Karnataka Assembly Speaker Ramesh Kumar has adjourned the House till July 22. The trust vote will be held on Monday, July 22.
Governor Vajubhai Vala first set a 1.30 pm deadline. CM H D Kumaraswamy ignored it. Governor Vala then set a 6 pm deadline. Kumaraswamy ignored it again. It was that kind of a day.
The CM's argument was that the deadline was "unconstitutional". He pushed for the trust vote to be held on Monday.
Though CM H D Kumaraswamy had on Thursday moved a confidence motion and insisted on a debate, BJP leader and former CM BS Yeddyurappa had appealed to the Speaker to complete the floor test proceedings in a day, but it was not to be.
The BJP also went on to hold an overnight dharna inside the House.
The trust vote has come in the wake of a resignation spree by rebel MLAs from the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition government since July 6.
As many as 16 MLAs -- 13 from the Congress and three from the JDS -- have resigned, while Independent MLAs R Shankar and H Nagesh have withdrawn their support to the coalition government, giving the Kumaraswamy-led government the jitters.
H D Kumaraswamy and Krishna Byre Gowda in his address to Speaker say he has to decide on Governor's directive to hold floor test by 1.30 PM. Terming the directive invalid, both cite rules and past cases to support their argument.
#TrustVote @hd_kumaraswamy to Speaker:
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Governor has asked for me to prove majority before 1.30 pm. SC is hearing a petition by a few MLAs. I leave it to your wisdom whether Governor has the right for such directions. He sent the letter last evening. You are the custodian.
Mumbai Police has allowed Karnataka Police officials to meet and take statement of Congress MLA Shrimant Patil, who is admitted at St George hospital in Mumbai (file pic) pic.twitter.com/lUMbQbNM8e
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2019
"I need to apologise to you (Speaker). Previous budget session I released an audio clipping. You gave me a direction that an inquiry should be made in 15 days but given the political scenario I had limitations of my own," says HDK.
#TrustVote @krishnabgowda : Our MLAs have taken names and categorically made accusation. BJP hasn't responded. They haven't moved privilege motion that means they have indulged in horse trading. It has been proven in the house that they have poured money to buy MLAs.
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
He also added that at his age, Devegowda had given him responsibility but he needed a way to repay his loan. I told him I won't be able to repay everything at once but can make arrangement to pay in installments out of my own personal money. I called him from the US to ask where I should send the money to. But today he has gone to Mumbai. Who gave him the special flight ? It's my appeal that you please make him come to the house. I need to know how much he got sold for: Sa Ra Mahesh
#TrustVote
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Sa Ra Mahesh - (no names) a man who used to be JDS state President told me before he quit that he had a lot of loans for the elections. He even told me that BJP has offered Rs 28 crores to repay the loan. He said a journalist came with the offer from BJP.
#TrustVote
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Speaker to @DKShivakumar who is trying to raise issues. "Today's business is confidence vote. Let us stick to it. Allow @hd_kumaraswamy to continue"
I am allowing everything to go on record. I will even let BJP's response go on record so everything is out in public. When people read the proceedings let them understand what politics has come to in Karnataka. Is this the land of Shantaveera Gopalaiah, asks Speaker
. @krishnabgowda : Silence is consent. Let them file a defamation case against Srinivas Gowda if it is false. Let them take action. If Madhuswamy is not responding then it means they have offered money. Why is he quiet now ?
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
MLA Srinivas Gowda names - Ashwath Narayana of BJP, Yogeshwar ex MLA, Yelahanka MLA Vishwanath. They came to my house to offer me Rs 5 crore. Despite me saying I don't want it , they left the money. Even today they ask me if I will join them for 30 cr.
#TrustVote
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Speaker - I am sitting on fire every minute. They make accusations against me! Do they not have conscience? People in power make allegations. You live such lives and point fingers at me? For your selfishness, you are killing the genuine ones. I will not stop anything.
Uproar in house after coalition MLA alleges that he was offered Rs 5 crore and BJP insists that the comment goes on record for them to pursue it legally.
