7 years ago
New Delhi/ Bengaluru:
In a big setback for the Congress, the Supreme Court has refused to stay the swearing-in ceremony of BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa, in an unprecedented overnight hearing. Mr Yeddyurappa had been invited by Karnataka governor Vajubhai Vala, last evening, to form government in Karnataka and was given 15 days to prove majority on the floor of the house. The Congress wanted the governor's decision to be cancelled, calling it an "encounter of the Constitution". The BJP contends that it should be allowed to form the government as it is the single largest party. The Congress disputes the claim, citing the precedent set by the BJP in Goa and Manipur last year. In both states, the Congress emerged as the single-largest party but the BJP cobbled up alliances and was invited to form the government.
Here are the live updates on race for government formation in Karnataka:
"They have asked the government to produce that letter of 15th May, which Yeddyurappa had given to the Governor (Karnataka), at 10:30 am tomorrow": Counsel for petitioners Congress and JDS
"As far as swearing-in is concerned, we are not restraining it, but we are making it subject to the outcome of the case," the three-judge bench, comprising justices A K Sikri, S A Bobde and Ashok Bhushan, said.
Supreme Court also asked Attorney General KK Venugopal to produce letters written by BS Yeddyurappa to governor to stake claim.
Supreme to advocates: "Have a good day!"
Supreme Court to further hear the case at 10.30 am on Friday, reports NDTV's A Vaidyanathan.
On Supreme Court verdict, BJP's Karnataka unit tweets, "Democracy wins."
Good Morning Karnataka!
- BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 16, 2018
In a few hours from now, Sri @BSYBJP will be sworn in as Chief Minister as per your wishes.
While we will start a golden chapter in the history of Karnataka, the people of India, like the SC, will reject Congress's mercy petition.#DemoracyWins
In its order, Supreme Court refuses to stay swearing-in of BS Yeddyurappa.
Supreme Court order on the Congress-JDS petition will be pronounced shortly.
Supreme Court observes that it can't stop a chief minister from swearing-in.
Arguments are still on in Supreme Court after about three hours of hearing.
.@BSYBJP swearing-in to go on, says top court during overnight hearing https://t.co/pLoTQzD9l2 pic.twitter.com/OGgxNO9uTy
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 16, 2018
Mukul Rohatgi, citing Goa's case, says though the Congress was single largest party it didn't stake claim, so the BJP was called.
Supreme Court says, "What do you say on number of days?"
Mukul Rohatgi says, "The number of days can be debated after two days."
He further argues, "What's the urgency of this case. This is not a case of hanging like Yakub Memon."
Supreme Court says swearing-in and government formation would be subject to outcome of petition before it.
Supreme Court did not dismiss the petition filed by Congress and JDS and said, "This petition is a subject of hearing later on." Supreme Court also issued a notice to respondents including BJP's BS Yeddyurappa, asking to file a reply, reports news agency ANI.
Mr Singhvi continues his arguments, says "Defer swearing-in for at least till 4.30 and ask Mr Yeddyurappa to produce the letter he gave to the governor."
Mr Singvi says, "Don't stay the swearing-in but defer it for two days."
Abhishek Singhvi says, "Why doesn't Supreme Court defer swearing in Yeddyurappa is not here but two of BJP MLAs came to court."
Mukul Rohatgi objects to it. Mr Singhvi objects to Mr Rohatgi.
Judges say that "we are allergic to these arguments"
Supreme Court says swearing-in will go on.
Mukul Rohatgi cites Uttarakhan's instance and says that Harish Rawat government was restored by the High Court.
It is over two hours now that the Supreme Court is hearing the case.
Supreme Court can reduce time period from 15 to 10 or 7 days for BJP to prove majority: Mukul Rohatgi tells Supreme Court.
Mukul Rohatgi, continuing his arguments, says, "Supreme Court can't ask governor to file affidavit and can't issue notice."
Supreme Court says: Is this your interpretation that governor action amenable but the governor as individual not answerable to court?
Mukul Rohatgi replies, "Yes." He adds, "Governor can't be stopped to do his job. It is unheard of."
Mukul Rohatgi argues that Congress wants injunction and wants governor not to discharge his function. He says "Action of swearing can always be reversed by Supreme Court."
He adds: Question is can court stop governor from discharging his constitutional duty? Can Supreme Court stop President from signing warrant of appointing judges?
