Shivraj Chouhan Wins Confidence Motion to Begin 4th Term as MP CM
Catch all the live updates on the Madhya Pradesh political crisis here.
Bharatiya Janata Party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday, 24 March, won the confidence motion in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. Not a single Congress MLA was present in the House for voting.
He took oath as the chief minister on Monday at Raj Bhavan in Bhopal. He was earlier elected the leader of the BJP legislative party, at a meeting held at the party office.
Following this, PM Narendra Modi congratulated him on Twitter, calling him an “able and experienced administrator who is extremely passionate about MP’s development.”
Shivraj Singh Chouhan becomes CM of the state for the fourth time
“BJP has murdered democracy... They have betrayed the people of MP,” Kamal Nath had said while announcing his resignation
The crisis in the state was precipitated by Jyotiraditya Scindia's shift to the BJP and the resignation of 22 Congress MLAs who later joined the BJP
The resignation of 16 rebel Congress MLAs was accepted by the Speaker on Thursday night, while six resignations were accepted earlier
Shivraj Singh Meets Kamal Nath
Former Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath meets Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Bhopal, ANI reported.
Shivraj Singh Wins Confidence Motion
BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan wins confidence motion unanimously in Madhya Pradesh assembly for his fourth term as Chief Minister, ANI reports. Not a single Congress MLA was present in the assembly at the time of voting.
SP, BSP and independent MLAs - all voted in favour of the motion.
Speaker Quit After Shivraj Chouhan Took Oath
A few hours after Shivraj Chouhan took oath, Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker N P Prajapati resigned on Monday late night. In his resignation letter submitted to Deputy Speaker Hina Kavre, he said he was resigning on moral grounds.
Special Assembly Session to Commence in MP
On Tuesday, a four-day special session will commence in MP Assembly. The session is likely to begin with a trust vote which BJP is most likely to win as Congress is left with only 92 MLAs.
COVID-19: Shivraj Singh Couhan Holds High-Level Meeting to Review Preparedness
After taking charge as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a high-level meeting with officials to review preparedness in the wake of coronavirus, ANI reported.
PM Modi Congratulates Shivraj Chouhan for Taking Oath as MP Chief Minister
“Congratulations to Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ji on taking oath as CM of Madhya Pradesh. He is an able and experienced administrator who is extremely passionate about MP’s development,“ Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter after Chouhan was sworn in on Monday, 23 March.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Sworn-In as Madhya Pradesh CM
BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan was sworn in as Madhya Pradesh’s chief minister for the fourth time on Monday, 23 March. The oath-taking ceremony of the new BJP ministry will also take place on Monday, official sources told PTI.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Elected BJP Legislative Party Leader
CM-designate Shivraj Singh Chouhan was elected as the leader of BJP legislative party in Madhya Pradesh, at a meeting held at the party office on Monday, 23 March, according to ANI.
MP Observer Arun Singh, and state in-charge Vinay Sahasrabuddhe reportedly joined the meeting from Delhi via video conference.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Take Oath as Chief Minister at 9 pm
Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former chief minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is set to take oath as Madhya Pradesh’s next CM at 9 pm on Monday, 23 March, at Raj Bhavan in Bhopal, ANI reports.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Likely to Take Oath as MP CM Today
BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan is likely to take oath as the Madhya Pradesh chief minister later on Monday, 23 March, after the BJP Legislative Party meeting, ANI reported.
BJP Legislative Party Meeting to be Held Later Today
A BJP Legislative Party meeting is scheduled to be held at the party office in Bhopal later today, ANI reports.
'All MLAs Will Get Tickets': Scindia
Jyotiraditya Scindia says, "Our 22 MLAs have joined BJP today with the blessings of Party President JP Nadda. All will get tickets. He encouraged us and assured that everyone's honour will be maintained", ANI reported.
Rebel Congress MLAs Join BJP
22 rebel Congress MLAs, whose resignation led to fall of Kamal Nath government, joined BJP, said Party general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, PTI reports.
Rebel Congress MLAs Meet JP Nadda, Scindia
Rebel Madhya Pradesh Congress MLAs meet BJP President JP Nadda & BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, at JP Nadda's residence in Delhi.