#TrustVote@hd_kumaraswamy :
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
What mistake have I committed? Let any MLA say I haven't worked for their constituency. We are in a responsible place. There is no need to hurry. The way you are pushing democracy into darkness, it will impact the future of this country.
#TrustVote@hd_kumaraswamy
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
The number of flights that have gone from here, we don't even have that many autos in #Bangalore. You may be happy temporarily now but you wait, this will come back to bite you.
#TrustVote @hd_kumaraswamy : They seem to have a hotel permanently in Mumbai. Gunman, bouncers for protection. How long will you do this ? They have to come back some day. They say they have nothing to do with MLAs resigning but how many photos and videos do you want ?
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
If BJP has enough numbers, what's their hurry? Vajapaye govt's took ten days to discuss. I know it's not easy to bring the MLAs holed up under BJP. Let them form a govt with them. Power is not important, how we have fared in the public eye is important: HDK
#TrustVote @hd_kumaraswamy : Governor's representative is here and keeps updating him minute by minute. We are here to save the Constitution. Many amendments to the Constitution and we are here to protect it. Siddaramaiah raised issues yesterday. A debate is required.
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
I'm not permanent here. I knew it was temporary, the day I took this seat. I appeal to the MLAs, do not cheat the people. This is God-given power and he will take it away when he wishes, says an emotional Kumaraswamy.
An emotional @hd_kumaraswamy says:
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
I appeal to MLAs. I am immaterial in this place. When you go to people and seek vote and win with their confidence, you cheat us, it's okay but don't cheat the people who have sent you to this temple. You and I are not permanent.
. @hd_kumaraswamy : You mock Revanna for his devotion and beliefs. You came to power in the name of Rama but mock Revanna going to the temple. Our family doesn't indulge in black magic and superstition. Don't you go to temples where they give lemon as blessing?
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
We will also see how long you (BJP) will be in power. For all the theatrics you have indulged in, I will see how long you will provide a stable govt: HDK
Power is not important for Devegowda's family. I am not responsible for Dharam Singh's death. Let me make it clear. I did not cheat him. I never wanted to be cm then too. I have no worries about losing power. The day I took this seat I knew this was temporary: HD Kumaraswamy
. @hd_kumaraswamy : All this is temporary. This circus you are doing. I also got an offer. When election results came, I decided I had enough of politics. But Congress offered CM's post. I didn't ask. Today, the BJP is guarding it's MLAs. I don't want this seat.
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
I agree that I am in the same situation that B S Yeddyurappa was in when he was CM previously. Power is not permanent. People come and people go. Modi may have received a huge mandate but Rajiv Gandhi had won more than 400 seats too.
#TrustVote @hd_kumaraswamy
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Close to 17 MLAs resigned. Today the BJP says go to vote directly instead of debating. I have no issues with them being in power but in the future all of these proceedings will records and people will research it.
Anti-defection law is being circumvented to enable resignations. Kharge was sitting as LoP but never tried to get ruling party MLAs to resign to destabilise govt. But some people started the process of getting MLAs to resign in this state: HDK
#TrustVote
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
CM begins debate- When I formed the government, I didn't have discussions with BJP's central leaders, but these leaders kept saying that Kumaraswamy would be CM only for 16 months... 17 months... 18 months. From day one an environment has been created to topple.
. @hd_kumaraswamy arrives at Vidhana Soudha.
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Pic: Pandarinath B@NewIndianXpress @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/FRl5e9I4Fd
The nation is keeping an eye on these developments. I have been dragged into every row for the last few weeks. There have been attempts to dethrone me and poach our MLAs. Bible says everyone's accountable and everyone's accountable to God: CM Kumaraswamy in Assembly
Karnataka Assembly Speaker Ramesh Kumar: Those who hurl slurs at my character, look back at what your life has been. Anyone who knows me knows I don't have lakhs of money stashed up like others. I have enough strength to take a non partisan decision despite such slurs.
