Karnataka Assembly Floor Test: Ending the long-lived high-octane political drama in Karnataka, B S Yeddyurappa on Saturday resigned as the chief minister ahead of the floor test in the state assembly, as was directed by the Supreme Court on Friday.
With the BJP failing to garner the mandate of 112 seats, required for simple majority, Yeddyurappa stepped down from the CM post, paving way for the Congress-JDS combine to form a new government in the state.
Soon after Yeddyurappa stepping down as Karnataka CM, an unbeat Congress demanded resignation of Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala, against whom it had moved the Supreme Court alleging him of misusing his office by inviting the BJP to form a government in the state.
Elections held on May 12 to 222 of the state's 224 seats have resulted in a hung assembly with the BJP having 104 MLAs, while the Congress won 78 seats and JD(S) 37. Polling in two seats will be held later. The Congress-JD(S) combine has claimed the support of 117 MLAs, including one each from the BSP and the KPJP, and one Independent.
Also Read: Karnataka Crisis: BJP's Yeddyurappa or Congress-JDS combine, who will have the last laugh? All eyes on floor test at 4pm today
Karnataka Assembly Floor Test | As it happened
8:00 pm: Swearing-in to take place on May 23
7:47 pm: Tentative time of swearing-in ceremony is between 12pm-1pm. Exact time will be decided tomorrow (Sunday): HD Kumaraswamy
7:45 pm: We have invited several regional leaders, including KCR, Mamata Banerjee, for the swearing-in ceremony: HD Kumaraswamy
7:43 pm: Governor has invited us to form government in Karnataka, says Kumaraswamy
7:30 pm: Kumaraswamy reaches Governor House to stake claim.
6:50 pm: JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy will meet Governer Vajubhai Vala at 7.30 pm, to stake claim for forming government.
06:15 pm: Congress does not respect institutions & this statement is just an evidence of that. Is this how they show respect towards the post of the Governor?: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Sanjay Nirupam
06:10 pm: Derogatory statement by Congress' Sanjay Nirupam, says, 'Iss desh mein wafadari ka naya kirtimaan sthaapit kiya hai Vajubhai Vala (#Karnataka Guv) ji ne, ab shayad India ka har aadmi apne kutte ka naam Vajubhai Vala hi rakhega kyunki isse zyada wafaadaar koi ho nahi sakta' (ANI)
06:05 pm: Rahul Gandhi's claims that Congress defeated BJP is laughable. For them (Congress) EVM is good when they win but the point is that they are not winning anywhere. So for them, the EVM is bad: Prakash Javadekar, BJP
06:00 pm: BS Yeddyurappa has shown how should one respect democracy and resigned, his speech has touched the hearts of people: Prakash Javadekar
05:15 pm: This is a big blow for BJP and I think what they had been planning all along for 2019 has failed, they will now have to rethink and alter their strategies: Mayawati
05:10 pm: What is he (Rahul Gandhi) saying about PM Modi? This is the PM who has provided a scam less govt. If he puts such an allegation, the people will say he has lost his mind: Ananth Kumar, BJP
05:04 pm:
05:01 pm: PM Modi is not only abetting corruption, but is corruption himself, says Rahul Gandhi
04:59 pm: The BJP disrespected the mandate of the people of Karnataka, Goa Manipur and it tried to subvert democracy in Karnataka. That's what we fought against: Rahul Gandhi
04:58 pm: I am proud that opposition stood together & defeated the BJP and we will continue to do so: Rahul Gandhi after BS Yeddyurappa's resignation as Karnataka CM
04:52 pm: BJP insulted the mandate of Karnataka, says Rahul Gandhi.
04:51 pm: BJP and RSS disrespect each and every institution of the country: Rahul Gandhi
04:50 pm: Did you notice after the extire exercise of the Vidhan Sabha, the BJP legislators and Speaker chose to get up and leave the House before National Anthem: Rahul Gandhi
04:49 pm: Congress President Rahul Gandhi addresses press conference.
04:45 pm:
04:38 pm:
04:21 pm:
04:19 pm: Congress demands resignation of Governor Vajubhai Vala.
