Karnataka LIVE | CM orders cancellation of appointments to various bodies

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Monday won the confidence motion moved to prove the majority of his three-day-old government in the state Assembly. On Sunday, the BJP had issued a whip, directing all its 105 MLAs to be present during the vote of confidence in Legislative Assembly on Monday after holding a Legislature Party meeting at a private hotel in the city. Karnataka BJP MLAs will stay the night at the hotel. K R Ramesh Kumar who had earlier disqualified three MLAs added 11 more to the list on Sunday. Stay tuned for further updates on the vote of confidence to be held later today!

Yediyurappa cancels nominations to govt boards

Karnataka CMissued instructions to this effect to Chief Secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar. In a note to the Chief Secretary, Yediyurappa instructed that necessary steps be taken to cancel nominations of non-officio Presidents, Vice Presidents, Directors and Members to boards, corporations, authorities, and commissions with immediate effect.

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Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has ordered cancellation of appointments of presidents, vice-presidents, directors and members at various statutory boards, corporations, authorities and commissions.

A new Speaker for the Karnataka Assembly will be elected Wednesday following incumbent KR Ramesh Kumar's resignation.

Karnataka: 2 rebel Congress MLAs move SC against disqualification order

Two Congress rebels Ramesh Jarkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli on Monday moved the Supreme Court with a writ petition to quash the Karnataka Assembly Speaker's decision of July 25 to disqualify them as MLAs.

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Discharged duties with honesty: K R Ramesh Kumar

Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Monday expressed satisfaction over his 14-month stint as Karnataka Assembly Speaker.

"I became the Speaker with the support of all the members," he remarked in the Assembly.

"Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi wanted me to be the Speaker. I have honestly discharged my duties as Speaker," he said.

He sought forgiveness for any remarks made under pressure while discharging his duties.

'I wish Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa the very best," he added.

Let the State and people be benefited by Yediyurappa's rule. Let his government be the voice for the voiceless. Let the government serve the downtrodden, exploited and weaker sections, Kumar said before handing over the charge to deputy speak Krishna Reddy.

K R Ramesh Kumar resigns as speaker of Karnataka Assembly

Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Monday announced his resignation as Speaker of the House with immediate effect. He thanked all the members of the House and appealed to them to bring electoral reforms.

Karnataka Assembly approves Rs 3327 crore supplementary budget through voice vote

Supplementary budget was prepared by Coalition government: BSY tells Siddaramaiah

Siddaramaiah opposes passing of supplementary budget

CLP leader Siddaramaiah opposed the passing of the supplementary budget without a debate in the House.

Karnataka Assembly approves Finance Bill

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa wins trust vote by voice vote

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Monday has provedmajority in the Assembly by winning the confidence motion moved by him.

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We will cooperate with you for the sake of people: HDK

Power is not permanent, even for Narendra Modi and JP Nadda. We will not try to bring down your number from 105 to either 100 or lower. You speak of drought, at least now let's see how you will work. We will cooperate with you for the sake of people: HD Kumaraswamy

People know what work I have done in 14 months: HDK

I ran the government for 14 months. I have no obligation to answer your (BS Yediyurappa) questions. I need to answer to my conscience. From the past 14 months, everything has been recorded. People know what work I have done: HD Kumaraswamy

Oppose confidence motion as this govt is unconstitutional and immoral: Siddaramaiah

We hope you (BS Yediyurappa) will be the Chief minister but there is no guarantee of that. You are with the rebels, can you give a stable government? It's impossible! I oppose this confidence motion because this government is unconstitutional and immoral: Siddaramaiah

Cong legislators wanted to topple govt: S T Somashekar

S T Somashekar on Monday charged that Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar disqualified rebel legislators as he was indebted to the Congress party.

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Welcome BSY's statement that he will work for the people: Siddaramaiah

We discussed HD Kumaraswamy's confidence motion over 4 days. I too participated in that and I don't wish to speak about it. I could've spoken about circumstances under which Yediyurappa became CM. I wish him well and welcome his assurance that he'll work for the people: Siddaramaiah

I appeal to the House to unanimously express confidence in me: BSY

No political vendetta, says BSY

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in his speech in the Assembly said that he would not target his political rivals.