Scindia Meets Rebel Congress MLAs
A day after Kamal Nath's resignation as Chief Minister of MP, Jyotiraditya Scindia who recently joined the BJP, meets rebel Congress MLAs in Delhi.
MP Ours, Prepare for Rajasthan & Maharashtra: Scindia
On Saturday, Jyotiraditya Scindia tweeted saying, "MP is ours now, let's prepare for Rajasthan and Maharashtra."
MP Assembly Adjourned Sine Die
The Madhya Pradesh Assembly was adjourned sine die after Kamal Nath stepped down as the state chief minister on Friday.
Nath tendered his resignation to Governor Lalji Tandon around 1 pm, who accepted it, but asked him to continue as the caretaker chief minister until the next government is formed, PTI reported.
As the House assembled at 2 pm for the trust vote, only BJP legislators turned up there, while the Congress MLAs remained absent.
Speaker N P Prajapati read out the agenda saying that the meeting was convened as per the directives of the apex court. He said that since Kamal Nath has submitted his resignation, there was no point in holding the trust vote.
He then announced the sine die adjournment of the Assembly.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Meets Kamal Nath
BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan leaves after meeting Congress' Kamal Nath, at the latter's residence.
Can't do Anything if Govt Topples Due to Internal Conflict: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
“If a government topples due to their own internal conflict then we can't do anything. You can see that we were not in the game to form or topple a government. They (Congress) should do some self introspection about what gave rise to such a situation,” Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, speaking to the media on Friday.
Celebrations Begin at BJP Office in Bhopal
Sweets are being distributed at BJP office in Bhopal, ANI reports. BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh Assembly Gopal Bhargava and other leaders are present.
BJP MLAs Show Victory Sign at Assembly
BJP MLAs show victory sign at the state Assembly in Bhopal, ANI reports.
Shivraj Singh, Others Arrive at Party Office
BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other party leaders arrive at the party office in Bhopal, ANI reports.
Kamal Nath Submits Resignation to Guv
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath submits his resignation to Governor Lalji Tandon. His letter says, "All that has happened in Madhya Pradesh in the last two weeks is a new chapter in the weakening of democratic principles", ANI reported.
Kamal Nath Arrives at Raj Bhavan
Kamal Nath arrives at Raj Bhavan in Bhopal, ANI reported. He will submit his resignation to the governor in a short while.
'Truth Has Conquered': Scindia
Jyotiraditya Scindia tweets after CM's resignation announcement, saying people of MP have won, the state governemnt had lost the track but truth has come out victorious one more time.
'No Other Option But To Support New Govt': Independent MLA
An independent MLA, Pradeep Jaiswal, after Kamal Nath's resignation announcement said, "Being an Independent MLA, now I don't have have any other option but to support the new govt which will be formed, for the development of my people. I have spoken to them."
Kamal Nath to Submit Resignation to Guv
Speaking to the media, Kamal Nath spoke about all the work done by him and his party since they came in power. He said his party and him will contrinue to serve the people of MP.
“I am going to resign and will meet Governor Lalji Tandon. However, I shall continue to work for the people in MP irrespective of my post”, he said.
'BJP Murdered Democracy': Kamal Nath
Kamal Nath says, "The people of this country can see the truth behind the incident where MLAs are being held hostage in Bengaluru...The truth will come out. People will not forgive them."
"BJP has murdered democracy", he adds.
Kamal Nath Addresses Media Ahead of Floor Test
"What was my fault all this while? In my entire political career, I have always believed in development. I tried my best to give Madhya Pradesh a new direction. The people here had given me five years to create a new state. I tried giving a new identity to Madhya Pradesh. This was what I wanted to achieve," Nath said, The Indian Express reports.
'One BJP MLA Resigns': Speaker
The MP speaker says, "I had accepted 16 resignations (Of Congress MLAs) last night. Now I have also accepted the resignation of Sharad Kol (BJP MLA). He had earlier said that he was forcefully made to resign but after looking at his documents and that he didn't meet me personally, it didn't seem like that", ANI reported.