He further argues, "Job of governor is to give oath - whether right or wrong."
Abhishek Singhvi says, Mr Rohatgi's clients are two MLAs and who are not parties to the case and Mr Yeddyurappa's lawyer is not here.
Attorney General KK Venugopal concludes his arguments. Now Mukul Rohatgi, who is representing two BJP MLAs, begins his arguments.
Attorney General argues the the time given to BJP for proving majority can be reduced to seven days.
Mr Venugopal says, "Waiting for 15 days heavens will not fall. What's the purpose of stopping the swearing-in? Let the floor test take place."
Supreme Court says, "Your argument is floor test will fail." Mr Venugopal replies: "We don't know."
Supreme Court says, "What's bothering us is the fluid situation."
Mr Venugopal argues that even if swearing-in takes place it is reversible. Once the floor test takes place real picture will be known.
Supreme Court asks that why 15 days were given by the governor. Mr Venugopal replies, "It is governor's decision."
Supreme Court observes that JDS and Congress outweigh BJP. In a situation like this on what basis Mr Yeddyurappa has staked claimed. The arithmetic defies in what way he was invited to form government.
Attorney General KK Venugopal argues, "Defection is one member crosses to other party. Defection law won't apply before he is swearing in as MLA."
Supreme Court replies, "You mean before swearing in MLAs can switch sides?" It adds that in a case like this how you will have more numbers when the other side has already given 116 to governor.
"Heavens won't fall if someone is sworn in. Last time Supreme Court heard in night, the case related to hanging of Yakub Memon": Mukul Rohatgi argues in Supreme Court.
Top government lawyers -- Advocate General KK Venugopal, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Maninder Singh are in Supreme Court.
Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for two BJP MLAs, says that this case should have never been taken up at midnight.
To this, Supreme Court says, "On what basis you are claiming?"
Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Congress-JDS, completes his arguments.
Mr Singhvi continues his argument, says, "Governor doesn't give any reason in calling BJP. Claim of BS Yeddyurappa is leader of BJP whereas Kumaraswamy is claiming Congress support."
He adds, "Unless Supreme Court sees Mr Yeddyurappa's letter to the governor, the court can defer the swearing-in." He asks, "On what basis the governor invited BS Yeddyurappa."
Supreme Court To Abhishek Manu Singhvi: You want us to scrutinise discretion of governor but you don't have letter given to governor which found basis for inviting BJP.
Supreme Court asks Mr Singhvi to wind up arguments as he has already argued for more than an hour. Mr Singhvi seeks few more minutes.
Mr Singhvi, who is arguing the case for over an hour now, says, "Governor exercise of government duty is under judicial review. Court can question governor." He adds, "Supreme Court can defer the swearing-in"
Mr Singvi cites instances of Meghalaya, Manipur and Goa, where though Congress was the single-largest party but BJP and other parties were invited to form government.
Supreme Court says, "We don't even have the letter other party has written to governor. How can we decide?"
Supreme Court to Mr Singhvi: "The argument is court should not issue injunction and judicial review is not the question."
Mr Singhvi says, "Governor action is subject to judicial review."
Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for BJP, argues that court can never stop a governor from performing any act.
"Karnataka Governor can't negate democracy. 104 ahead of 116 is adding insult to injury": @DrAMSinghvi in Supreme Court #KaranatakaVerdict
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 16, 2018
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/hMlRpgak2y #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/h6eewEP3MZ
Mr Singhvi says, "One can argue before swearing-in of MLAs there can be defection. Swearing-in is an executive act."
To this the Supreme Court replies, "It has to be considered whether court could restrain a governor?"
Books have been sought from Supreme Court library for reference.
Mr Singhvi argues that unless BJP claim defection they can't have majority. To this Supreme Court says that it would be covered by anti-defection law.
Abhishek Singhvi says, "104 ahead of 116 is adding insult to injury." He further argues, "Giving 15 days is encouraging unconstitutional sin of poaching."
Mr Singhvi says, "Governor can't negate democracy and after the swearing in happens I can't come to Supreme Court." He adds that 15 days granted to BS Yeddyurappa is unheard of. "It is elementary common sense on numbers."
Mr Singhvi argues, "Should the person (BS Yeddyurappa) be given 15 days for proving majority?"
Mr Singhvi says, "We are challenging the act of governor not calling us."