"I won'tengagein political vendetta," he said.

"My mantra is forget and forgive. My priority is to activate administrative machinery and restore law and order," he said.

Assembly proceedings begin. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa will face trust vote today.

Disqualified MLAs Ramesh Jarkiholi, Mahesh Kumathalli and R Shankar to move Supreme Court, challenging their disqualification by Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar.

Newly sworn-in Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa arrives at Vidhana Soudha

Congress legislative party meet underway in Vidhana Soudha

Congress legislative party (CLP) meeting begins in Vidhana Soudha. CLP leader Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President Dinesh Gundu Rao, KJ George, Priyank Kharge, MB Patil, Eshwar Khandre and other Congress MLAs are present.

BS Yediyurappa offers prayers at Sri Bala Vera Anjaneya temple. His government will face a floor test in Karnataka Assembly today.

Cong top brass upset over floor test fiasco

The protracted, four-day-long floor test drama that unfolded in the Karnataka Assembly is said to have upset the Congress top brass, as it affected the party’s strategy in Parliament.

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I've not sold myself, Vishwanath writes to voters

Former Hunsur legislatorA H Vishwanathon Sunday wrote a letter to voters of his constituency, requesting them not to believe rumours spread by his political rivals about him.In the letter, he stressed that he did not sell himselfas was projected by his political rivals.

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'Depressed' Speaker hints at resignation

Speaker of Legislative Assembly K R Ramesh Kumar has hinted at resigning from his post. He said that the developments had pressured him to the point of "severe depression".

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Five disqualified Congress MLAs return to Bengaluru from Mumbai.

Disqualifications pave way for BJP to prove majority

The disqualification of 14 MLAs by the Legislative Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar has paved the way for BJP's B S Yediyurappa lead government to prove its majority during the trust vote scheduled on Monday.As the number of disqualified MLAs reached 17 -three disqualified on Thursday and 14 on Sunday - the total strength of the 225 member Legislative Assembly is now 208, including a nominated member. BJP requires to secure 105 votes to prove a simple majority on Monday and incidentally has the exact number of MLAs in its ranks. It also enjoys the support of an independent MLA, taking its tally to 106. Read more

The BJP issued a whip on Sunday, directing all its 105 MLAs to be present during the vote of confidence in Legislative Assembly.

Briefing the media, BJP general secretary N Ravi Kumar said that apart from the trust vote, the Financial Appropriation Bill was also discussed during the BJP Legislature Party meeting held at a private hotel in the city.

To a question, he said that there was no discussion regarding external support by the JD(S). "The JD(S) leaders should decide the issue first," he added.Karnataka BJP MLAs to stay the night at hotel Chancery Pavilion in Bengaluru, where they held a legislative party meeting, today. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has to prove majority in the Assembly, tomorrow.

Cong-JD(S)'s future depends on Cong high command: Deve Gowda

JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda on Sunday said the future of his party's alliance with Congress would depend on the decision of the high command of the grand old party, based on the advice of their Karnataka leadership.

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100% I will prove my majority: Yediyurappa on eve of trust vote

A day ahead of seeking the trust vote in the Karnataka assembly, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Sunday expressed confidence about proving the majority.

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Satish Jarkiholi blames Ramesh Jarkiholi for the collapse of coalition govt

Satish Jarkiholi blames Ramesh Jarkiholi for the collapse of coalition govt, says he was the first to raise the voice of dissent and by-elections can come anytime in the state. He points out the importance of rebuilding congress in Belgavi.

Pratap Gowda Patil reacts on disqualification of rebel MLAs

Pratap Gowda Patil says thatthey will approach SC against Speaker Ramesh Kumar’s order and are confident of getting the justice from SC.

Sadananda Gowda reacts on disqualification of MLAs

Sadananda Gowda reacts on disqualification of MLAs, says he won’t comment on whether the speaker’s decision is right and courts will decide what’s right and what’s wrong. He says that assembly proceedings were delayed by unwanted drama.

CLP meeting to be held on July 29. CLP leader Siddaramaiah to chair the meeting at 9 am ahead of the floor test.

CLP meeting to be held on July 29. CLP leader Siddaramaiah to chair the meeting at 9 am ahead of the floor test.