Congress MLAs Arrive at Kamal Nath's Residence
Congress MLAs arrive at the residence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, ahead of floor test in the Assembly today, ANI reported.
Accepted Resignations, Floor Test Scheduled Today: Speaker
In an addressal to press, MP Speaker, NP Prajapati says he has accepted the resigantion of 16 MLAs. He further confirms that the floor test is scheduled to take place today in MP Assembly.
'BJP Didn't Do Horse Trading, They Indulged in Elephant Trading': MP Minister
Madhya Pradesh Minister, PC Sharma today said, "This time they (BJP) didn't do horse trading, they indulged in elephant trading. We'll prove the majority. We have 'Formula 5' with us. Revelations will be done at 12 PM (at MP CM's press conference). It'll be revealed how 16 MLAs were held captive", ANI reported.
He further added, "It will be revealed how Pohari MLA Suresh Dhakad's daughter has committed suicide in Shivpuri. It will be revealed how Kurwai MLA was not allowed to go even when his nephew died. This is the heights of hunger for power."
'CM Will Hold Press Conference': Digvijay Singh
As the speculations about Kamal Nath's resignation ahead of floor test rise, Digvijay Singh, Senior Congress Leader said, "chief minister is holding a press conference, wait for it."
Where Do BJP, Congress Stand In Terms of Numbers
The actual strength of MP assembly is 228 as two more seats are lying vacant. Congress stood strong with 114 MLAs earlier but with the resignation of total 22 MLAs, out of which 16 resignations were accepted only on Thursday, Congress now stands at 92. BJP has 107 members in the House. The BSP: 2, SP: 1 and Independent: 4 - all of them had supported Congress at the time of government formation in 2018, making Congress reach the majority mark.
Legislative Party Meeting at 11 am at Kamal Nath's Residence
Congress legislative party meeting will be held on Friday at the residence of Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath at 11 AM, ANI reported.
Congress, BJP Issue Whip to Their MLAs Ahead of Trust Vote
After the Supreme Court's order for floor test, Congress and on Thursday issued whips to their MLAs. BJP's chief whip Narottam Mishra told party MLAs to vote against the Kamal Nath government during the trust vote.
Congress chief whip and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Govind Singh told all party MLAs to remain present in the Assembly and vote in favour of the Kamal Nath government.
Special Session from 2 pm to 5 pm: Madhya Pradesh Assembly's Principal Secretary
Madhya Pradesh Assembly's principal secretary A P Singh today said that a special session of the house as per the directives of the Supreme Court will be held from 2 pm on Friday and will conclude by 5 pm, PTI reported.
Floor Test Mentioned in MP Assembly's List of Business for Friday
The Assembly’s list of business for Friday, 20 March, has been published. The floor test is mentioned, as per the Supreme Court's order.
Should Have Accepted Resignations Earlier: BJP's Shivraj Singh Chouhan
BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan, reacting to MP Assembly Speaker NP Prajapati accepting the resignations of all rebel MLAs, said, “Speaker should have accepted their resignations earlier. It is a serious matter that till now, despite Supreme Court's order for floor test, the list of business has not been published. Is the government above SC?
"I request you to ensure adherence to SC's directions for floor test on 20 March. Please ensure that nothing that is in violation of directions occur, that could lead to contempt of court," he wrote in a letter to the Speaker, ANI reported.
MP Speaker Accepts Resignations of All Rebel Congress MLAs
Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker NP Prajapati has accepted the resignations of all 16 rebel MLAs who had submitted their resignations on 10 March 2020, ANI reports. He had earlier accepted the resignations of six others.
Will Study Every Aspect of SC Order: Kamal Nath
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Thursday said that they would study every aspect of the Supreme Court order for conducting the floor test in the Assembly tomorrow, discuss it with their legal experts and make any decision on the basis of their advice.
Confident of Proving Majority Tomorrow: Congress Leader PC Sharma
Congress leader PC Sharma said that the party is confident of proving majority tomorrow in the floor test.
“We are continuously appealing to the MLAs,” he said.
