor test debate in Karnataka Assembly, constitutional experts on Friday expressed divergent views on the power of a governor to issue directions to an assembly speaker.
Former Lok Sabha Secretary General Subhash Kashyap told PTI under Article 175 of the Constitution, the governor has "every right" to send a message to the House, and the legislature is duty-bound to take action on it with "all convenient dispatch" (at the earliest).
However, former Lok Sabha secretary general P D T Acharya said in Karnataka's case, the state governor has "stretched" the definition of Article 175 of the Constitution.
Karnataka Assembly Adjourned till 22 July
The Karnataka Assembly on Friday, 19 July, was adjourned for the second consecutive day without a floor test.
The House was adjourned till Monday, 22 July, the speaker announced to the Assembly.
22 July Will be Cong-JD(S)' Last Day in Power : Yeddyurappa After House Adjournment
BJP state Chief BS Yeddyurappa said that the ruling coalition of Congress and Janata Dal (S) are not allowing others to form the government. The former Karnataka CM further said that he is confident that 22 July will be Kumaraswamy-led government's last day in the state.
"Despite multiple letters by the governor to conduct the floor test by the end of Friday, the speaker adjourned the session till Monday and said vote of confidence will be completed on the same day itself," he said.
"They (Cong and JD-S) have 98 combined representatives and have 105+1=106. Let us see what happens on Monday. I am confident that Monday will be the last day of the Kumaraswamy's government."
Cong Leader, Police Spar Over Meeting Karnataka MLA
Altercation broke out between Maharashtra Congress Working President Yashomati Thakurand Police at St George’s Hospital where she tried to meet Karnataka Congress MLA Shrimant Patil.
She asked the hospital administration, "How's he being treated for cardiac ailment when hospital doesn't have cardiac unit?"
Karnataka Congress Party Calls for Meeting at Taj Hotel in Bengaluru
Karnataka Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting called at Taj Hotel in Bengaluru tomorrow, ahead of floor test on 22 July.
BSP MLA N Mahesh Confirms Mayawati Told Him to Abstain From Floor Test
BSP MLA N Mahesh said that he will not attend the floor test in Karnataka Assembly on Monday, 22 July, as per party chief Mayawati’s direction.
2 Independent MLAs Urge SC Direction to Conduct Floor Test
Two Independent MLAs from Karnataka R Shankar and H Nagesh have moved the SC seeking direction to conduct floor test forthwith in Assembly.
Not Trying to Cling onto Power: Karnataka CM Ahead of Trust Vote
A day before the state is poised to witness a trust vote in the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has called the BJP's efforts to destabilise his government as 'a new benchmark in the country for immoral politics'.
In a statement released by his office on Sunday, he wrote, “I want to make it amply clear that I am not trying to cling onto power. My only intention of seeking time for debate on trust vote is to let the entire country know how the BJP, which talks of morality, is trying to subvert the very principles of democracy as well as Constitution.”
Here is an excerpt from his statement:
At this juncture, I would like to appeal to such MLAs who have gone away from us to please attend the legislature session and narrate how the BJP took them away forcefully. I request them to explain on the floor of the House how the BJP sabotaged democratic edifice and destroyed its sanctity.
I also want to tell such MLAs that let there be no hesitation. Let us sit together and discuss all the issues including your problems, if any, and arrive at a solution to save this democratically elected government from the evil forces which are trying to shake the very foundation of democracy by misusing their political influence.”
JD(S) Ready to Leave CM Post to Save Coalition: DK Shivakumar
Senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar told reporters on Sunday, 21 July, that the JD(S) is ready to sacrifice the Chief Minister post to save the coalition.
However, state unit President Dinesh Gundu Rao dispelled them as rumours and asserted that the coalition is confident of winning the floor test on Monday, 22 July.
Rebel MLAs Refuse to Compromise On Their Stand
The rebel MLAs on Sunday, 21 July, bluntly refused to compromise on their stand even as Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy made an appeal to them to attend the House in an effort to save his 14-month old ministry.
We thought this government will do good to the state but it did not happen. There is no question of our attending the assembly session tomorrow, rebel JD(S) MLA K Gopalaiah said in a video, flanked by ten other legislators.
A H Vishwanath, who resigned as the JD(S) state president following the Lok Sabha election debacle, said "the demonic politics in the name of coalition has done no good to the people and compelled the MLAs to resign."