Congress, JD(S) hail Speakers 'historic decision'

Both the Congress and the JD(S) welcomed the 'historic decision' of Legislative Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar after he disqualified 14 MLAs on Sunday.

Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah took to Twitter and said that the decision will send strong signals to all representatives of the country. He tweeted:

"I welcome the decision of spreaker to disqualify 14 MLAs. This honest decision of speaker will send strong signals for all the representatives in the country who might fall for @BJP4India'strap.@INCKarnataka(sic)"

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Rebels to approach SC against Speaker's decision

The MLAs disqualified by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar will approach Supreme Court challenging the decision, said former JD(S) president and rebel MLA A H Vishwanath.

Speaking to reporters, he said that the Speaker has issued the order without considering their resignations. The speaker has only taken the complaints of Congress leader Siddaramaiah and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy into account, he said.

"I am also aware of the law. I had resigned saddened by the attitude of the coalition government. Why was it not considered?" he questioned, adding that the Speaker has taken the decision in haste.

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Karnataka Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar: The disqualified MLAs cannot fight elections until the expiry of the term of the 15th assembly- ANI

Karnataka Speaker disqualifies 14 MLAs

Karnataka Legislative Assembly speaker K R Ramesh Kumar disqualified 14 MLAs - 11 from the Congress and three from the JD(S), here on Sunday. The disqualifications were based on the petitions filed by Congress and JD(S) Legislature Party leaders.

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How 76-year-old Yediyurappa bent Modi-Shah rules

With his second, virtually hurried assumption of office as chief minister of Karnataka in a matter of 14 months, Bookanakere Siddalingappa Yediyurappa has become the holder of two new records in the state.

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A happy homecoming for Yediyurappa at Bookanakere

It was festive mood at Bookanakere, the birthplace of Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa in KR Pet taluk of the district, as he arrived there a day after taking oath as chief minister on Saturday.

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Yediyurappa on State Cabinet formation

"I will discuss with Amit Shah ji & other leaders. If necessary, I will go to Delhi tomorrow, we will take the decision afterwards."

B.S. Yediyurappa thanks Amit Shah and JP Nadda

"Thank you@AmitShah ji and@JPNadda Ji, for your warm wishes and your trust in my leadership. Will definitely make this vision a reality by ensuring abled governance in the state of Karnataka, under the guidance of PM@narendramodi Ji," said BSY on Twitter.

BSY: From Shikaripura to Vidhana Soudha

Yediyurappa was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1983 and has since represented Shikaripura seven times. He also represented Shimoga in Lok Sabha.Along with the late Ananth Kumar, Yediyurappa is credited with building the BJP from scratch in Karnataka.

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Amit Shah congratulates B S Yediyurappa

No politics of vengeance under my rule: Yediyurappa

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday asserted that there would be no politics of vengeance in his rule and he would take the opposition along.

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Karnataka Political Crisis: Memes - therapy to cope

After what seemed like an eternity of debating and resolving, the Karnataka Assembly floor test on Tuesday was won by the BJP, over the coalition - JD(S) and Congress - government. As the power moves from HDK to BSY, the internet burst into a series of memes. Here are a few memes to lighten your mood.

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B S Yediyurappa takes oath as Chief Minister of Karnataka

Bookanakere Siddalingappa Yediyurappa takes oath in the name of God. The swearing-in ceremony lasted exactly six minutes.Governor Vajubhai Vala administered the oath of office and secrecyat a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan.

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Governor Vajubhai Vala arrives. Swearing-in ceremony to begin soon.

Congress rebel MLA R Roshan Baig among the attendees at BSY's swearing-in ceremony.

BS Yediyurappa en-route Raj Bhavan

BSY offers prayers at Kadu Malleshwara temple

BSY addresses BJP supporters at Malleshwaram office

BS Yediyurappa addresses BJP supporters at party HQ in Malleshwaram.

CM designate thanked followers for the support and promises to work to help farmers affected by drought in Karnataka.

BSY is slated to formally take oath as CM at Raj Bhavan at 6:00 pm.