Mr Singvi argues that innumerable instances are there where combination of post-poll group was called despite there was a different single largest party. He says that one such case was Goa led by BJP outnumbering single largest party and the Supreme Court had upheld this.
Mr Singhvi says HD Kumaraswamy wrote to governor saying he has Congress support and staked claim. After that Mr Kumaraswamy also sent signatures of MLAs to Governor, following which Congress also sent signatures of its MLAs to governor. But at 9pm governor invited BS Yeddyurappa to form government.
Attorney general KK Venugopal also reaches Supreme Court.
Youth Congress workers are now staging protest outside Parliament.
Abhishek Singhvi argues that 112 is the majority and Congress-JDS combine is at 117.
BJP's Mukul Rohatgi argues that governor can not be a party to the case. He says that court can't stop governor from swearing-in.
Justice AK Sikri, Justice A Bobde and Justice Ashok Bhushan arrives in court number 6. Hearing begins.
In court number 6, where the hearing will happen, more media persons are present than advocates.
Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi is representing the BJP in the case. This is his second midnight case. He had appeared for centre in Yakub Menon case, reports NDTV's A Vaidyanathan.
The Congress-JDS petition prepared by advocate Dev Dutt Kamath contended that despite presenting the list of 116 MLAs, governor Vajubhai Vala has invited the BJP which has 104 MLAs to form the government and has given relatively longer time of 15 days to prove the majority on the floor of the House.
ASG Tushar Mehta is representing the central government in the case.
Union Home Ministry has been made party to the case. Hearing will now be held at court number 6.
Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta reaches Supreme Court.
Battle for Karnataka shifts to Delhi, hearing on Congress-JDS petition to begin shortly at Supreme Court. Three-judge bench to hear the plea challenging Karnataka governor's invite to BJP to form government in the state.
Justice AK Sikri, Justice A Bobde and Justice Ashok Bhushan to hear Congress-JDS plea in Supreme Court.
Three-judge bench to hear Congress-JDS petition in Supreme Court.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Supreme Court agreeing to hear Congress-JDS petition: "Irrespective of merits, very gracious of Supreme Court to fix hearing at 1:45 am at court number 2. Shows justice never sleeps and accessibility is 24x7, where merits so demand. Which apex court in world allows such accessibility?"
The hearing will be held in court number 2 of the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court to hear JDS-Congress petition at 1:45 am.
Midnight drama continues on government formation in Karnataka, Congress lawyer Abhishek Singhvi heads to Chief Justice Dipak Misra's residence.
Member of Congress legal team Javed says, "BJP has 104 seats, how will they prove majority on floor, even if they get some Independent MLAs?"
Supreme Court registrar arrives at the residence of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.
Supreme Court Registrar arrives at the residence of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, with the petition filed by Congress and JD(S) over swearing-in of BS Yeddyurappa as #Karnataka Chief Minister tomorrow pic.twitter.com/QRIVkLknB2
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
Supreme Court registrar reaches Chief Justice Dipak Misra's residence in Delhi.
Supreme Court registrar is currently scrutinising the petition filed by Congress. If the Registrar agrees to the urgency of the petition then he will take the it to Chief Justice Dipak Misra's residence.
NDTV's Monideepa Banerjie reports that 30 members of Anglo Indian community will stage "dharna" outside Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru from at 9.30 am tomorrow. In letter to the Karnataka governor "the Anglo Indian community urged him to protect their constitutional rights by not allowing any political party or group to use this nomination to seek political advantage for its own gain or benefit."
Heavy security outside the residence of BS Yeddyurappa in Bengaluru.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav tweets on Karnataka:"If single largest party is being invited inspite of INC & JDS alliance having more numbers than required then we demand Hon. President to dismiss Bihar govt thru Governor & invite single largest party of Bihar to form govt as BJP is in Bihar govt due to post poll alliance."
High security at the residence of Chief Justice Dipak Misra in New Delhi.
Read: Congress Goes To Chief Justice After Karnataka Governor Invites BJP To Form GovernmentThe Congress has approached Chief Justice Dipak Misra for an urgent hearing after the Karnataka Governor invited BJP's BS Yeddyurappa to form government and gave him 15 days to prove majority on the floor of the house.
