#KarnatakaTrustVote: Will Kumaraswamy be able to retain his CM chair?
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy moved a trust motion in the Assembly on Thursday, days after the survival of his government was threatened by a flurry of resignations. Till now, 18 legislators have resigned but speaker KR Ramesh hasn't accepted them. If accepted, the Congress-JD(S) coalition will lose the majority, making way for BJP to form the government. Here are the live updates.
From Karnataka to SC, understanding what happened so far
These MLAs, who ditched the coalition and went to Mumbai, approached the Supreme Court to complain about Ramesh for not taking action on their resignations. After hearing all sides, the top court said Ramesh is free to decide on resignations at a time of his choosing. The MLAs, however, can't be forced to attend the floor test, the SC said giving a balanced judgment.
MLAs made false allegations in Supreme Court, said Kumaraswamy
Moving the motion, Kumaraswamy berated the MLAs. "The legislators have forgotten to conduct themselves properly by making such false allegations against our stable government in the apex court," he said, adding there has to be "clarity" on these allegations. Initiating the debate, at the end of which the legislators will vote, Kumaraswamy said the role of the speaker has been jeopardized by the MLAs.
Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa said the floor test should be completed soon
As soon as Kumaraswamy moved the motion, BJP's BS Yeddyurappa stood up to say that the proceedings should end in one day. The saffron party fears that if the floor test is delayed, Congress-JD(S) might be able to win back the disgruntled MLAs. On Yeddyurappa's suggestion, Kumaraswamy said, "The Leader of Opposition seems to be in a hurry."
Before floor test, Siddaramaiah wants clarity on SC's order
Separately, Congress leader and former CM Siddaramaiah opposed the floor test. He opined that it won't be appropriate to take it, till "we get clarification on the Supreme Court's previous order." "If the whip applicable and they (rebel MLAs) don't come to the House because of the Supreme Court order, it will be a big loss to the coalition government," Siddaramaiah reportedly said.
Another Congress leader concurred, said clarity on resignations needed
"Before taking up trust vote, we must decide if rebels are members of the house or not. The dissident legislators are saying they have resigned but their resignations are not accepted. So we need time to get clarity on the issue," said Congress' HK Patil.
Siddaramaiah raised confusion about whips, Ramesh came up with solution
As Siddaramaiah raised the concern of whips, saying that the interim SC order has crushed his rights as CLP leader, Ramesh allowed for a whip to be applied on all MLAs. A whip is an order for legislators to attend the assembly, failing which they can be disqualified. Allowing the whip, Ramesh said he holds Supreme Court in the highest regard.
Here's what Ramesh told about whip
"This house holds Supreme Court in highest esteem. Simultaneously, let me make it abundantly clear to the CLP leader that this office is not restraining you (him) from doing or exercising any of (his) authorities. I have no role to play in that," Ramesh said.
