Karnataka CM H D Kumaraswamy. (PTI)

BENGALURU: Referring to governor Vajubhai R Vala’s “deadline” on the trust vote, Karnataka CM H D Kumaraswamy cited an SC verdict that the governor cannot act as an ombudsman of the legislature, and reminded BJP MLAs that until the discussion on the trust motion was over, they could not press for division of votes.

All eyes will now be on Vala’s next move as he can exercise his discretionary powers to resolve the crisis or set a new deadline. In his missive on Friday, the governor indicated that he was getting several complaints of “horse-trading”.

“The governor has written a second love letter to me. He (governor) has said he has been receiving various reports about horsetrading. He is speaking about horse-trading now. What was he doing for the last 10 days? Why did he not write any letter when 10 MLA resigned?” Kumaraswamy said, referring to the letter the governor sent on Friday.

During the debate on the trust motion, MLAs of the ruling coalition and the opposition BJP fought over the governor’s directive. Amid pandemonium, Congress members accused BJP of misusing the governor’s office to conspire against the government.

As the clock struck 1.30pm, opposition leader B S Yeddyurappa pressed for division of votes and insisted that the Speaker ask Kumaraswamy if he would obey the governor’s directive. As the CM replied, senior ministers R V Deshpande and Krishna Byregowda rose to his defence, saying once the motion was moved, it was the property of the House.

BJP member J C Madhuswamy said the governor has the constitutional right to ask the CM to prove his majority if he has any doubts about it. “We as opposition don’t want to violate the governor’s order. It’s up to you whether to obey or flout it,” he said. Opposition MLAs said they were prepared to sit till midnight, but the voting must happen before the House was adjourned for the day.

However, the ruling coalition members argued that the motion of confidence was not like any other business of the House. “The rebel MLAs have made some allegations of corruption... against the government. We need to debate those charges and tell people the truth. Therefore, all members who have given their names should be allowed to speak. Only then can the motion be taken up for voting,” said JD(S) MLA K M Shivalingegowda.



In Video: Governor's second love letter to me, says Karnataka CM H D Kumaraswamy