CM designate withholds projects, transfers sanctioned

Chief Minister-designate B S Yediyurappa has directed Chief Secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar to withhold all new projects and transfers that were sanctioned by the previous Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the month of July.

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BSY to prove majority on Monday

BS Yeddyurappa is planning to hold floor test in Vidhana Soudha on July 29, BJP leader V Sommana said to the media.

Reports are coming in that rebel Cong-JD(S) MLAs will stay put in Mumbai till Monday night.

BS Yeddyurappa visits National War Memorial

BS Yeddyurappa pays tribute to martyrs on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas at National War Memorial, Bengaluru

Police scales up security around Raj Bhavan

With BS Yeddyurappa slated to take oath as CM atGovernorVajubhai Vala's office, Police is increasing security aroundRaj Bhavan and also taking measures to divert heavy traffic around the premises.

JD(S) accuses BJP of horse trading to form government

#HorseTradingParty of India has "claimed" stake to form govt even though they don't meet the magic number 112.

Today marks one of the darkest days in the history of Karnataka. Democracy is dying a slow death because of BJP's unconstitutional practices.#HorseTraderYeddyurappa https://t.co/pi5jcqFcdf

— Janata Dal Secular (@JanataDal_S) July 26, 2019

BJP top brass gave green signal on Yeddyurappa's risk

With state unit Chief Yeddyurappa assuring the party leaders that he is confident of proving majority in the House and rebel MLAs continues to be absent till he proves majority, the party national president Amit Shah asked him to stake a claim.

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Raj Bhavan officials start preparing ground for BSY oath taking ceremony

BS Yeddyurappa, earlier in the day received the nod from Governor to take the oath of CM.

Now, Raj Bhavan officials have begun setting up the stage for the ceremony.

Siddaramaiah slams BJP for indulging in unconstitutional ways to form government

.@BJP4Karnataka has the strength of 105 which is way less than the half way mark.

In no way BJP can form the govt if constitution is followed. This only proves that BJP has no belief in the democratic values.@INCKarnataka

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 26, 2019

Siddaramaiah slams BSY and BJP for staking claim to form government

BSY is likely to add cabinet ministers after trust vote

Reports are coming that BS Yeddyurappa will expand the cabinet only after trust vote.

Meanwhile, Jagadish Shettar and team, which had gone to Delhi to meet Amit Shah to discuss government formation in Karnataka,are said to be coming back to Bengaluru later today.

Karnataka Congress objects to BSY for staking claim to form government

Taking to Tweeter, Karnataka Congress citing Assembly strength has objected to BS Yeddyurappa's stake to form the government.

As per current tally, BJP has 105 members and support of one Independent MLA. Congress has 76 and JD(S) has 37. The current strength of Assembly is 221 after three MLAs were disqualified by the Speaker on Thursday. Thehalf-way mark thereby stands at 111.

Speaker will decide remaining rebels fate in a couple of days.

BSY to take oath as CM at 6:00 pm

After meeting Governor, BS Yeddyurappa confirmed to the media that the former has agreed to the request to form the government and will take oath as CM later this evening between 6:00 pm and 6:15 pm.

Other cabinet ministers will be decided after meeting with the high command.

BSY will also be requesting former CMs HD Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah to attend the ceremony.

B S Yeddyurappa meets Vajubhai Vala, stakes claim to form government

B S Yeddyurappa, State BJP chief: I am going to meet the Governor today at 10 am to stake claim to form the government and I will request him to hold oath ceremony today itself - ANI

JD(S) determined to settle scores with B’luru rebels

The JD(S) seems to be determined to settle scores with four rebel legislators from Bengaluru for bringing down the coalition government.

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BJP in a fix on the way ahead in Karnataka

The BJP central leadership is said to be in a fix on how to proceed in Karnataka following the collapse of the Kumaraswamy-led government.

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Dinesh Gundu Rao welcomes Speaker's decision to disqualify 3 rebel MLAs

Ruling on other MLAs in two days says Speaker

Congress's Ramesh Jarkiholi and Mahesh Kumtahalli also disqualified under Anti-Defection Law

They can't contest elections till the end of the term of 15th Legislative Assembly.

