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Karnataka crisis: Apex Court asks Speaker to maintain status quo; HD Kumaraswamy to seek trust vote

Anil Urs Bengaluru | Updated on July 12, 2019 Published on July 12, 2019

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy

Reacting to the development, opposition BJP asks the Chief Minister to step down

While the Supreme Court adjourned proceedings in the case of the 10 rebel MLAs in Karnataka till July 16, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, announced in the State Assembly on the first day of the monsoon session on Friday, that his government would seek a trust vote to end the confusion.

As Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar took up obituary motion, Kumaraswamy told the Assembly that in order to prove the majority of the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress-led coalition government, he will seek a trust vote. “In the light of various developments, I have decided on seeking a trust vote,” he said.

After the 10 rebel MLAs submitted their resignations afresh on the directive of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi directed the Karnataka Speaker to maintain the status quo as of Friday with regard to the resignations and disqualification of the rebel MLAs. A further hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 16.

BJP hits back

Reacting to Kumaraswamy’s decision to seek a trust vote, BJP, the principal opposition party, said the government lacks numbers and the Chief Minister should step down immediately.

State BJP president BS Yeddyurappa said, “The Supreme Court order came as a relief for the MLAs. We will wait for July 16th.”

Later, as the coalition government sought a trust vote, the BJP, fearing poaching of its MLAs, moved them all to a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

Yeddyurappa said, “BJP MLAs felt that they should be together and come to the Assembly together on Monday...I have agreed to their demand.” Similarly, the Congress has also moved its MLAs to a hotel in the city.

The JD(S), too, fearing more resignations, had moved its MLAs to a resort near Devanahalli a week ago. All of them came directly from there to attend today’s Assembly session.

The party tweeted:“Why is BJP herding its MLAs to a resort now? We will not stoop to your level and poach MLAs. Why are you afraid of the floor test, when you claim to have majority? The cowardice of BJP is at display! @hd_kumaraswamy will win the confidence vote by a huge margin. Wait n watch!

Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy said he is in constant touch with the Congress and his party MLAs.

Published on July 12, 2019
state politics
Karnataka
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