After Karnataka governor invited BJP to form government in the state, JDS leader HD Kumarasway says, "By giving 15 days time (to prove majority) governor is encouraging horse-trading by BJP leaders, this is unconstitutional. We will discuss the future plan."
Congress leader and lawyer Abhishek Singhvi representing Congress in the top court. The Congress had earlier decided to approach the Supreme Court if BJP was invited to form government.
Congress moves Supreme Court as governor invites BJP to form government in Karnataka. Party approaches Chief justice for urgent hearing.
Former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha tweets on Karnataka political turmoil: "I am glad I have left the party which is so brazenly trying to subvert democracy in Karnataka. It will do the same if it fails to get majority in Lok Sabha next year. Pl note my warning."
Mr Surjewala says, "Amit Shah and BJP today sanctioned an encounter of the constitution and the law. Governor has subjugated the law and shamed the office of governor and I don't think such a person has the right to continue."
Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala addresses media, says, "The letter shows that even the governor doesn't believe they have the majority." He adds, "If two parties can't come together in a post poll alliance, then how did you form a government in Manipur?"
Addressing media in Delhi, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "Let Congress not advise us." He adds that Congress keep talking about Supreme Court judgement but Supreme Court has said that the platform of Vidhan Sabha is the only forum where majority can be tested.
Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days.
- P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 16, 2018
Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111.
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to address media in Delhi shortly.
Congress' @ashokgehlot51 on @LRC_NDTV
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 16, 2018
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/hMlRpgrUU6#KarnatakaVerdict #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/2boQjY8NUY
Governor Vajubhai Vala's letter inviting BJP to form government.
BJP addresses media in Bengaluru, party leader Basavaraj Bommai says, "Official communication has been received from the governor. Governor has given 15 days to prove majority. BS Yeddyurappa will take oath at 9:00 am."
Raj Bhavan official reaches BS Yeddyurappa's house with letter inviting BJP to form government.
BJP's Karnataka unit tweets again, says swearing-in at 9 am.
The moment that crores of Kannadigas are awaiting is here.
- BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 16, 2018
Sri @BSYBJP will take oath as Chief Minister of Karnataka tomorrow morning at 9.00 AM at Raj Bhavan.
The movement to build our Suvarna Karnataka has started. #CMBSY
Former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee says there is a possibility president's rule in Karnataka.
"Swearing in will go on, tweets deleted because of a likely change in timing," says BJP Spokesperson Vaman Acharya on NDTV's Left, Right and Centre.
Opinion: Why Congress Defeat In Karnataka Is A Respectable OneYet the BJP, as well, has a bit of introspection to do. It has come to rely far too much on the Prime Minister's charisma, and its own belief that it will shape the narrative to its advantage.
Heavy rain in Bengaluru.
Now, BJP spokesperson Sureshkumar deletes his tweet on governor inviting BS Yeddyurappa for swearing-in.
After an intense election, new Congress lawmakers in Karnataka are in for a paid holiday at a five-star resort. The party, worried about losing its lawmakers in the fierce race for numbers, has moved them to the Eagleton Golf Resort near Bengaluru. They arrived a few while back.
Police asked to stay alert across Karnataka amid the ongoing political turmoil.
Congress now takes dig at BJP on deleted tweet that said BS Yeddyurappa will take oath tomorrow.
Not @BSYBJP but Kumarswamy to take oath tomorrow morning at 9:30am at RajBhavan: Sources
- Divya Spandana/Ramya (@divyaspandana) May 16, 2018
Same sources as Rahul Kanwal.
After saying BS Yeddyurappa will take oath tomorrow, Karnataka BJP deletes tweet.
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P Chidambaram says, "Earlier this evening, Congress and JDS offered to physically produce MLAs, but were denied permission. We gave governor a list of members and also gave him a copy of the judgement in the Goa case."
BJP Karnataka tweets on swearing in.
The moment that crores of Kannadigas are awaiting is here.
- BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 16, 2018
Sri @BSYBJP will take oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka tomorrow morning at 9.30 AM at Raj Bhavan.
The movement to build our Suvarna Karnataka has begun. #CMBSY
Mr Chidamabaram says, "Numbers of Congress and JDS establish that the alliance has a majority in Karnataka. Yet the governor has not taken a decision to invite HD Kumaraswamy to form the government."
Congress leader P Chidambaram addresses media on Karnataka elections.
Currently Raj Bhavan officials are in a closed-door meeting, reports NDTV's Maya Sharma.