04:15 pm:
04:10 pm: Yeddyurappa leaves for Raj Bhavan to hand over resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala.
04:08 pm: Yeddyurappa announces resignation from post of CM, ahead of the trust vote.
04:07 pm: I will lose nothing if I lose power, my life is for the people: CM BS Yeddyurappa
04:03 pm: I will win all 28 seats in Karnataka to gift PM Modi in 2019 LS polls, says Yeddyurappa
04:02 pm: If only people would have given us 113 seats instead of 104, we would have made this state a paradise, says Yeddyurappa
04:01 pm: Siddarmaiah had vowed that he will never let Kumaraswamy become CM of Karnataka, says BS Yeddyurappa as he breaks down during his speeech
03:53 pm: I have traveled throughout the state for the last two years and have seen pain on the faces of people. I can't forget the love & affection I received from people: CM BS Yeddyurappa
03:50 pm: When I began Parivartan Yatra, I received massive public support, says Yeddyurappa.
03:47 pm: Yeddyurappa addresses Vidhana Soudha ahead of trust vote scheduled at 4 pm.
03:40 pm:
03:39 pm:
03:29 pm:
03:24 pm: Yeddyurappa speaks to BJP President Amit Shah ahead of the crucial floor test at 4 pm.
03:22 pm:
03:17 pm:
03:13 pm: MLAs Anand Singh and Pratap Gowda will vote in Congress' favour, says DK Shivakumar
03:03 pm: Union Minister Ananth Kumar & CM BS Yeddyurappa are present in the CM chamber in Vidhana Soudha.
02:56 pm: Why is Yeddyurappa speaking about resigning now when he is feared of losing the trust vote. Did he not know the situation when the SC had ordered the floor test for today, says Congress leader Ashok Gehlot.
02:54 pm:
02:50 pm:
02:48 pm: Anand Singh and Pratap Gowda Patil are said to have come to Bengaluru from Mumbai in a chartered flight with BJP leader Manohar Maski
02:47 pm: Both 'missing' Congress MLAs -- Anand Singh and Pratap Goawda -- are now in the Assembly. The proceedings will resume after the lunch break.
02:39 pm: One of the two 'missing' MLAs Pratap Gowda reaches Karnataka Assembly.
02:38 pm:
02:05 pm: Congress MLC HM Revanna came to issue whip to B S Anand Singh and Prathapgouda Patil at Hotel Goldfinch. They claim they were not allowed to do so.
01:58 pm:
01:41 pm: 195 MLAs have been administered oath till. Assembly will resume at 03:30 pm after lunch.
01:39 pm: “In Karnataka, there is a situation where some MLAs from other parties might be wanting a stable government, and if any such MLA offers support on that basis, we cannot refuse”, said Rajnath Singh at India TV Samvaad.
01:37 pm: Oath taking ceremony paused for lunch break; to resume at 3 pm.
01:29 pm:
01:20 pm: Karnataka Congress has released 3 audio clips in the last 18 hours alleging them to be:
1. BJP leader Janaradhana Reddy purportedly calling Congress MLA from Raichur Rural, offering him money and posts.
2. Yeddyurappa's son B S Vijayendra calling Cong MLA Shivaram Herbbar's wife, offering him money, a ministerial position and withdrawal of court cases.
3. Yeddyurappa purportedly trying to influence Hirekerur legislator BC Patil.
Three more to come, says Congress.
01:05 pm: Two Independent MLAs back BJP, taking party's count to 105, according to reports.