Rebel MLAs had not sough time before submitting resignation: Speaker

Speaker disqualifies R Shankar from Assembly "till the end of the term of the 15th legislative Assembly."

Shankar was disqualified under Para 2(1)(a) of tenth schedule read with Article 191(2).

Karnataka assembly speaker briefs media in Vidhan Soudha

Speaker says that he had to take a decision on disqualification proceeding on 17 MLAs.

Siddu rejects any role in bringing down coalition govt

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday rubbished reports he had instigated the rebels to resign and destabilise the coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy.
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Rebel K'taka MLAs may return to Mumbai for brief stay

The rebel Karnataka MLAs, who had been camping in Mumbai before they flew to New Delhi earlier this week for appearance in the Supreme Court, will either return to Mumbai for a brief stay or fly directly to Bengaluru, sources said on Thursday.

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No one can give stable govt in present situation: HDK

Karnataka caretaker Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said on Thursday that no one can give a stable government in the state in the present political scene after the fall of his ministry two days ago.

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D K Shivakumar mocks state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa, says his condition is pathetic. DKS says rebel MLAs will make Yeddyurappa’s life miserable - News9

State BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa consults astrologers to fix a date for the swearing-in ceremony - News9

Speaker warns of administrative 'shutdown'

Legislative Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar has warned of a 'shut down' in the administration of the State, if Finance Bill is not passed before July 31. "If it is not passed by then, even salaries of government employees cannot be paid," he said.

KPCC Working President Eshwar Khandre blames the BJP for political uncertainty in the state, says people of Karnataka will teach the rebels and BJP a lesson - News9

Caretaker CM H D Kumaraswamy leaves JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda’s residence after discussing state’s political developments with the former PM - News9

State BJP expecting good news by evening

Yelahanka MLA Vishwanath has said that the State BJP unit is expecting BJP national president Amit Shah's instructions by Thursday evening for government formation.

Speaker Ramesh Kumar reacts on disqualification of rebel MLAs, says he will retain the trust reposed on him by SC and will take the decision with due diligence. The speaker adds that he had issued notice as per article 190 and cannot issue notice again to the rebels: News9

Karnataka Congress in-charge K C Venugopal says BJP is trying to form the govt by using money power.

Rebel JD(S) MLA H Vishwanath’s son Amith Vishwanath meets state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa at his residence

SC closes plea by two Independent MLAs in K'tka crisis

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed a plea by two Independent MLAs from Karnataka for closing the hearing on their petition for conducting the trust vote in the state Assembly as it had already taken place on Tuesday.

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KPCC Working President Eshwar Khandre flies to Pune. Khandre is reportedly planning to meet rebel MLAs.

Reddy says his efforts to contact rebels failed

Senior Congress leader R Ramalinga Reddy said that his efforts to reach out to rebel legislators were in vain.

"I have a relationship with three Congress legislators from Bengaluru. I attempted to reach out to them for one week, but my calls were unattended," he told reporters.

Reddy clarified that he had to keep quiet as there was no response from them.

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Speak predicts constitutional crisis in state

Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar predicted a constitutional crisis in the state.

"We will be unable to withdraw funds from the state exchequer if the government is not formed by July end," he told reporters.

Kumar said that there was an urgent need to approve the Finance Bill. There would be funds to disburse salaries of government employees.

"Karnataka is witnessing such a constitutional crisis for the first time," he said.

Thanked Ramalinga Reddy for his cooperation: HDK

Interim Karnataka CM, HD Kumaraswamy, claimed that he met with Congress leader, Ramalinga Reddy, to thank him for his cooperation, and that the meet was not political, says News 9

"Ramalinga Reddyshowed his loyalty by withdrawing his resignation," added Kumaraswamy

Caretaker CM H D Kumaraswamy says BJP won’t be able to provide a stable government in the current situation

Final decision on BJP government formation in Karnataka after Parliament board meeting

Jagadish Shettar, BJP, in Delhi: We met Amit Shah & JP Nadda regarding the political scenario in #Karnataka, formation of BJP govt there & steps to be taken. They want to discuss again this afternoon at 3 PM, then they will take a final decision in the Parliamentary Board meeting pic.twitter.com/5bCBMqgSG9

— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2019

Shettar and team to meet Amit Shah again this afternoon

BJP delegates led by Jagadish Shettar met Amit Shah at the latter's residence, earlier in the morning over the forming of the government in Karnataka.