#WATCH Mysuru: BJP Karnataka MP, Shobha Karandlaje climbs 1001 steps of Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Temple to pray for BS Yeddyurappa to become the next Chief Minister of the state. pic.twitter.com/coP7X0vRuo
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2019
BJP Karnataka President,BS Yeddyurappa: Monday will be the last day for HD Kumaraswamy govt, they don't have numbers & they aren't allowing the people who have numbers to form govt. We are 106 members totally. SC has said MLAs who are in Mumbai can't be forced to attend session. pic.twitter.com/LFUpQxiUS7
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2019
Maharashtra: Karnataka Police accompanied by Mumbai Police arrive at St. George Hospital, where Karnataka Congress MLA Shrimant Patil is admitted. pic.twitter.com/89yr69DWzV
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2019
Karnataka Congress MP, Nasir Hussain: I think the Congress party will go to Supreme Court because Governor cannot interfere in the matter of Speaker, he has no right to do it. Governor is arbitrarily interfering and trying to work as agent of a party. #KarnatakaFloorTest pic.twitter.com/Ha8Bvb7lXo
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2019
Congress Legislative Party leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah submitted a complaint to Legislative Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar, alleging that Shrimant Patil was kidnapped by BJP leaders in an effort to restrain him from exercising his vote during the trust vote in the House on Thursday. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
The Karnataka political turmoil has put on hold many decisions, and one of them is the amendment to the existing building by-laws to make it mandatory for new apartments to have dedicated space for electric vehicles and charging them using solar power chargers. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Despite CM H D Kumaraswamy moved the crucial trust vote in the assembly, rebels MLAs of the Congress and JDS, who are holed up in Mumbai, did not show up at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday. Now, without the support of the independents, coalition numbers have reduced to 99 and the BJP is at 105, making the latter confident of it winning the trust vote. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Karnataka BJP MLAs to hold a meeting with state BJP President, BS Yeddyurappa before the commencement of Friday's Assembly session.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara meets BJP MLAs who were on an over night 'dharna' at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/ydgCOgBQHG
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2019
When the assembly adjourned in the evening on Thursday without putting the confidence motion, moved by the CM, to vote, state party president B S Yeddyurappa refused to leave and decided to make the House his home. He even told his party legislators to stay put. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
#WATCH Bengaluru: K'taka BJP legislators go for a morning walk. They were on an over night 'dharna' at Vidhana Soudha over their demand of floor test. Karnataka Guv Vajubhai Vala has written to the CM,asking him to prove majority of the govt on floor of the House by 1:30 pm today pic.twitter.com/r8yygSyf4X
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2019
Speaker - I can't sit here for long. On Monday I will have to conclude the proceedings . I adjourn the house to Monday. #TrustVote #KarnatakaFloorTest
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Siddaramaiah: It is not out intention to drag this unnecessarily or run away from trust vote or disrespect the governor. This is unavoidable since members have the right to speak.
BJP Karnataka President,BS Yeddyurappa:We respect you, Speaker sir.Governor's last letter said the vote should finish today. People on our side will sit peacefully till late in the night. Let it take however long it takes & it'll also mean that we can respect Governor's direction pic.twitter.com/4RpB4s9qCC
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2019
We've approached SC to contend two major issues: Parties have right to issue whips to their legislators and this can't be taken away by any court. When House is in session, Governor can't issue directions or deadlines to when we should have a trust vote: Karnataka Dy CM G Parameshwara.
With the Karnataka Governor setting two separate deadlines to the chief minister to prove his majority, a 2016 Supreme Court verdict assumes significance in which it had held that it is not within the Governor's domain to interfere with the functions of the Speaker as he is "neither a guide, nor a mentor" to the latter. In 2016, the apex court had held as unconstitutional the decision of Arunachal Pradesh Governor J P Rajkhowa to advance the floor test, reports PTI.
Ruckus in house. Coalition MLAs push for adjournment.
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Karnataka Speaker KR Ramesh: Want to inform SC, people & the House. No MLA has given me letter seeking protection & I don't know if they've written to govt. If they have informed any member that they have stayed away from House for security reasons then they're misleading people pic.twitter.com/np75rlnj9x
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2019
. @BSYBJP
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
first letter from Gov said 1.30 PM and second letter says finish before today. All I request you is that. Give only them time it's okay. Even if it is 12.30 AM, let anyone talk but please conclude the proceedings today.
