The Hindu Business Line : Karnataka Assembly adjourned <I>sine die </I>

IN an anti-climax to the week-long tussle over the trial of strength between the rebel faction of the Janata Dal (Secular) led by Mr H.D. Kumaraswamy and the Congress (I), the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Mr Krishna, on Friday adjourned the House sine die abruptly even before the Chief Minister, Mr Dharam Singh, sought a vote of confidence.

Mr Singh was given time till today by the Governor, Mr T.N. Chaturvedi, to prove his strength in the Assembly after the faction of JD (S) submitted a letter on January 18 announcing its decision to withdraw support to the Congress (I).

Earlier, the Speaker granted recognition to Mr Kumaraswamy, son of former Prime Minister and JD (S) National President, Mr H.D. Deve Gowda, as the leader of the JD (S) Legislative Party.

Even while the Congress (I) members protested against the decision, Mr Krishna said that he called upon the Chief Minister to move the motion since he did not move the motion "I am adjourning the House sine die and submit a report to the Governor."

Meanwhile, Mr Deve Gowda submitted his resignation as the National President of JD (S) owning moral responsibility for having failed to convince his son and his supporters to reconsider their decision to associate with the BJP to form an alternative government in the State.