Karnataka floor test Highlights: Guv asks CM to prove majority by noonhttps://indianexpress.com/article/india/karnataka-floor-test-live-updates-trust-vote-kumaraswamy-jds-congress-bjp-5835133/
Karnataka floor test Highlights: Guv asks CM to prove majority by noon
Karnataka floor test highlights: During the House proceedings today, Congress and BJP were engaged in a war of words over the trust vote. While Congress alleged that the BJP had "abducted" one of its MLA, the saffron party said that the coalition wanted to postpone the floor test.
Karnataka floor test highlights: Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy after offering prayers in Bengaluru on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. (PTI Photo)
Karnataka floor test Highlights: The Kumaraswamy-led JDS-Congress government in Karnataka, which is on the brink of collapse after mass resignations, will not face a trust vote Thursday as the Assembly was adjourned till Friday. In protest, the BJP has begun an overnight ‘dharna’ demanding a response from Speaker K R Ramesh over Governor Vajubhai Vala’s letter.
After a delegation of BJP leaders met Governor over the delay in holding the floor test, Vajubhai Vala had sent a letter to the Speaker asking him to complete the trust vote proceedings by the end of the day.
Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had moved a confidence motion earlier in the day. Speaking on the floor of the House, Kumaraswamy hit out at the 15 rebel MLAs — 12 Congress and three JD(S) — for making “false allegations” against his “stable government” in the Supreme Court.
During the House proceedings today, Congress and BJP were engaged in a war of words over the trust vote. While Congress alleged that the BJP had “abducted” one of its MLA, the saffron party said that the coalition wanted to postpone the floor test.
On being asked to clarify the apex court’s order on whips, Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar said he would not restrain parties from “exercising any authority”. The Speaker, however, is yet to decide on their resignations, as allowed by the SC. The bench headed by the Chief Justice of India, however, had Wednesday ordered that the MLAs should not be “compelled” to attend proceedings. He is currently meeting legal experts to decide his next move.
Live Blog
Karnataka floor test live updates: The Assembly was adjourned today without any trust vote. Upset BJP has started a protest in the Assembly. Here's the latest news.
Former CM Yeddyurappa sleeps at the Vidhana Soudha
Former CM Yeddyurappa sleeps at the Vidhana Soudha
#WATCH Karnataka: BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa sleeps at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. BJP legislators of the state are on an over night 'dharna' at the Assembly over their demand of floor test. pic.twitter.com/e4z6ypzJPz
Former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa at the Vidhana Soudha
Former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa at the Vidhana Soudha
Bengaluru: #Karnataka BJP legislators on an over night 'dharna' at the Vidhana Soudha over their demand of floor test. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala has written to CM HD Kumaraswamy, asking him to prove majority of the government on the floor of the House by 1:30 pm tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/NLcoAJvOu9
Karnataka: BJP legislators who are on an over night 'dharna' at the assembly demanding floor test, eat dinner at the Opposition Lounge of Vidhana Soudha pic.twitter.com/BurvIXAvO6
BJP MLA Prabhu Chavan arrives at Vidhana Soudha for overnight dharna
Karnataka: BJP MLA Prabhu Chavan arrives at Vidhana Soudha with bed sheet & pillow. BJP legislators are on an over night 'dharna' (at Assembly), demanding floor test. #KarnatakaFloorTestpic.twitter.com/GWz2ogxXFQ
We respect SC, not helping anyone: BJP MLA madhu Swamy
DK Shivakumar, Congress: Today on floor of the house, MLA Madhu Swamy (BJP) said 'the same Supreme Court which helped you to sit there is helping us' it means whatever judgement came out of SC, he has categorically misused it. We respect SC, they're not helping anyone. #Karnatakapic.twitter.com/govfeeuAsC
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala has written a letter to Chief Minister Kumaraswamy asking him to prove majority on the floor of the assembly by 1:30 pm tomorrow, reported news agency ANI.
Will be back to Bengaluru, once I recover: MLA Patil
Congress MLA Shrimant Patil: I went to Chennai for some personal work & felt some pain in the chest there. I visited hospital & on the suggestion of the doctor, I came to Mumbai and got admitted here. Once I recover, I'll go back to Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/rUzVmmXYMj
Congress seeks security for 'abducted' MLA Patil, writes to Bengaluru Police
Meanwhile, Congress has written to Bengaluru Police Commissioner seeking protection for Shrimant Patil. The party has alleged that the MLA has been 'abducted' by the BJP.