12:59 pm: BJP MLA G Somashekhar Reddy is with the two 'missing' Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Pratap Gowda, reports ANI
12:42 am: According to sources, one BJP MLA has not yet arrived at the Vidhan Soudha
12:29 pm: Highlights of Congress' press conference on SC order over Pro-tem Speaker:
# "We wanted a practical solution so we asked for live telecast of voting. So when proceedings are transparent then it does not matter who is the pro tem speaker: Kapil Sibal
# "No other agenda should be taken up by pro tem speaker. We did not push for anything else more than transparency. 'Ab jo Jeetagea Wohi Sikander Hoga": Kapil Sibal
# "I salute the Supreme Court. Now, let the Congress and JDS MLAs stand by their respective party and uphold the Constitution": P Chidambaram
# "In Karnataka, what is at stake is not only who will form the Government, but who will be loyal to the electorate and uphold the verdict of his/her voters:" P Chidambaram
# "Every trick of the BJP to delay or derail the vote of confidence has been defeated. Now, I am sure the Congress and JDS MLAs will defeat Mr Yeddyurappa": P Chidambaram
# "Live telecast ordered by Supreme Court will mean that every citizen watching television will be the Pro Tem Speaker: P Chidambaram
12:01 pm:
11:55 am:
11:47 am:
11:40 am: Two Congress MLAs Anand Singh & Pratap Gowda Patil have not yet come to the assembly for oath-taking.
11:34 am: The SC heard the pleas of the Congress, all their pleas have been rejected. The desperate attempts of Congress to remove him from post has failed. I think they are scared & did not even want a floor test in the first place: Mukul Rohatgi
11:28 am: Most important objective was to establish transparency. Since the statement has come from ASG that live feed of proceedings would be given, we hope & trust there would be fairness. I have no doubt that the victory would be of Congress & JD(S): Abhishek Manu Singhvi
11:20 am: Supreme Court rejects Congress-JD(S) plea challenging appointment of pro tem speaker KG Bopaiah, he will continue to be pro-tem speaker. It says 'Live broadcast of floor test would be the best way to ensure transparency of proceedings.'
11:18 am: K G Bopaiah administers oath to legislatures ahead of the floor test in Karnataka Assembly.
11:12 am: Bopaiah: SC says 'Law can't direct the Governor to appoint a particular person as Pro-tem Speaker. Unless convention becomes legal norm, it can't be enforced by Court'
11:12 am: SC says Pro-tem Speaker will be from BJP
11:11 am: SC: Under which law can we dictate the governor to appoint a certain person as Pro-tem Speaker. Justice Sikri says live telecast of the floor test will solve all problems, 'now let us enjoy our summer vacation'.
11:07 am:
11:07 am: Tushar Mehta says the floor test will be telecasted live. On this, the SC says what can be better than this.
11:06 am: Kapil Sibal argues 'I am requesting that don't allow KG Bopaiah to take the floor test'.
10:59 am:
10:58 am: Justice SA Bobde says 'There've been instances where senior most MLA wasn't appointed as Pro tem speaker. Kapil Sibal replies 'KG Bopaiah has different history. His decision of disqualification was set aside by this Court earlier.'
10:57 am: Kapil Sibal says, 'Long standing convention has been broken after the appointment of Bopaiah', adds 'Even SC has ratified this practice in two judgments'.
10:52 am:
10:51 am: Justice Bobde says it has happened on several instances that the senior most person has not been made the Pro-tem Speaker.
10:46 am: Kapil Sibal says 'The individual appointed must be the senior most member of the House which is a convention in the Parliament also.'
10:45 am: Abhishek Manu Singhvi & Kapil Sibal to appear for Congress & JD(S), Sr Advocate Ram Jethmalani also present; AG KK Venugopal & ASG Tushar Mehta along with Sr Advocate Mukul Rohatgi to defend appointment of Pro tem speaker.
10:43 am: SC begins hearing on Congress-JDS plea challenging appointment of Pro-tem Speaker
10:42 am:
10:29 am: Accoring to BJP sources, the party is still not confident about winning the trust vote. Their shope lies on -- 1. Banking on vote of conscience. 2. Voice vote victory, like it happened in Maharashtra in 2014 when BJP won despite having support of only 122 MLAs against required 144. 3. If House strength comes down to 207 with absentions of disgruntled Lingayat MLAs in Congress and JD(S) 4. MLAs are present in House but votes of 13 of them don't get counted or get rejected on technical grounds.
10:24 am:
10:22 am: SC to begin hearing on Congress-JD(S) plea challenging appointment of Bopaiah as Pro-tem Speaker shortly. ASG Tushar Mehta, appearing for Karnataka Government, reaches court.
09:52 am: Congress legislature party leader Siddarmaiah reaches Karnataka Assembly.