There is no official communication so far on BS Yeddyurappa's swearing-in tomorrow but wait for a few minutes: Raj Bhavan official tells NDTV.
BJP leader Sureshkumar says BS Yeddyurappa will be sworn-in at 9.30 am tomorrow.
BS Yeddyurappa will take oath as Karnataka chief minister tomorrow, announcement soon, claims BJP lawmaker Murugesh Nirani.
BJP MLA says BS Yeddyurappa to swear-in tomorrow. Announcement will be made shortly.
Congress MLAs leave from Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office in #Bengaluru (ANI)#KarnatakaVerdict #KarnatakaElectionResults2018 pic.twitter.com/3rpLkB3a2D
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 16, 2018
Siddaramaiah not a true Congressman: Outgoing speaker
Outgoing Karnataka Assembly Speaker K B Koliwad to news agency ANI: Siddaramaiah thinks he is the boss of the party, the party has suffered because of his arrogant behaviour. He is not a true Congressman. Many people have this view of him but don't express it.
Read: Congress To Move Top Court If Governor Invites BJP In KarnatakaThe Karnataka Governor has agreed to look into all the legal aspects while deciding whether the BJP or the Congress-JD(S) combine should be invited to form government in the state, Congress ally JD(S) said after meeting Vajubhai Vala. The Congress has planned go to the Supreme Court if the Governor's decision is in favour of the BJP. The BJP's BS Yeddyurappa had a meeting with him in the morning. With 104 seats, the BJP is eight short of majority in the 224-seat assembly, but claims it will have the numbers. JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy has alleged the BJP tried to poach on his legislators, offering them Rs 100 crore and cabinet berths.
"Governor has assured that he will take action as per the Constitution. We have full faith in him that he will not do injustice. We have our numbers, not not even a single member has moved out. We will not allow any such thing to happen": Congress leader DK Shivakumar
BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje's letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on phone tapping.
Three BJP MPs have written separate letters to the Speaker of Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and DG and IGP in which they have alleged that the state government has been tapping their cell phones, reports NDTV's Maya Sharma.
"Governor is not inviting HD Kumaraswamy due to BJP's pressure. There is a clear cut majority, and yet there's been no invitation," says senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot.
HD Kumaraswamy talking to reporters outside Raj Bhavan says, "We have told Governor we have 117 and we have given the list to the governor. The governor told us that he will consider us based on Goa and Meghalaya's decision."
Congress leader G Parameshwara and JDS' HD Kumaraswamy speaks to media after meeting governor. Mr Parameshwara says that the governor has assured that the way the decision was made in Goa and Meghalaya, the same way it will be looked at in Karnataka.
Congress trying to tap our phones: BJP
BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje says, "Congress is trying to tap into our phones. We don't have any privacy. I have written to the speaker and also wrote to the home minister."
JDS' HD Kumaraswamy says, "Congress leaders and our leaders are meeting the Governor and we wants an opportunity to form the government. We have got sufficient numbers to form a stable government. There's no instability."
In Bengaluru, JDS delegation is meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala. Among those present at the meeting are Kupendra Reddy and HD Kumaraswamy.
Watch: Congress Legislators Head To Meet Karnataka Governor In Show Of StrengthA busload of 77 lawmakers was driven to Governor Vajubhai Vala's home in Bengaluru on Wednesday evening. The bus-driver kept a headcount with a list that had details of the lawmakers.
Congress leaders show list of elected party MLAs as they head to Raj Bhavan to meet Governor at 5pm.
Congress heads to Raj Bhavan with all its elected MLAs. Congress and JDS leaders will meet the Governor at 5pm to stake claim.
Raj Bhavan is "the centre of conspiracies by the BJP": CPI
Describing the Raj Bhavan as "the centre of conspiracies by the BJP," CPI general secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy today expressed doubts as to whether the JD(S) would be allowed to form the government with the Congress's support in Karnataka. It is quite natural that both these "secular" parties have decided to keep the BJP out of power, he said.
Thank you for the verdict: Siddaramaiah
Congress and JDS to meet Karnataka Governor at 5pm.
We are hopeful and confident: Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi argues, "In case of a hung assembly, can parties with more numbers be ignored?"
He says, "Political parties must not talk about morality. The manner in which BJP is trying to indulge in horse trading is condemnable." He adds that the party is hopeful and confident.