Breach of constitutional framework, we will stay until the trust vote is decided: BSY on no trust vote today
Before the House was adjourned, BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa declared that his party members would stay put in the House itself overnight and even till the time the trust vote was decided. He said the confidence motion was not even discussed properly for 15 minutes and other issues were brought in by the ruling coalition members to delay the trust vote. "There has been a breach of the constitutional framework," he said, adding that it was unparalleled. "To protest against this, we will sleep here itself," Yeddyurappa said. "We will stay until the trust vote is decided," Yeddyurappa declared.
BJP sits on overnight dharna demanding Speaker's response on Governor's letter
"Our MLAs will sit on an over night 'dharna' in the state assembly demanding that the Speaker replies to the Governor's letter and holds a floor test," the BJP said in a tweet
Bengaluru: BJP MLAs inside the state Assembly after the House was adjourned for the day. They are on an over night 'dharna' demanding that the Speaker replies to the Governor's letter and holds a floor test. #Karnatakapic.twitter.com/GWwYRFzOfT
Karnataka Assembly session adjourned till 11 am tomorrow. The state BJP unit has decided to stay and protest in the house overnight till the Assembly reconvenes tomorrow.
The House was adjourned by Deputy Speaker Krishna Reddy as the Congress members persistently shouted slogans against the BJP as the proceedings wore on with Kumaraswamy yet to make his speech on the motion.
BSY urges Speaker to hold trust vote today, says will stay even if it's midnight
Leader of Opposition B.S. Yeddyurappa appeals to the Speaker to complete the motion of confidence and put to vote by the end of the day. Even if it's by midnight, we are ready, he said, reported news agency ANI.
Speaker seeks legal advice on whip issue
Speaker K R Ramesh has left the House to meet up with the advocate general to seek legal advice on the issue of whip imposed by Congress and JD(S) to rebel MLAs. The BJP has protested the move, demanding an immediate trust vote.
Congress objects to Karnataka Governor's interference in trust vote proceedings
Congress members of the house object to the interference of the Governor in the proceedings of the house. They found fault with the BJP for trying to seek the intervention of the Governor in the working of the house. The speaker, however, intervened to say that the opposition had the right to meet the Governor and ask him to act on some issue. However, it is up to him to finally decide on the matter. He would be influenced by anyone on the matter.
Karnataka Guv steps in: Hold trust vote by end of the day
After the BJP leaders sought Governor's intervention, Vajubhai Vala has requested the Speaker to hold the floor test by the end of the day. "The motion of confidence moved by the CM of Karnataka is in consideration before the house today. The CM is expected to maintain the confidence of his house during all times of his tenure. I, therefore, send this message to the House to consider completing the process by the end of the day. This according to me, will uphold the highest traditions of democracy and parliamentary practice," the Governor's message to Speaker K R Ramesh read.
The Speaker reads out the message in the House.
Governor Vajubhai Vala's special officer reaches Karnataka Assembly to witness trust vote proceedings
After a delegation of BJP leaders met Vajubhai Vala over delay in the trust vote, the governor has sent a special officer to the assembly to witness the proceedings
Governor Vajubhai Vala's special officer reaches Karnataka Assembly to witness trust vote proceedings
After a delegation of BJP leaders met Vajubhai Vala over delay in the trust vote, the governor has sent a special officer to the assembly to witness the proceedings
Karnataka Congress MLA Shrimant Patil shifted to another hospital in Mumbai
Karnataka Congress MLA Shrimant Patil, who was admitted in Mumbai hospital after chest pain, has been shifted to Mumbai's St. George Hospital from Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre for further treatment.
Maharashtra: Karnataka Congress MLA Shrimant Patil has been shifted to Mumbai's St. George Hospital from Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre for further treatment. pic.twitter.com/M6fTMwKruN
Kumarswamy govt disrespecting the Constitution in its greed for power: BJP
Amid the delay in the trust vote debate, the BJP hit out at Congress-JDS alliance saying it has lost the majority and is "disrespecting the Constitution in its greed for power."