09:33 am:
09:29 am: Experts believe that all eyes will be on around 15-20 Lingayat MLAs from the Congress-JD(S) combine, which are reportedly upset over Kumaraswamy -- a Dalit -- being offered the CM post. Reports have suggested that the disgruntled legislatures may cross-vote in today's floor test.
09:23 am: Physically he is not with us but he is in contact with our leaders. He has to come to Vidhana Soudha today. He will definitely vote for us. He is with us. He will come back: Ramalinga Reddy on Congress MLA Anand Singh
09:16 am: Congress has claimed that BJP-linked Janardhana Reddy has tried to bribe one of its lawmaker. Karnataka Congress has released an audio clip claiming that BJP leader Janaradhana Reddy is allegedly trying to lure Congress MLA from Raichur Rural by offering money and posts. However, BJP has categorically refuted the allegations.
09:14 am:
09:13 am: Yeddyuraoppa leaves for Vidhan Soudha, says will get majority and will hold an emergency cabinet meeting tomorrow. BSY promised to waive Rs 1 lakh farm loan and clear pension plan for senior citizens. "Karnataka you can celebrate after 5 pm. Be calm till then," he said outside his residence.
08:30 am: Yeddyurappa is likely to reach the Karnataka Assembly along with the BJP legislatures at 10:30 am.
08:29 am: According to India TV sources, a high-level BJP meet continued overnight, which included B S Yeddyurappa, Prakash Javadekar, Sriramulu and Ananth Kumar.
08:22 am: On Friday evening, the confrontation between the two sides once again reached the Supreme Court, with the Congress claiming that the appointment of BJP legislator K.G. Bopaiah as pro-tem Speaker by the Governor "violates every single constitutional norm" of senior-most member being appointed to the post.
08:21 am: Bopaiah, the Pro-tem Speaker, will administer oath to 220 newly elected MLAs (JD-S leader H D Kumaraswamy has been elected from two seats and will have to vacate one of them). Subsequently, he will conduct the trust vote to be moved by CM B S Yeddyurappa.
08:19 am: Petition states Court should pass appropriate orders directing that voting in floor test has to be carried out by division by segregating MLAs supporting and opposing the Motion in different lobbies of House.
08:16 am: According to sources, Yeddyurappa will leave home for Vidhan Soudha before 9 am, as 'Rahu Kaal' period starts from 9 am to 10:45 am.
08:08 am: A bench of justices A K Sikri, S A Bobde and Ashok Bhushan will hear the plea by Congress-, JD(S) challenging Bopaiah's appointment as Pro-tem Speaker at 10.30 am today.
08:07 am: Newly-elected JD(S) and Congress MLAs from Karnataka, who had been camping in two hotels in Hyderabad to avoid any poaching bids, left for Bengaluru at around 1 am for the crucial floor test in the state assembly tomorrow.
08:05 am: Accusing the BJP of poaching on opposition MLAs to prove its majority in tomorrow's floor test, the Congress on Friday released a purported audio conversation between mining baron Janardhana Reddy and a Congress MLA to back its claim.
Will B S Yeddyurappa be able to prove majotity in Karnataka Assembly? Floor test to decide at 4 pm today
What is Floor test?
A floor test is primarily taken to know whether the executive enjoys the confidence of the legislature. It is a constitutional mechanism under which a Chief Minister appointed by the governor can be asked to prove majority on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.
A chief minister appointed by the governor can be asked to prove his majority in case of doubt.
The BJP had won 104 seats in the assembly elections held in 222 segments, falling eight short of the 112 halfway mark. The Congress won 78 seats and the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) 37. The Congress later said it would support a JD-S led government.
The high-octane political drama in the southern state seems to be far from over, ever since the BJP, despite emerging as the single largest party in the state assembly elections, fell eight seats short of the required 112-seat mark for a clear majority.
In a historic pre-dawn hearing on Thursday, the Supreme Court refused the Congress-JD(S) challenge to the Governor's invite to form the government and cleared the way for BS Yeddyurappa's swearing-in as the chief minister of Karnataka. Yeddyurappa was on Thursday sworn in as the chief minister after the May 12 elections threw up a hung assembly.