Read: How Siddaramaiah's Biggest Gamble BackfiredThe free fall of the Congress in Karnataka - it slid yesterday from 122 to 78 seats - was caused largely because it failed to improve its standing among the state's most backward castes despite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah focusing on them through schemes that provided free milk to students and free grain to the poorest families.
Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: Karnataka Governor has to take a decision and we have nothing to do with it. "We condemn the statement of Siddaramaiah, everybody has heard the statement of the PM and it's wrong to make these allegations. We deny these charges and only thanked the voters of Karnataka," he adds.
If Congress and JDS are not invited by the Governor then party MLAs will sit on a 'dharna' outside Raj Bhawan from tomorrow. MPs may also join them, reports NDTV's Maya Sharma.
Karnataka Election Result: Back To Bengaluru Resort For The Congress. This Time, For Karnataka MLAsAfter an intense election, new Congress lawmakers in Karnataka are in for a paid holiday at a five-star resort. The party, worried about losing its lawmakers in the fierce race for numbers, has decided to move them to the Eagleton Golf Resort near Bengaluru. Their Gujarat counterparts have already savoured its hospitality."
- We have the numbers and both Congress and JDS are eagerly waiting for the Governor to invite Mr Kumaraswamy to form the government
- No Governor can go against the Constitution. The Governor should not encourage bribery and horsetrading
- We still trust and believe the Governor of the state
- We sincerely feel the Governor will go by party politics
No question of any alliance with BJP: JDS leader PGR Sindhia
- No question of any alliance with BJP. It's a shut door.
- They can offer however much they want to, our MLAs are with us. Government with Congress is not going to be smooth. But we are sure about doing this with them.
- We were from the beginning certain that Kumaraswamy will be CM.
"Rs 100 Cr figure is imaginary, we aren't into horsetrading of any kind"
- They are trying everything which isn't in law. They are making baseless charges against BJP.
- Poaching and horsetrading isn't BJP's business, it is what Congress and JDS are famous for. Their own legislators are not happy with the decision.
- We aren't doing anything, it is the desperation of both parties that is leading them to level baseless charges, we condemn it.
- Rs 100Cr figure is imaginary, we aren't into horsetrading of any kind. Going by the rulebook, we are confident of forming government. Have submitted our claim to Governor, confident of forming stable government.
- Democracy allows freedom to approach courts.
The BJP is fake encountering democracy in Karnataka with its brazen display of money and muscle power. Is this money black or grey, PM @narendramodi? #BJPChor100Crore pic.twitter.com/4hRi6qw0JZ
- Congress (@INCIndia) May 16, 2018
They (BJP) keep on calling but we don't bother about it. I have clearly asked them not to call me. I am a committed Congress person.They have been doing this from long time. This is their job: TD Rajegowda, Congress MLA on being asked if BJP had approached him. #KarnatakaElection pic.twitter.com/xFd8VK3UnR
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
This is a bogus news. No Javadekar, no BJP leader has met me till now: HD Kumaraswamy, on being asked if he had met BJP Karnataka in-charge Prakash Javadekar. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/PU06JWfKHc
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
Congress set to Approach Supreme Court If Governor Invites BJP
- Congress will approach the Supreme Court if the Governor invites BJP
- Abhishek Manu Singhvi will head the legal challenge in the court
- Petition to be filed tonight in case the Governor does not invite Kumaraswamy to form government
This is a bogus news. No Javadekar, no BJP leader has met me till now: HD Kumaraswamy, on being asked if he had met BJP Karnataka in-charge Prakash Javadekar. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/PU06JWfKHc
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
R Shankar (one with'tilak' on the forehead), MLA from Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party (KPJP) seen with BJP delegation at Governor House in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElectionResults2018 pic.twitter.com/sKlNct9DQH
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
- I have been offered from both sides. I am not saying this loosely. There's a black spot on my father's career because of my decision to go with the BJP in 2004 and 2005. So God has given me an opportunity to remove this black spot. So I am going with Congress
- BJP's Ashwamedha Yatra started in North, the horses have been stopped in Karnataka. This verdict is to stop the Ashwamedha Yatra
- Forget 'Operation Kamal' being successful, there are people who are ready to leave BJP and come with us. If you try to poach one from ours, we'll do the same and take double from you. I'm also telling the Governor to not take any decision which encourages horse-trading
"Where is this black money coming from? They are supposedly the servers of poor people and they are offering money today. Where are the income tax officials?": H D Kumaraswamy
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 16, 2018
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/hMlRpgrUU6#ResultsWithNDTV #KarnatakaVerdict pic.twitter.com/NCfnfSlt7V
- BJP has promised people in my party 100 crores in cash and ministerial posts.
