Karnataka Governor asks HD Kumaraswamy to prove his majority before Friday 1.30pm

The Governor's direction comes at a time when Siddaramaiah had sought more time for the trust vote.

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Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala on Thursday night asked Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to prove his majority on the floor of the house before 1:30 pm on Friday.

Citing his capacity as the head of the state, the Governor in his letter to the CM said, “I had not intervened in the matter having regard to the fact that the House was called and Trust vote has been moved. However, it has been reported to me that the proceedings of the house on 18-07-2019 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.”

In his letter, Vala said, “That you were sworn in as the Chief Minister of State after receiving support from the Indian National Congress. The strength of the House of the Karnataka State Legislative Assembly stands at 224 (plus a nominated member) out of which INC has 79 members, JDS has 37 members, One member from KPJP Member from BSP and one independent candidate. And the Bharatiya Janata Party is at 105.”

He added, “In the last few days, several members of the INC have met me and intimated that they have tendered their resignations as the Members of the Legislative Assembly.”

In his letter to the CM, he listed out the names of the 15 rebel MLAs who had approached the Supreme Court to get their resignations accepted by the Speaker expeditiously.

The Governor's intervention comes after Congress leader Siddaramaiah told the house that he will approach the Supreme Court for clarity on whether he had the authority to issue whip to all MLAs including the rebels. Siddaramaiah also asked the Speaker not to hold the trust vote till the Supreme Court gave him an answer.

In his letter, the Governor also pointed out, “It is clear from the above 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 Congress- JD(S) coalition which at the moment is struggling with numbers, went on a delay mode after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy moved a trust motion on Thursday. Dismayed by the proceedings, a delegation of the BJP had met Governor urging him to hasten the process.