But reports are coming that the meeting was inconclusive, as Shah had to leave for Parliament. They will meet again around 3:00 pm and decide on the next move.

Abhishek Singhvi appears before Supreme Court 's CJI-led bench.He points out he could not appear on July 24 in the writ petition by Karnataka's IndependentMLAs. "We will pass order, if you are not objecting to the prayer of withdrawal," SC says.

BJP MLA Renukacharya says that party high command has decided to make B S Yeddyurappa the CM. The MLA says BSY will take a decision on giving cabinet berths to rebel MLAs - News9

BJP delegation led by senior party leader Jagadish Shettar meets Amit Shah at his residence in #Delhi to discuss govt formation in Karnataka

Karnataka: A sordid drama has ended

The inevitable has finally happened, with the Kumaraswamy government falling after days of political manoeuvring and attempts to win over the rebel legislators failed to bear fruit.

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BJP Parliamentary Board has to take decision, they have to advise us to call legislature party meet in Karnataka to elect the CM. So we need BJP chief’s direction, unless he approves we cannot move forward: BJP leader Madhuswamy - News9

JC Madhuswamy: The rebel MLAs waited for 14 months to settle their issues. Those in power weren't gracious enough to consider their requests. Their bond is spoilt. No ques of them going back to their original parties. We've confidence & we're hopeful we'll form govt: ANI

Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar likely to announce his decision on rebel MLAs’ resignations today

Arvind Limbavali, BJP, in Delhi: We are here to take guidance of the central leadership, for formation of the new govt what should be the strategy and action plan. We are meeting Amit Shah, JP Nadda and other leaders at 9.30 AM: ANI

The long and winding road for the BJP

The BJP, which has succeeded in toppling the Congress-JD(S) coalition, now faces a two-pronged challenge: forming the next government and facing the imminent byelections to as many as 15 Assembly constituencies.

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BY Vijayendra, Karnataka State General Secretary, Yuva Morcha, BJP: Senior BJP leaders from the state will be meeting Amit Shah Ji. Let's see what happens: ANI

Karnataka BJP leaders Jagadish Shettar, Basavraj Bommai, Arvind Limbavali and others reach Delhi. They will meet Home Minister Amit Shah and party working President JP Nadda later in the day. The Congress-JD(S) government lost the trust vote on July 23: ANI

Continuing ties a knotty affair for Congress, JD(S)

The Congress and the JD(S) are undecided on the future of their alliance after the coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy failed to prove its majority.

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Karnataka's Additional Advocate General Devadatt Kamat resigns

Karnataka's Additional Advocate General Devadatt Kamat, who represented the state in the Supreme Court, on Wednesday resigned from the post.

In a letter addressed to the Governor, he cited "personal reasons" for tendering the resignation.

"I have been privileged to represent the state as Additional Advocate General in the Supreme Court since 2015," he said.

The resignation comes a day after JDS-Congress lost the trust vote.

Kamat was designed as 'senior advocate', one of the youngest at age of 40, by the Supreme Court in March, this year, under Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961.

He has appeared for the Karnataka government in defending Kambala Ordinance, the state law giving voting rights to MPs, MLAs and MLCs in election for the post of Mayor and Deputy Mayor in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike and the1998 amendments brought into the Karnataka Money Lenders Act, 1961 and the Karnataka Pawn Brokers Act, 1961, providing that the security deposit furnished by the money lenders and pawn brokers shall not carry any interest, among others.

In May 2018, Kamat played a key role in pursuing the petition filed by H D Kumaraswamy and Congress leader G Parameshwara in the top court, which led to mid-night hearing and finally the installation of JD(S)-Congress government.

He has appeared for Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in the writ petition filed by rebel MLAs.

HDK’s parting gift: Debt relief for poor, small farmers

Private loans borrowed by poor, landless agricultural labourers and small farmers will be waived under a one-time relief measure, caretaker Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy announced on Wednesday.