For BJP Basavaraj Bommai- on special occasions the house has been extended beyond specified time. Whether 8 pm or 9, I request you to complete proceedings today.
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
You can decide how long the proceedings should go. We are not running away anywhere. The motion has already been moved and it has to be put to vote. BJP, Gov want the vote today, but can't take away the member's rights. Let us end this on Monday, Siddaramaiah tells Speaker
Please hold house till 7.30 pm. We will cooperate. We assure you that we will cooperate with completion of process on Monday. Request you to give that much time to speak for every member: Krishna Byre Gowda after speaking to senior leaders
HK Patil - some 20 MLAs have stated that they are in different places because they fear for their safety. Them hiding in other states is an insult. Do we not have the capacity to provide security to our MLAs? Speaker should ensure a higher officer from the state should go assure.
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Speaker- I can hold the house in business maximum till 7.30. You decide among yourselves how long you need. I will announce my decision by 7.30 pm.
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Coalition MLAs want house to be adjourned on the grounds that in practice house is adjourned by afternoon on Friday. They demand that house be adjourned today, discussions be held on Monday and trust vote on Tuesday.
Speaker - no question of pushing trust vote to Tuesday.
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
BJP- we are willing to sit here as long as it takes for all discussions to conclude. However long it may take.
Coalition- we have the right to express all our opinions. Request you not to curtail it.
It is stated that the Supreme Court's order of July 17 is in the teeth of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India and the Constitution Bench judgment of Kihoto Holohan v. Zachillu #KarnatakaPolitics #Karnataka
— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) July 19, 2019
#TrustVote
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
More than 20 coalition MLAs have listed themselves to debate the motion of confidence.
Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has approached the Supreme court seeking to establish party's right to issue whip to its MLAs challenging the apex court's July 17 order.
I leave the decision on the floor test to you (the Speaker). It won't be directed by Delhi. I request you to protect me from the letter sent by the Governor: Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy in state Assembly
#TrustVote@hd_kumaraswamy- I have respect for Governor but this second letter he has sent - a love letter from governor to the government. He has realised only now, not from the last 10 days, that horse trading is taking place. Did it not come to his notice when it was on TV?
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
BJP has alleged that works are taking place only because of funds from Centre and not from state. This government created jobs to ensure they have a livelihood. Has Centre even given the pending Rs 2000 crore? We have paid for the Union government dues too: CM Kumaraswamy
BJP has alleged that works are taking place only because of funds from Centre and not from state. This government created jobs to ensure they have a livelihood. Has Centre even given the pending Rs 2000 crore? We have paid for the Union government dues too: CM Kumaraswamy
Karnataka Congress moved the Supreme Court contending that its July 17 order on the resignation of 15 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs was coming in the way of the party issuing whip to its legislators in the ongoing trust vote.
The application filed by Karnataka Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao sought clarification on the order, which said the 15 rebel MLAs cannot be compelled to participate in the ongoing Assembly proceedings, saying that the direction compromises with the party's right to issue whip.
The plea also said Congress, as a political party, has a constitutional right to do so and the court can't restrict that.
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala issued a second deadline to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy asking him to prove his majority on the floor of the House today itself as the Speaker ruled out trust vote until the end of debates in the Assembly by scrapping Governor's first deadline of 1.30 pm.
#TrustVote Governor sends another letter to @hd_kumaraswamy . Terms it constitutionally imperative that #KarnatakaFloorTest is completed today itself.@NewIndianXpress @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/NokLZl9zg6
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
The opposition should at least point out the faults and failures of this government. Nimma Sureshkumar spoke about transfers. Please debate about it. I can't stall governance. If I had to run back (from US) to save this government, I would have returned on the day Anand Singh resigned. I was there for a temple's ground breaking ceremony and I didn't hurry back. I was calm. I held multiple meetings without worrying: CM
@dineshgrao : Nobody is sacrosanct. Just because somebody assumes a chair, it doesn't absolve them from doubt. Everything happening in the state is handiwork of @AmitShah
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Ruckus in house after comment.