Coalition Govt has lost the MAJORITY
According to constitution any govt that doesn't have majority should step down. In Karnataka, Congress & JDS is holding on to power without majority. In their greed for power they have disrespected the constitution of this nation#StepDownCM
Former Karnataka Speaker Jagadish Shettar after meeting the Governor said, "CM had fixed today for the vote of confidence but when the motion was moved & debate started, Siddaramaiah, Krishna Byre Gowda, & HK Patil moved a point of order. We have requested Governor to direct the Speaker to continue the debate on the vote of confidence," reported news agency ANI.
BJP goes to Governor, says Speaker delaying process by not holding floor test
While Congress leader Siddaramaiah has urged the Speaker to defer the trust vote, the state unit of BJP has approached Governor Vajubhai Vala to hold the floor test today. In a meeting with the Governor, BJP complained that the Speaker was delaying the process without holding floor test. Former CM Jagadish Shettar was leading the delegation. BJP legislators Arvind Limbavalli, Basavaraj Bommai and SR Vishvanath joined Shettar to meet the Governor
Karnataka floor test: House adjourned for 30 mins
House adjourned for 30 mins amidst uproar over discussion on MLA Shrimath Patil's absence.
Speaker KR Ramesh orders a detailed report on MLA Patil
Ordering a detailed report on MLA Shrimant Patil, Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh said the situation doesn't look "natural." "Please contact the family members of Shrimant Patil immediately. Give a detailed report to me by tomorrow, it does not look natural. If the Home Minister can't ensure protection, I will talk to DGP. What kind of a Speaker I would be if I proceed with the document (letter sent by Congress MLA Shrimant Patil informing about his ill health) which has no date or letterhead."
Not tempted by any trappings of power: Kumarswamy in Karnartaka Assembly
In the House, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said, "Numbers will matter only on the day of voting (when floor hosts trust vote). Each decision taken by the Speaker is critical. I repeat I am not tempted by any trappings of power."
Conspiracy by BJP: Karnataka Congress chief on MLA Patil's hospitalisation
On MLA Shrimant Patil's hospitalisation, Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao alleged a "conspiracy" by BJP. During the proceedings, he said, "There was hospital right next to resort where our MLAs are staying, then why was he (MLA Shrimant Patil) flown to Chennai & then to Mumbai for treatment? He is healthy, nothing is wrong with him. It's a conspiracy by BJP," reported news agency ANI.
Patil admitted to Mumbai hospital against his will: Shivakumar
Shivakumar alleged that Patil got admitted in the hospital against his will. Showing the copies of documents of the flight, Shivakumar said the Congress MLA was accompanied by a BJP leader.
"Our MLAs are being poached by the BJP. BJP is directly involved in poaching our legislators," Karnataka Congres president Dinesh Gundu Rao said.
In Assembly, Congress flashes pictures of its MLA admitted in hospital, asks Speaker to protect its leaders
Amid debate on the confidence motion, Congress flashed the pictures of its MLA Shrimant Patil, who was staying with other lawmakers on Bengaluru resort but was admitted following chest pain. Patil who turned up in Mumbai last night is currently undergoing treatment. The reason for Patil's visit to Mumbai is not yet known. DK Shivakumar, Congress in Karnataka Assembly says, "There were 8 MLAs who travelled together, here is a picture of one of them (Shrimant Patil) lying inert on a stretcher, where are these people? I'm asking the Speaker to protect our MLAs." Uproar in the house after this.
DK Shivakumar, Congress in Karnataka Assembly says, "There were 8 MLAs who traveled together, here is a picture of one of them (Shrimant Patil) lying inert on a stretcher, where are these people? I'm asking the Speaker to protect our MLAs." Uproar in the house after this. pic.twitter.com/08ugj0XuiM
Karnataka Legislative Assembly resumes after lunch break
Karnataka Legislative Assembly resumes after lunch break
Karnataka floor test: Quick recap
In case you are just joining us, members of the Karnataka Assembly Thursday are debating a confidence motion moved by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy. His 14-months-old government is hanging by a thread following the mass resignations by Congress-JDS MLAs. In a relief for the coalition, of its leaders - Ramalinga Reddy - returned to its fold reducing the number of rebels from 16 to 15.
During the session, Congress leader Siddaramaiah has asked the Speaker to clarify on the order on whips. The BJP, meanwhile, is confident that the motion will be defeated and has asked the Speaker to hold the floor test today.