We Are Sure and Ready: Congress Leader Ahead of Floor Test Tomorrow
Congress leader Jitu Patwari on Thursday said that the party is ready for the floor test.
“We were always ready. Chief Minister has said it himself. It was necessary the MLAs who were kidnapped be present here. The Assembly is bound to obey the Supreme Court's order. We are sure and ready,” Patwari said.
Welcome SC's Decision for Floor Test Tomorrow: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
“We welcome the Supreme Court's decision of floor test. This government is not just a government which has lost the majority but is a government which has cheated the people of Madhya Pradesh. This government will lose the floor test tomorrow,” BJP leader and ex-Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Thursday.
Chouhan also called it a defeat of plans by Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh.
Welcome This Decision, Everything Will be Clear Tomorrow: Bhargava
Gopal Bhargava, Leader of Opposition in MP said that he welcomed the decision.
“I welcome this decision. Everything will be clear in the floor test tomorrow,” Bhargava said, according to ANI.
SC Orders Karnataka DGP, MP DGP to Ensure Security of Rebel MLAs if They Wish to Appear for Trust Vote
The SC further said that all authorities shall ensure there is no breach of law and order and floor test is conducted peacefully.
“If the 16 rebel MLA’s want to be a part of the test, then the Karnataka DGP and MP DGP shall ensure their security,” the SC said.
SC Orders Floor Test to be Held in Assembly Tomorrow
The Supreme Court has ordered a floor test to be held in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly for the Kamal Nath government on Friday, 20 March amid the political crisis in the Congress-led state.
The SC said that the floor test would be held by show of hands in accordance with the law and should be completed by 5pm tomorrow. It will also be videographed.
MLAs Under Duress, Says Digvijaya Singh in Press Briefing
Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday held a press briefing in Bengaluru, saying that the DGP had told him on Wednesday that Singh could write letters to the MLAs and that if they gave their consent, the DGP would allow him to meet them. However, Singh alleged that the police seemed to have shared it with BJP.
“Soon enough, all of them in prescribed format sent videos to the press that they don't want to meet me,” Singh claimed at the presser.
He further claimed that this makes it clear they are under duress and are being asked to say the things they have.
“I wrote a letter to DGP again saying I want my letters delivered to 18 of my Congress MLAs. I also said they should be delivered to the specific persons and if possible the process should be videographed,” Singh added.
Singh further said that under their suggestion he had written a letter but now the DGP is refusing access, adding that he would now send these letters through courier.
“I charge BS Yediyurappa with pressuring his police not to allow me to meet my voters or even send them their letters. This is the power game that the BJP is playing in the country. Amit Shah the Home Minister is the person behind all these operations,” the senior Congress leader said.
The Congress leader also added that ‘Operation Lotus’ is nothing but ‘Operation Money Bag', saying that they (the BJP) have huge sums of money.
SC Reserves Verdict on Petition for Immediate Floor Test
SC reserves verdict on Shivraj Singh Chouhan's petition seeking immediate floor test for Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh. The bench said that it would take a ten minute break and then inform the lawyers about how it intends to proceed.
To Resign and Abstain is Our Right: Rebel MLAs
“To resign and to abstain is our right, we cannot be compelled to do anything” Singh reportedly said in court, appearing for the rebel MLAs.
Speaker Cannot Keep Decision on Resignations Pending: Maninder Singh
Maninder Singh, appearing for rebel MLAs said that the Speaker cannot keep decision on resignations pending, and seek to invoke 10th schedule. The inaction of the Speaker is ill- conceived, he says, according to Live Law.
“Sword of tenth schedule hanging over the head of 16 rebel MLA’s. It cannot be that they face disqualification even as identical resignations of six minister are accepted” Singh further argued.
Tushar Mehta Urges Bench to Take Decision Soon
SG Tushar Mehta urges the bench to take a decision soon as waiting everyday is only undemocratic, Live Law reports.
Result of Floor Test Should be Placed Before SC: Rohatgi
Rohatgi asks Supreme Court to pass an order of a floor test and let the result be placed before the apex court. He reportedly pointed out that Parliament is working, SC is working but the MP Assembly was adjourned due to coronavirus.