The Karnataka Debt Relief Bill, which was passed by the legislature in February this year, has received President Ram Nath Kovind’s assent on July 16. A government order implementing the Act was issued on July 23, which was Kumaraswamy’s last executive decision as CM.

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An insult to Dr. BR Ambedkar. A travesty of people mandate: KPCC

Confession by @BJP4India of #HorseTrading for Power.

MP LOP Gopal Bhargava says if directed by his party's top brass, Democratically elected MP govt won't last even for 24 hours.

This is how BJP conceive democracy? An insult to DR BR Ambedkar.
A travesty of people mandate.

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) July 24, 2019

Day after losing the trust vote, HDK talks to the media

A day after the collapse of the coalition government, caretaker CM HD Kumaraswamy, on Wednesday, spoke with the media.

Kumaraswamy started the briefing by thanking the senior officerswho had supported and cooperated with his 'maitri sarkara' (coalition government) in the past 14 months.

"Invited all my senior officers, have shown my gratitude to them and asked them to bring me a good name...I requested them about the development of the State and the problems faced by the common man," Kumaraswamy said.

Kumaraswamy said that even in the coming days, there wouldbe political instability in the State and anything could happen. He said that he'd asked the officials handling different departments to not depend onthe elected representatives or worry about the political developments and told them that the responsibility of solving people's issues was on them.

He followed it up with the last Government Order that he passed as the Chief Minister of Karnataka.The GO, on the implementation ofthe Debt Relief Act, was hisgovernment's parting gift to the people of Karnataka, he said.

"When I took the oath, my govt decided to waive off farmer loans, we planned to bring in the Debt Relief Act. I wanted to bring such an act & help landless labourers & small farmers. We sent the proposal to the President for approval. He has now signed it, I thank him," the caretaker CM said.The GOfor the implementation was passedyesterday and I'm very happy and satisfied even as I vacate my office as in the 14 months, I'veworked for the weaker sections,he added.

Under the Act, the ones who'd taken loans up to yesterday - landless farmers and families, with less than 2 units (1 unit - 1 hectare) of landand with income less than Rs. 1,20,000 lakh -will get a loan waiver, a one-time relief.

"The ones who've taken a loan,before 90 days, please go and submit your papers to the assistant commissioner of the area and avail the relief," said Kumaraswamy. The assistant commissioners will be the nodal officers under the Act, he added.

The high command will decide about the maitri (alliance). We will follow their command: Dinesh Gundu Rao, President, KPCC

Talking about the Congress-JD(S) alliance, KPCC President Dinesh Gundu Raosaid, "The high command will decide about the maitri (alliance). We will follow their command."

Party in-charge Ashok Siddharth told me to abstain from voting, be neutral: Expelled BSP K'taka MLA N Mahesh

N Mahesh, K'taka MLA who has been expelled by BSP for abstaining from floor test: Party in-charge Ashok Siddharth told me to abstain from voting,be neutral&not support any party. That was the instruction given to me. Accordingly, I was absent. I haven't violated Behen ji's order. pic.twitter.com/1lePjQkEH4

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2019

"According to directions of high command, I was absent, staying neutral. It's a surprise for me as I have not violated any order. I haven't spoken to the party Supremo, I was away from Bengaluru for nearly a week, I was in my constituency. Today morning I came to know I've been expelled.It must have been a miscommunication. But it is a temporary thing, everything will be alright. I'll be in BSP," Mahesh added.

If they want we'll join hands with them otherwise we'll work by ourselves: HDK on the Congress-JD(S) alliance

"Congress leaders have not discussed those issues with us. They're free, we're also free. If coalition works out, if they want we'll join hands with them otherwise we'll work by ourselves & strengthen our party on our own," said caretaker CM HD Kumaraswamy on the continuance of the Congress-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka.

The way in which the BJP leadership allowed this type of horse-trading, I have never seen in my life: H. D. Deve Gowda

JD(S) Chief and former PM H. D. Deve Gowda on the Congress-JD(S) government'strust vote loss - We have no regret of having lost the coalition govt. We are not accusing anyone, including the former Chief Minister & other senior ministers.There is no difference of opinion between the two parties, Congress & Janata Dal (Secular), one is a national party, another is a regional party.The way in which things have happened in Karnataka, I have never seen in my political career. The way in which a national party, BJP leadership allowed this type of horse-trading, I have never seen in my life.