The Speaker has clarified that parties are allowed to issue whip to its members. After the motion is debated, a floor test will be conducted in the House. The House which was closed for lunch will resume shortly.
Karnataka floor test: CM Kumaraswamy outside state Assembly
Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy snapped outside the state Assembly
Karnataka floor test: H D Revanna at state Assembly
Ahead of the trust vote, H D Revanna, son of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, arrived barefoot at the state Assembly
#WATCH: Karnataka Minister & son of H D Deve Gowda, H D Revanna arrived barefoot at the state Assembly, for trust vote debate, today. (Earlier visuals) #Bengalurupic.twitter.com/YP4wZ0XD7q
Karnataka Speaker: 'I will neither be coerced nor influenced; I will be unbiased'
Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar tells members of the Vidhan Soudha, "I will neither be coerced nor influenced. I'll be unbiased and impartial. I'll be fair and judicious. This is my stand." And with that, the session has been adjourned for lunch.
"I will neither be coerced nor influenced. I'll be unbiased and impartial. I'll be fair and judicious. This is my stand," Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar reiterates in Vidhana Soudha. #KarnatakaPoliticalCrisis#KarnatakaTrustVote@IndianExpress
Karnataka floor test: Congress leader Patil urges House to decide on rebels
Congress MLA H K Patil says the House must first decide if the rebel MLAs are members of the legislative Assembly. "They are saying they have resigned but the resignations are not accepted, so we need time to get clarity on the issue," he says, during the debate ahead of the Karnataka floor test.
Karnataka floor test: If you're just tuning in, here's a recap
In case you're just joining us, here's what is happening in the Karnataka Assembly. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy moved a confidence motion in the House this morning, which is being debated by leaders. The Speaker has clarified that parties are allowed to issue whip to its members. After the debate, a floor test will be conducted in the House. Stay tuned, as we bring you the latest news and updates!
BJP's Madhuswamy says Speaker's decision to allow whip will set precedent
BJP MLA Madhuswamy says during the debate on confidence motion: "Why did CLP leader Siddaramaiah fail to give a notice on the Point of Order? This would have given time for the BJP to prepare for the same. We came here prepared for the confidence motion called by the CM. Now we have ended up debating only the Point of Order. This will become a precedence on other Speakers."
Decision on rebels before floor test, says Karnataka MLA Krishna Byre Gowda
"It is necessary to decide on the 15 rebel MLAs before going for trust vote. Trust vote is a landmark decision for the house," says Congress MLA and minister Krishna Byre Gowda. In other news, N Mahesh of the BSP appears to be absent from the House. He is the lone BSP MLA in the state, and had allied with the ruling coalition.
Speaker allows whip to be applied on all MLAs
Karnataka Speaker Ramesh Kumar has allowed for a whip to be applied on all MLAs in the Karnataka legislative Assembly. "This house holds the Supreme Court in the 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," the Speaker said.
Siddaramaiah asks Speaker to clarify SC order on whips
Siddaramaiah asks the Speaker to clarify on the order on whips. "As leader of the Congress Legislative Party, in the interim order issued by the Supreme Court on the petition by MLAs, my right to whip the members of our party seems to have been crushed," he says, adding that since he is not a defendent in the case, he cannot give his opinion. (Read our explainer on whips)
Karnataka floor test: Here are how the numbers are currently stacked up
As the Karnataka Assembly debates the confidence motion, here's a look at how the numbers are currently stacked: The Congress-JDS coalition has 117 MLAs — Congress has 78, JD(S) 37 and BSP 1 and the Speaker — while the BJP has 105 MLAs and the support of two Independents. If the Speaker accepts the resignations of 15 MLAs (12 from Congress and three from JDS), the ruling coalition's numbers will come down to 102.
Karnataka floor test live updates: Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and his deputy G Parameshwara with other members during the Assembly session at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Monday, July 15, 2019. (PTI Photo: Shailendra Bhojak)
Karnataka floor test today live updates:
The Supreme Court Wednesday left it open to the Speaker to decide on the resignations of the rebel Congress and JD(S) MLAs but also ordered that the MLAs should not be “compelled” to attend the ongoing session of the House. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose said the order was passed in light of the trust motion on Thursday.