Every Day is Important, Invitation to Horse Trading: Rohatgi in SC
"Every day is important, invitation to horse-trading. Every minute that this (Kamal nath’s) government is there is unconstitutional!" Rohatgi asserts, according to Live Law.
Rebel MLAs Subject to Whip: Justice Chandrachud
Justice Chandrachud says if the resignation of 16 rebel MLAs is not accepted by the Speaker, they are subject to whip. If they do not comply with the whip, they are disqualified. Their votes don't count, he reportedly said.
Rohatgi replied to that, saying that that there are three possibilities now.
“If rebel MLAs come to the Assembly and vote against Congress, then also the government will fall. If these MLAs don’t come to the Assembly, even then the government falls. The only way this government will survive is if the rebel MLAs turn up and vote for the Kamal Nath government,” Rohatgi reportedly said.
Mukul Rohatgi Requests SC to Order Floor Test to be Held
Mukul Rohatgi requests SC to order a floor test to be held.
“Clearly, they don't have the majority. Let this be proved on the floor of the house,” he reportedly said.
Governor's Letter Premature: Vivek Tankha
Senior advocate Vivek Tankha, appearing for the State of MP, argued that the governor should not be part of politics between parties. The Governor’s letter is premature because resignations of MLAs have not been accepted, Tankha reportedly said.
Never Been a Case When Guv Seeks Floor Test When House is in Session: Sibal
Kapil Sibal, appearing for Kamal Nath, argued that when the House is not in session, then the Governor is the Constitutional authority are to be approached for seeking a special session.
"There has never been a case where Governor seeks a floor test when House is in session, never,” Sibal reportedly said in SC.
The law is clear, the Governor only comes in when there is no running session, Sibal further said.
Rebel MLAs Took Chartered Flights: Kapil Sibal to SC
Arguing for CM Kamal Nath in SC, Sibal says, "The rebel MLAs took chartered flights. Why would they do that if they are free".
He further adds, "The chartered flight went from VIDP in Delhi which is a high security area. It means the central government gave permission."
First Time in Indian History, Guv Seeking Floor Test in Running House: Kapil Sibal
Speaking for Kamal Nath in the SC, Kapil Sibal says, “This is a very unique case. No body has claimed before Governor that there is a majority. Also, this is the first case in the history of India where Governor is seeking a floor test when the House is in session.”
Governor Only Has Three Powers : Speaker's Counsel to SC
Abhishek Manu Singhvi tells the court, "Governor has only three powers: whether to summon, prorogue and dissolve the House. He can't decide if the ruling party in the state has lost majority. Only the House can decide that."
SC Speaks About the Power of Governor
SC says, "If House is not in session and if the government loses majority then Governor has power to direct Speaker to hold trust vote", PTI reported.
SC further submits that "It is wrong to say that the governor doesn't have power to allow trust vote."
Congress Wants More Time to Engage in Horse-Trading: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
As the court proceedings are on, BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan says, "Why do they (Congress) want more time? For engaging in horse-trading? Now they know that they do not have the numbers. It's an excuse to get some more transfers done."
SC Suggests Meeting MLAs Through Video Conference
The Supreme Court asked, "What if Speaker meets rebel MLAs through video link and then decide (Whether they are being forced)?"
Speaker's representative, Abhishek Manu Singhvi tells the court that it can't happen.
'Let Rebel MLAs Come Back to Their Homes': Abhishek Manu Singhvi in SC
Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who is representing the Madhya Pradesh Speaker in the Supreme Court said, "Please give me two weeks time to decide. Let the rebel MLAs come back to MP, their homes."
He also told the court that in a running House, there can be no floor test -only vote of confidence or no confidence.
SC Begins Hearing Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Plea For Floor Test
The Supreme Court on Thursday began hearing the petition filed by former Madhya Pradesh CM and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan and others to hold a floor test in the state Assembly.
Amid Political Crisis, MP Cabinet Okays Creation of 3 Districts
Amid the ongoing political tug-of-war in Madhya Pradesh, the cabinet on Wednesday gave its "in-principle approval" to the formation of three new districts in the state, PTI reported.
