Prove majority by 1.30 on Friday, #Karnataka governor tells CM #Kumaraswamy #KarnatakaTrustVote #KarnatakaFloorTest https://t.co/HIY3r3i2cx — TOI Bengaluru (@TOIBengaluru) 1563464711000

NEW DELHI: Karnataka governor Vajubhai Vala on Thursday directed chief minister H D Kumaraswamy to prove majority on the floor of the assembly before 1:30pm on Friday, observing that resignation of 15 ruling combine MLAs and withdrawal of support by two independents "prima facie" indicated he has lost the confidence of the House.The governor's directive came after speaker of the state assembly ignored his earlier missive "to hold trust vote by the end of the day."In a letter to Kumaraswamy, the governor said "circumstances indicate that you have lost confidence/majority of the House."Karnataka political crisis live updatesThe governor, in his letter, listed the names of Congress and JD(S) MLAs who have tendered their resignations in the last few days. He also mentioned the two independent MLAs who have withdrawn support to the Kumaraswamy government and announced support to the Karnataka BJP."It is clear that out of 117 members, which is the strength of the coalition government, if these members are to move away from the ruling coalition, the same casts a serious doubt on the confidence in the government/ministry led by you in the House," the governor wrote, adding, "It is well settled that the chief minister and his ministry are expected to always enjoy and maintain the confidence of the House."The governor also mentioned that he has received letters from various people indicating that the government has lost its majority."I have received a letter from a few practising advocates that since the ruling coalition government has lost its majority, suitable action in accordance with the law needs to be taken," the governor wrote.The governor also made a mention of a BJP memorandum against the speaker of the House.Stating that he had not intervened in the matter since the House was called and the trust vote was moved, the governor said it has been reported to him that the proceedings of the House for vote of confidence has been stalled and consequently adjourned without reaching any finality."This cannot go on in a democratic set up governed by the Constitution of India," he said, adding, "Under the circumstances I require you to prove your majority on the floor of the House on or before 1.30pm tomorrow."Minister in the Kumaraswamy cabinet D K Shivakumar confirmed receipt of the governor's letter to chief minister."The Speaker is conducting the House, he will have to give MLAs an opportunity to discuss, at such time friends from BJP are trying to put pressure through the Governor's office," he said.