“The imperative necessity, at this stage, is to maintain the constitutional balance and the conflicting and competing rights that have been canvassed before us. Such an interim exercise has become prudent in view of certain time frame exercise that is in the offing in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, particularly, the no-trust motion against the present Government, which we are told is due for being taken up on 18th July 2019”, said the bench.
“In these circumstances, the competing claims have to be balanced by an appropriate interim order, which according to us, should be to permit the Hon’ble Speaker of the House to decide on the request for resignations by the 15 Members of the House within such time frame as the Hon’ble Speaker may consider appropriate.”
Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar welcomed the SC decision and said he would conduct himself responsibly in accordance with the principles of the Constitution. “With utmost humility, I welcome and respect the Supreme Court decision,” he said. “The Supreme Court has put extra burden on me, I will conduct myself responsibly in accordance with constitutional principles,” he told reporters in Kolar, his home town.
If the Speaker accepts their resignations or disqualifies them from the House, the number of MLAs in the ruling coalition will fall below 113, the required number to prove majority. With 15 MLAs resigning, the strength of the coalition is likely to fall to 102 from 117. The BJP has 105 MLAs in the 224-member House.
Former CM Yeddyurappa sleeps at the Vidhana Soudha
Former CM Yeddyurappa sleeps at the Vidhana Soudha
Former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa at the Vidhana Soudha
Former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa at the Vidhana Soudha
BJP leaders stage overnight dharna
BJP leaders stage overnight 'dharna' at Vidhana Soudha
On protest, BJP leaders have dinner in Assembly
BJP MLA Prabhu Chavan arrives at Vidhana Soudha for overnight dharna
We respect SC, not helping anyone: BJP MLA madhu Swamy
Guv asks CM to prove majority by tomorrow
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala has written a letter to Chief Minister Kumaraswamy asking him to prove majority on the floor of the assembly by 1:30 pm tomorrow, reported news agency ANI.
Will be back to Bengaluru, once I recover: MLA Patil
Congress seeks security for 'abducted' MLA Patil, writes to Bengaluru Police
Meanwhile, Congress has written to Bengaluru Police Commissioner seeking protection for Shrimant Patil. The party has alleged that the MLA has been 'abducted' by the BJP.
Breach of constitutional framework, we will stay until the trust vote is decided: BSY on no trust vote today
Before the House was adjourned, BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa declared that his party members would stay put in the House itself overnight and even till the time the trust vote was decided. He said the confidence motion was not even discussed properly for 15 minutes and other issues were brought in by the ruling coalition members to delay the trust vote. "There has been a breach of the constitutional framework," he said, adding that it was unparalleled. "To protest against this, we will sleep here itself," Yeddyurappa said. "We will stay until the trust vote is decided," Yeddyurappa declared.
BJP sits on overnight dharna demanding Speaker's response on Governor's letter
"Our MLAs will sit on an over night 'dharna' in the state assembly demanding that the Speaker replies to the Governor's letter and holds a floor test," the BJP said in a tweet
Karnataka Assembly session adjourned
Karnataka Assembly session adjourned till 11 am tomorrow. The state BJP unit has decided to stay and protest in the house overnight till the Assembly reconvenes tomorrow.
The House was adjourned by Deputy Speaker Krishna Reddy as the Congress members persistently shouted slogans against the BJP as the proceedings wore on with Kumaraswamy yet to make his speech on the motion.
BSY urges Speaker to hold trust vote today, says will stay even if it's midnight
Leader of Opposition B.S. Yeddyurappa appeals to the Speaker to complete the motion of confidence and put to vote by the end of the day. Even if it's by midnight, we are ready, he said, reported news agency ANI.
Speaker seeks legal advice on whip issue
Speaker K R Ramesh has left the House to meet up with the advocate general to seek legal advice on the issue of whip imposed by Congress and JD(S) to rebel MLAs. The BJP has protested the move, demanding an immediate trust vote.
Congress objects to Karnataka Governor's interference in trust vote proceedings
Congress members of the house object to the interference of the Governor in the proceedings of the house. They found fault with the BJP for trying to seek the intervention of the Governor in the working of the house. The speaker, however, intervened to say that the opposition had the right to meet the Governor and ask him to act on some issue. However, it is up to him to finally decide on the matter. He would be influenced by anyone on the matter.