At meeting of the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Kamal Nath, "in-principle approval" was given to the proposal to constitute three new districts - Chachaura, Maihar and Nagda, said a public relations department officer.
With this, the number of districts in Madhya Pradesh goes up to 55.
Chouhan Takes to Twitter, Questions Why Congress is Reluctant to Conduct Floor Test
“Majority now belongs to BJP. The position of the Congress has been made clear to the media as well. Kamal Nath is still engaged in manipulation on the basis of greed, fear and pressure, wherein some administrative officers are also helping him. I warn those officials again, they should behave themselves,” Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Twitter on Wednesday evening.
“It would be the moral thing to do for Kamal Nath to resign from the post fof chief minister. If he is not resigning, then he should at least get a floor test done. If the Congress government has a majority then why is it afraid of floor test, why is it reluctant to conduct it,” Chouhan further wrote on Twitter.
MP Congress MLAs to Meet Kamal Nath Today
Madhya Pradesh Congress MLAs will meet CM Kamal Nath at his residence today at 7:00 pm, News18 reports.
Police Detain Congress Workers Protesting Outside BJP Bhopal Office
Police detain Congress workers who were protesting outside BJP office in Bhopal, against detention of Congress leader Digvijaya Singh in Bengaluru, ANI reported on Wednesday.
Singh was detained after he sat on a dharna when he was not allowed to meet rebel Madhya Pradesh Congress MLAs.
K'taka HC Rejects Plea by Digvijaya Singh Seeking to Meet Rebel MLAs
Karnataka High Court rejects the plea by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh seeking directions to the police to allow him to meet rebel Madhya Pradesh Congress MLAs who are lodged in Bengaluru, ANI reports.
Digvijaya Singh 'Biggest Dramatist in Country': Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday called Digvijaya Singh “the biggest dramatist in the country,” according to PTI.
“He is remembering (rebel) MLAs now. They don't even want to meet him,” the former MP CM said.
SC Rejects Plea by Rebel MLAs to Appear Before It, Adjourns Matter Till Thursday
Supreme Court rejects plea by rebel MLAs to appear before it, also says no to sending Registrar General to meet the rebels or having a video chat with them.
The matter has been adjourned for the day and posted for further consideration on Thursday. It will be taken up again at 10.30 am on 19 March.
Not Like Custody of Child: SC on Congress Plea for Access
Kapil Sibal, appearing for MP CM Kamal Nath, said, “I'm a member of the Congress, I'm the CM, they (rebel MLAs) are congressmen, I want to meet them.”
Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the rebel MLAs reiterated that they do not want to meet Congress leaders.
According to Bar & Bench, listening to these arguments, Justice Chandrachud said, “There is a problem with your plea for access, this is not like the custody of a child.”
Digvijaya Singh Violated MCC: MP BJP in Letter to CEC
Madhya Pradesh BJP has written a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, saying, “Digvijaya Singh, who is candidate for Rajya Sabha election, has gone to Bengaluru along with others to pressurise 16 MLAs (lodged at Ramada hotel) to vote in his favour, violating Model Code of Conduct.”
According to ANI, the letter further states, “It is, therefore, requested to take appropriate action against Digvijaya Singh (Congress leader) and others so that Rajya Sabha elections are conducted peacefully and in democratic manner.”
Have Filed Plea in K'taka HC Seeking to Meet Cong MLAs in Bengaluru: Digvijaya Singh
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said that he has filed a plea in the Karnataka High Court, seeking permission to meet Madhya Pradesh Congress MLAs who are putting up at Bengaluru.
“I have decided to be on fast and shall take a call on that after the decision of Supreme Court and the High Court,” Singh said, according to ANI.
Let Down by Jyotiraditya Scindia: Digvijaya Singh
“BJP is busy in toppling duly-elected governments. We had successfully thwarted plans to destabilise the Madhya Pradesh government but we were let down by Jyotiraditya Scindia who had a very successful career in Congress. We never expected that he would leave us and join hands with BJP,” Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said on Wednesday, according to ANI.