#TrustVote@dineshgrao
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
"Governor who showed magnanimity of 15 days to @BSYBJP is sending messages to finish this trust floor immediately. It shows conspiracy. BJP is trying to conspire to create a constitutional crisis."
Serious issues of judiciary infringing on rights have to be addressed. Trust votes have gone on for 8 days before. We have the right to convince you that our govt deserves your confidence. We have to tell ppl about our schemes and achievements, our opinions etc. Why are you (BJP) in a hurry? If you have the confidence of numbers why worry about whenever trust vote will happen ? It shows you aren't ready for floor test. You have just one aim: Dinesh Gundu Rao
Srinivas Gowda has already told the ACB that nobody offered him money but he said he said so to save the govt. Someone whose head is in the right place won't say different things at different intervals: BJP's CT Ravi
Madhu Swamy for the BJP: Governor has the right to seek majority whenever he believes the govt is unstable. BJP insists that a division be taken.
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Karnataka Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao has approached Supreme Court, petitioning the July 17 apex court order on rebel MLAs had violated the party's right to issue whip to its MLAs.
We have faith in Speaker that he will take the right decision. Allegations made by Congress regarding horse trading are a bit bizarre. What fake righteousness is this? One wonders where these principles were when they cross voted during Rajya Sabha elections. Where were their principles when they backstabbed earlier coalitions? Who paid then for hotel, airfare, moving people here and there. Suddenly they are wailing about principles: BJP's R Ashok
#TrustVote
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
House reconvenes after hectic preparations during the break. The @BJP4Karnataka has approached the Governor. @krishnabgowda continues his talk.
Kolar MLA Srinivas Gowda (JDS) alleged in the assembly that he was offered Rs 5 crore by BJP. We are moving a breach of privilege motion against him: BS Yeddyurappa
Kolar MLA Srinivas Gowda (JDS) alleged in the assembly that he was offered Rs 5 crore by BJP. We are moving a breach of privilege motion against him: BS Yeddyurappa
#TrustVote @BJP4Karnataka delegation headed to Governor's office. To seek action as trust vote not held by 1.30 pm as per Governor's directive.
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
The discussion is yet to complete. There are still 20 members left who have not participated yet. I don’t think it will finish today and it will continue on Monday also. Former CM and CLP leader Siddaramaiah on trust vote debate
Speaker - procedure doesn't allow division as simple as they are being pressured for. First discussion should take place, then voice vote then if concerned people want division then I need to ring the division bell and then row by row take a division. I will only stick to rules.
Speaker says unless discussions complete, no division, to which BSY says, "Decision is left to speaker. Now according to directions of governor, proceedings should be completed before 1.30 PM. We are pressing for division."
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's deadline ends. He had directed Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to hold a floor test by 1.30 pm today pic.twitter.com/cNSnTN95N2
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2019
Coalition MLAs shout slogans against governor. Call him BJP agent, shout slogans of "Governor go back"
. @krishnabgowda- : I don't know what the intentions of the Governor are but is it right to misuse his office ? He has given BJP 15 days and now is giving us 15 hours to prove majority. Does this not reek of conspiracy ?
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
#TrustVote @krishnabgowda , quoting SC order on Arunachal assembly. "Messages of Governor to state legislature, can only be those which are considered appropriate by CM and council. Guv has no discretion to send messages, choose topic."
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Krishna Byre Gowda makes his point, compares scenario to Arunachal Pradesh case. "CM has raised motion for trust vote on his own. Not on directions of Governor. Governor cannot dictate when the house is seized of the matter."
#TrustVote
— TNIE@Bengaluru (@XpressBengaluru) July 19, 2019
Speaker reads out email recieved from Shrimanth Patil: I am not influenced by BJP leaders. I want to bring it to your attention that I was called away due to medical issues. I want to seek your permission for not attending this session.