Karnataka Guv steps in: Hold trust vote by end of the day
After the BJP leaders sought Governor's intervention, Vajubhai Vala has requested the Speaker to hold the floor test by the end of the day. "The motion of confidence moved by the CM of Karnataka is in consideration before the house today. The CM is expected to maintain the confidence of his house during all times of his tenure. I, therefore, send this message to the House to consider completing the process by the end of the day. This according to me, will uphold the highest traditions of democracy and parliamentary practice," the Governor's message to Speaker K R Ramesh read.
The Speaker reads out the message in the House.
Governor Vajubhai Vala's special officer reaches Karnataka Assembly to witness trust vote proceedings
After a delegation of BJP leaders met Vajubhai Vala over delay in the trust vote, the governor has sent a special officer to the assembly to witness the proceedings
Governor Vajubhai Vala's special officer reaches Karnataka Assembly to witness trust vote proceedings
After a delegation of BJP leaders met Vajubhai Vala over delay in the trust vote, the governor has sent a special officer to the assembly to witness the proceedings
Karnataka Congress MLA Shrimant Patil shifted to another hospital in Mumbai
Karnataka Congress MLA Shrimant Patil, who was admitted in Mumbai hospital after chest pain, has been shifted to Mumbai's St. George Hospital from Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre for further treatment.
Kumarswamy govt disrespecting the Constitution in its greed for power: BJP
Amid the delay in the trust vote debate, the BJP hit out at Congress-JDS alliance saying it has lost the majority and is "disrespecting the Constitution in its greed for power."
BJP submits memorandum to Governor Vajubhai Vala
Former Karnataka Speaker Jagadish Shettar after meeting the Governor said, "CM had fixed today for the vote of confidence but when the motion was moved & debate started, Siddaramaiah, Krishna Byre Gowda, & HK Patil moved a point of order. We have requested Governor to direct the Speaker to continue the debate on the vote of confidence," reported news agency ANI.
BJP goes to Governor, says Speaker delaying process by not holding floor test
While Congress leader Siddaramaiah has urged the Speaker to defer the trust vote, the state unit of BJP has approached Governor Vajubhai Vala to hold the floor test today. In a meeting with the Governor, BJP complained that the Speaker was delaying the process without holding floor test. Former CM Jagadish Shettar was leading the delegation. BJP legislators Arvind Limbavalli, Basavaraj Bommai and SR Vishvanath joined Shettar to meet the Governor
Karnataka floor test: House adjourned for 30 mins
House adjourned for 30 mins amidst uproar over discussion on MLA Shrimath Patil's absence.
Speaker KR Ramesh orders a detailed report on MLA Patil
Ordering a detailed report on MLA Shrimant Patil, Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh said the situation doesn't look "natural." "Please contact the family members of Shrimant Patil immediately. Give a detailed report to me by tomorrow, it does not look natural. If the Home Minister can't ensure protection, I will talk to DGP. What kind of a Speaker I would be if I proceed with the document (letter sent by Congress MLA Shrimant Patil informing about his ill health) which has no date or letterhead."
Not tempted by any trappings of power: Kumarswamy in Karnartaka Assembly
In the House, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said, "Numbers will matter only on the day of voting (when floor hosts trust vote). Each decision taken by the Speaker is critical. I repeat I am not tempted by any trappings of power."
Conspiracy by BJP: Karnataka Congress chief on MLA Patil's hospitalisation
On MLA Shrimant Patil's hospitalisation, Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao alleged a "conspiracy" by BJP. During the proceedings, he said, "There was hospital right next to resort where our MLAs are staying, then why was he (MLA Shrimant Patil) flown to Chennai & then to Mumbai for treatment? He is healthy, nothing is wrong with him. It's a conspiracy by BJP," reported news agency ANI.
Patil admitted to Mumbai hospital against his will: Shivakumar
Shivakumar alleged that Patil got admitted in the hospital against his will. Showing the copies of documents of the flight, Shivakumar said the Congress MLA was accompanied by a BJP leader.
"Our MLAs are being poached by the BJP. BJP is directly involved in poaching our legislators," Karnataka Congres president Dinesh Gundu Rao said.