Don't Want to Meet Congress Leaders: Rebel MLAs
The rebel MLAs also told SC that they are ready to face the consequences as per the Constitution, but they do not want to meet Congress leaders, according to PTI.
Speaker Cannot Sit on Resignations: Rebel MLAs to SC
The Speaker cannot sit on their resignations, say rebel MLAs and ask SC if he can choose to accept some resignations and not others, according to PTI.
They said that they had resigned due to ideology and that the court cannot go into intricacies of that, adding that the Speaker cannot sit over their resignations indefinitely.
Decisions Taken on Free Will: Rebel MLAs
MP's rebel MLAs tell SC they held press conference declaring decisions taken on free will and that the same has been sworn in affidavits as well, PTI reported.
They said that have not been abducted and are producing this evidence in a CD to the court.
Congress Wants Access to MLAs to Lure Them: BJP Counsel
Mukul Rohatgi representing the BJP says, "Congress wants rebel MLAs to go to Bhopal so that they can be lured and it can do horse trading," PTI reported.
Rohatgi further asked how a political party can ask for access to rebel MLAs in the petition and questioned its maintainability.
Also appearing for the rebel MLAs, Sr Adv Maninder Singh said that they don't want to meet Congress leaders and that there is no principle of law to compel them.
Not Going To Come In the Way Of Legislature: SC
As the SC speaks of free will for MLAs and their uninterrupted access to assembly, it notes that it is not going to come in the way of the legislature to decide who enjoys the trust, PTI reported.
MLAs Should Have Free Will, Can't Be Held Captive: SC
Justice Hemant Gupta says in the court, "If they (rebel MLAs) choose to come to the House, they should have free and uninterrupted access to the Assembly".
Duty of Constitutional Court to Ensure MLAs Take Their Own Decision: SC
Justice Chandrachud while hearing the BJP's plea says, "We can't compel MLAs to attend proceedings but what we can do is to ensure they can take their own decision That's the duty of a constitutional court."
He also points out discrepancies in the affidavits filed by the MLAs in terms of their role in this case, Bar & Bench reported.
Digvijaya Singh's Detention Shows That BJP is Holding MLAs Hostage: Kamal Nath
Madhya Pradesh, CM, Kamal Nath said, "Digvijaya Singh went to meet MLAs but he was told that he is a security risk. He became a security risk amid 500 Karnataka police personnel? This shows MLAs have been held hostage and BJP is attempting to hijack the government."
Police Should Vacate BJP People From Resort Else We'll: DK Shivakumar
Congress memeber, DK Shivakumar said, "Who are the BJP people to give protection? It's the police that should. I've communicated to the DGP, if police do not vacate BJP people (from the hotel where MLAs are lodged), we'll go and vacate them. We're going to Congress office, we'll discuss and take a call", ANI reported.
22 MLAs Have Rejected Congress Party: BJP Counsel
BJP counsel, Mukul Rohatgi begins his argument after Dushyant Dave conclued. He tells the court, "It is an astounding argument that person who has lost the majority is saying that he should continue to be in power for six months, it is nothing but the lust for power", Bar & Bench reported.
He further says, "The petitioner is partly responsible for the mass murder of democracy in June 1975. They are trying to stay in power by hook or crook. They don’t have legal, moral or constitutional right to stay in power."
Cong Asks SC For Fresh Polls Before Trust Vote
Arguing for the Congress, Dushyant Dave tells the court, "My petition raises a frontal attack saying that there is a conspiracy by BJP to destabilize the government", Bar & Bench reported.
He also says that when a MLA resigns, he or she must go back and face the electorate to win election again.
Rebel MLAs Write to DGP to Ensure Congress Members Don't Meet Them
22 rebel Madhya Pradesh Congress MLAs, lodged at a hotel in Bengaluru, have written to Karnataka's Director General of Police, requesting that 'no Congress leader or member be allowed to meet them to ensure that there is no threat to their life and security.'