State BJP President BS Yeddyurappa's supporters gather outside his Bengaluru residence.

Karnataka: State BJP President BS Yeddyurappa's supporters gather outside his residence in Bengaluru. Congress-JD(S) government lost the trust vote yesterday. pic.twitter.com/YUIkwL1PwV

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2019

Ban on liquor withdrawn

Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Alok Kumar withdrawsthe ban on liquor sale from 6 pm today.

Karnataka Congress leaders meeting underway in Bengaluru following the defeat of Congress-JD(S) government during the trust vote in Assembly yesterday, says ANI

HDK, Deve Gowda attend legislature party meet

Interim CM, HD Kumaraswamy, is currently in the midst of chairing a JD(S) legislature party meet.His father, ex-PM, HD Deve Gowda is also in attendance, says News 9

In case you missed it.....

Click here for updates till yesterday, as the floor test drama finally ended with the HD Kumaraswamy-led coalition government losing its majority

Waiting for instruction from High Command: BSY

BS Yeddyurappa has said that he will only approach the Governor after the BJP High Command's instructions, which he is currently awaiting, News 9 says.

I have reached this stage due to blessings of RSS leaders: BSY

Mayawati bashes BJP's actions in Karnataka

BSP chief Mayawati was severely critical of the BJP's hand in the Karnataka crisis, and claimed that it will be a 'dark day' in democracy."In Karnataka, the manner in which the BJP has toppled the Government, by using power and money, in violation of the constitutional norms, will be a dark chapter in the history of democracy," she tweeted.

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BJP to approach Karnataka Governor to stake claim

The BJP, led by BS Yeddyurappa, is likely to approach Governor Vajubhai Vala to stake their claim to form the government, with the oath-taking ceremony slated to be held on Friday, according to News18

"Where are Mr Rohatgi, Mr Singhvi and Mr Sibal? We will pass order only in their presence. They have wasted a lot of our time", the Supreme Court tells Karnataka's Independent MLAs counsel, who pleaded for withdrawal of their petition for conducting floor test in Karnataka assembly

BSY meets with party leaders

The majority BJP's likely CM candidate, BS Yeddyurappa, is in a meeting currently with party leaders, Madhuswamy and Bopaiah, to discuss government formation, reported News 9

Speak Out- Siddaramaiah did not hold back

DKS warns BJP of suffering the same fate as Congress-JD(S)

“The way I was stabbed in the back, you will be, too,” Shivakumar told the BJP in an hour-long talk, referring to his “dear friends” S T Somashekhar, Munirathna, Byrati Basavaraj and M T B Nagaraj, who tendered resignation and flew to Mumbai

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BJP responds to Rahul Gandhi's jibes

The BJP in Karnataka put out a sharp response to Rahul Gandhi, who tweeted saying 'democracy had lost'.

"& again you don’t make any sense. May be it’s the effect of the “Slap of Democracy” Your desperation to hold on to power has lost today. It’s a victory of Karnataka over your unholy alliance & greed for power. Democracy has won today & people’s mandate is restored (sic)," the official handle of the Karnataka BJP tweeted.

Rahul Gandhi blames 'vested interests' for fall of coalition govt

Without naming anyone, Gandhi said it was the greed of these “vested interests” that emerged victorious on Tuesday when Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy lost the trust vote in the Karnataka assembly

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The 14-month-old Congress-JD(S) coalition government finally met its end on Tuesday

Kumaraswamy, who resigned, has been asked by the Governor to continue as the caretaker chief minister until alternative arrangements are made, in which time he cannot take executive decisions

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Sec.144 imposed in Bengaluru till Thursday

Bengaluru Police on Tuesday issued prohibitory orders across the city, considering the fast unfolding political developments and possible skirmishes between various political party workers in the next few days

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Kumaraswamy bats for fresh polls

Kumaraswamy, in his reply to the confidence motion, said the BJP will face backlash from within soon after incoming chief minister B S Yeddyurappa would form his Cabinet. “So, then what happens,” Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar asked. “We will have to go for fresh elections,” Kumaraswamy said.

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