Karnataka stalemate ends, coalition govt falls by 6 votes

The political deadlock in Karnataka, which began on July 1, ended 23 days later after the HD Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) coalition government lost the trust vote on Tuesday.

The ruling coalition managed to garner 99 votes against the BJP’s 105 votes.

Earlier, fearing violence in the state capital, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Alok Kumar imposed Section 144 in the city for 48 hours, ahead of the trust vote, to be taken by the Assembly on Tuesday.

“Today and tomorrow, we are imposing Section 144 across the city. All pubs and wine shops will be closed till 25th. If anyone is found violating these rules, they will be punished,” said Kumar.

Speaking during the debate, CM HD Kumaraswamy said, “I tried my best to get the rebel MLAs to support me. I have nothing to hide. I have no intention to drag the trust vote; I apologise to Speaker and people of the state.”

The JD(S) leader said, “Discussions are on why I have not resigned and was sticking to the chair. When the assembly polls (2018) results were out, I had plans to quit politics. My political entry itself was unexpected.”

Going by the configuration in the Assembly, it appears certain that the game is over for the Congress-JD(S) coalition in the state. BJP leaders too are in an upbeat mood as they are likely to form the next government, should the incumbent dispensation collapse on the floor of the House.

Meanwhile, 13 rebel MLAs have sought more time to make themselves available before the Speaker. This was in response to the Speaker’s summoning all 16 rebel MLAs to appear before him today to enable him to decide on their resignations/disqualifications .

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