In Assembly, Congress flashes pictures of its MLA admitted in hospital, asks Speaker to protect its leaders
Amid debate on the confidence motion, Congress flashed the pictures of its MLA Shrimant Patil, who was staying with other lawmakers on Bengaluru resort but was admitted following chest pain. Patil who turned up in Mumbai last night is currently undergoing treatment. The reason for Patil's visit to Mumbai is not yet known. DK Shivakumar, Congress in Karnataka Assembly says, "There were 8 MLAs who travelled together, here is a picture of one of them (Shrimant Patil) lying inert on a stretcher, where are these people? I'm asking the Speaker to protect our MLAs." Uproar in the house after this.
Karnataka Legislative Assembly resumes after lunch break
Karnataka Legislative Assembly resumes after lunch break
Karnataka floor test: Quick recap
In case you are just joining us, members of the Karnataka Assembly Thursday are debating a confidence motion moved by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy. His 14-months-old government is hanging by a thread following the mass resignations by Congress-JDS MLAs. In a relief for the coalition, of its leaders - Ramalinga Reddy - returned to its fold reducing the number of rebels from 16 to 15.
During the session, Congress leader Siddaramaiah has asked the Speaker to clarify on the order on whips. The BJP, meanwhile, is confident that the motion will be defeated and has asked the Speaker to hold the floor test today.
The Speaker has clarified that parties are allowed to issue whip to its members. After the motion is debated, a floor test will be conducted in the House. The House which was closed for lunch will resume shortly.
Karnataka floor test: CM Kumaraswamy outside state Assembly
Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy snapped outside the state Assembly
Karnataka floor test: H D Revanna at state Assembly
Ahead of the trust vote, H D Revanna, son of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, arrived barefoot at the state Assembly
Karnataka Speaker: 'I will neither be coerced nor influenced; I will be unbiased'
Karnataka Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar tells members of the Vidhan Soudha, "I will neither be coerced nor influenced. I'll be unbiased and impartial. I'll be fair and judicious. This is my stand." And with that, the session has been adjourned for lunch.
Karnataka floor test: Congress leader Patil urges House to decide on rebels
Congress MLA H K Patil says the House must first decide if the rebel MLAs are members of the legislative Assembly. "They are saying they have resigned but the resignations are not accepted, so we need time to get clarity on the issue," he says, during the debate ahead of the Karnataka floor test.
Karnataka floor test: If you're just tuning in, here's a recap
In case you're just joining us, here's what is happening in the Karnataka Assembly. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy moved a confidence motion in the House this morning, which is being debated by leaders. The Speaker has clarified that parties are allowed to issue whip to its members. After the debate, a floor test will be conducted in the House. Stay tuned, as we bring you the latest news and updates!
BJP's Madhuswamy says Speaker's decision to allow whip will set precedent
BJP MLA Madhuswamy says during the debate on confidence motion: "Why did CLP leader Siddaramaiah fail to give a notice on the Point of Order? This would have given time for the BJP to prepare for the same. We came here prepared for the confidence motion called by the CM. Now we have ended up debating only the Point of Order. This will become a precedence on other Speakers."
Decision on rebels before floor test, says Karnataka MLA Krishna Byre Gowda
"It is necessary to decide on the 15 rebel MLAs before going for trust vote. Trust vote is a landmark decision for the house," says Congress MLA and minister Krishna Byre Gowda. In other news, N Mahesh of the BSP appears to be absent from the House. He is the lone BSP MLA in the state, and had allied with the ruling coalition.
Speaker allows whip to be applied on all MLAs
Karnataka Speaker Ramesh Kumar has allowed for a whip to be applied on all MLAs in the Karnataka legislative Assembly. "This house holds the Supreme Court in the 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," the Speaker said.
Siddaramaiah asks Speaker to clarify SC order on whips
Siddaramaiah asks the Speaker to clarify on the order on whips. "As leader of the Congress Legislative Party, in the interim order issued by the Supreme Court on the petition by MLAs, my right to whip the members of our party seems to have been crushed," he says, adding that since he is not a defendent in the case, he cannot give his opinion. (Read our explainer on whips)
Karnataka floor test: Here are how the numbers are currently stacked up
As the Karnataka Assembly debates the confidence motion, here's a look at how the numbers are currently stacked: The Congress-JDS coalition has 117 MLAs — Congress has 78, JD(S) 37 and BSP 1 and the Speaker — while the BJP has 105 MLAs and the support of two Independents. If the Speaker accepts the resignations of 15 MLAs (12 from Congress and three from JDS), the ruling coalition's numbers will come down to 102.