Congress Counsel Talks About Constitutional Morality
While referring to Constitutional morality in SC, Dushyant Dave, Congress counsel quotes Ambedkar and says, "Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment. It has to be cultivated. We must realise that our people have yet to learn it. Democracy in India is only a top-dressing on an Indian soil which is essentially undemocratic.”
Congress Delegation to Meet MP Guv
A Congress delegation will meet Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon on Wednesday at 1.45 PM, ANI reported.
SC Begins Hearing Plea Filed by BJP For Early Floor Test
The top court has begun hearing the petition filed by the Madhya Pradesh unit of BJP. Dushyant Dave and Mukul Rohatgi begin their argument in the court for the Congress and BJP respectively. A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta are hearing the plea.
Representing Congress MLAs, Dave argues that the matter should go to the constitution bench so that such a crisis never happens again.
"They hijack democracy & then say SC is bound by decisions on trust vote. We won trust vote three times & hence they try this circuitous route. Don’t hear this. Refer it to Constitution Bench & decide if this kind of democracy is what was envisaged," Dave tells the court, The Indian Express reported.
'Dictatorship', 'Hilter Raj': Kamal Nath on Singh's Detention
In a series of tweets, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath slammed the BJP for not allowing Digvijaya Singh to meet the rebel MLAs and placing him under preventive arrest.
"The entire country is seesing how the BJP is murdering the democratic principles to destabalise an elected government. The BJP is playing a dirty game in the state," Nath said.
SC Refuses to Entertain Habeas Corpus Plea Filed by Rebel MLA's Brother
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain Habeas Corpus plea filed by Rebel MLA Manoj Chaudhary's brother. Petitioner contended his brother has been abducted by the BJP but the SC directed the petitioner to move high court.
Digvijaya Singh, Others Moved Out of Police Station
Digvijaya Singh & other Congress members who were taken into preventive custody today have been moved out of Amruthahalli Police Station in Bengaluru, ANI reported.
Shortly after, Singh along with Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar and MP Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma reached Commissioner's office.
SC to Hear Pleas on MP Floor Test Today
Two different pleas have been placed in the Supreme Court by the BJP and Congress. The top court is likely to hear these pleas after 10.30 am on Wednesday. While the plea filed by the BJP asked for early floor test, Congress filed a different plea saying floor test could not take place as 16 MLAs had been held “captive” in Bengaluru.
Don't Have Bomb or Rifle, Must Be Allowed to Meet MLAs: Digvijaya Singh
After being put under preventive arrest, Congress leader took it to twitter to announce his hunger strike. He also said, "We live in democracy, not dictatorship."
Meanwhile, in a video released by the Congress, Singh is seen saying, "I'm an ex-chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, who is a Rajya Sabha election candidate. The voting is on March 26. Twenty-two MLAs are staying here and they want to talk to me. But their phones have been taken away and the police are not allowing us to talk to them", PTI reported.
"The police are saying that the MLAs have a security threat. I have told them (police) that I'm a Gandhian and I don't have a bomb or any rifle, allow them to meet us and I will go back", he further added.
Congress' Digvijaya Singh Placed Under Preventive Arrest
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh was placed under preventive arrest in the early hours of Wednesday after he was sitting on a dharna near Bengaluru's Ramada hotel where 21 rebel Congress MLAs are lodged. He has been taken to Amruthahalli Police Station in Bengaluru.
"We were expecting them to come back, but when we saw they're being held back, messages came from their families...I personally spoke to five MLAs, they said they're captive, phones have been snatched away, there is police in front of every room. They're being followed 24/7," he was quoted by ANI as saying.
'Abduction of Democracy': Digvijaya Singh
Before sitting on a dharna near Bengaluru's Ramada hotel, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh tweeted on Wednesday saying if the MLAs have any problem, the constitutional provision is to meet Speaker or express on the Floor of the Assembly or through authorised party leaders.
'I Praise Your Impartial, Courageous Decision to Accept Resignations of 6 Ministers': Guv to Speaker
Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon sent a letter to Assembly Speaker NP Prajapati in the early hours of Wednesday, praising him for taking an "impartial and courageous" decision in accepting the resignations of six ministers.
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