- This is the first time that a party has threatened opposition to this level
- I urge Karnataka people to understand what is happening. They have all the money in Delhi.
- They have all hidden this money. Where are the income tax people? In the history of the country, this is the first time that a party has threatened opposition to this level. I want people to see all this
"BJP is desperate to come to power... Me or my party, are not power hungry"
- Deep in my heart, I want make a decision in favour of people.
- 104 seats won by the BJP does not mean people wanted them to form government
- In Karnataka, though there is no clear majority, there has been an alliance. It is said that we will not allow BJP to form government.
- BJP is desperate to come to power... Me or my party, are not power hungry
- Today Congress leaders have submitted a letter in support of JDS
JD(S)' Kumaraswamy addresses media after legislator party meet, H D Deve Gowda also present
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 16, 2018
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/hMlRpgrUU6#ResultsWithNDTV #KarnatakaVerdict pic.twitter.com/D2vV4oc1Op
"As soon as possible, I have asked the governor to make me the CM. I have been elected the leader of the legislative party leader. Goveror told me he will take appropriate decision. After I get the reply from the governor, I will tell all the crores of people who voted for us: Yeddyurappa after meeting the Governor
HD Kumaraswamy will be the CM & there'll be a coalition govt. That is the only truth. People want him to be the CM. These kind of mechanistion will happen in a but the fact is that HD Kumaraswamy will be CM. We won't be influenced by anyone: A Manjunath, JD(S) #KarnatakaElection pic.twitter.com/avvNQ5wYxR
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
We have to protect the verdict of the people. They (BJP) are doing bad politics. We don't have to stoop down to their level. We are 118 in number number, we don't want anyone. No body has called me to the resort: NA Harris, Congress #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/PigLDgcnFT
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
We are all together All this is false news. In fact there are 6 BJP people, who are touch with us: MB Patil, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/g7I59nQ16o
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
We are not trying to bribe or buy anybody: Sriramulu
- The Congress are the ones who used to say JD(S) is BJP's B-team.
- They are the ones who lied, they are the ones who showed that they cannot be trusted by forming an unholy alliance by fooling the people of Karnataka.
- BJP is the single largest party and we are meeting to see what the reality is in the Congress-JD(S) claim. They claim they they have the numbers, but there is lot of disagreement within their own parties. Let us see how things play out.
- We are not trying to bribe or buy anybody. That is something that the Congress claims in an attempt to fool the people further
Independent MLA R Shankar gives his letter of support in favour of Yeddyurappa, bringing the BJP tally to 105 (104 BJP lawmakers + 1 Independent).
Congress and JD(S) are planning to move their lawmakers to a resort. The JD(S) said five of their lawmakers have already been approached by the BJP. Another Congress lawmaker claimed the same.
Sources said three Congress lawmakers -- Rajshekhar Patil, Narendra and Anand Singh -- went "incommunicado" in the morning. Two of the lawmakers are said to be close to Reddy brothers, the mining barons from Bellary.
The BJP has the support of 104 lawmakers and need another eight to show majority. The Congress and its ally, the regional Janata Dal Secular, have 116 lawmakers, a few above the halfway mark in the 224-seat assembly.
The JDS-Congress combine plan to meet the Governor later today with names and signatures of 118 legislators to bolster their claim to form the next government in Karnataka.
Mood in JDS is upbeat. Party leaders are confident that party will form the government, reports Sneha Mary Koshy
Guv is obliged to call largest party, which is BJP. He should call BJP leader asking him if he can form govt. If he says he can't, Guv will then call 2nd party & if he says he can form govt, Guv should give him time to prove majority: Mukul Rohatgi, former AG #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/7VlvpnrER2
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
JD(S) lawmakers Raja Venkatappa Nayaka and Venkata Rao Nadagouda are missing from the JD(S) legislative party meeting, reports ANI.
BS Yeddyurappa has been elected as legislative party leader. He is now heading to Raj Bhavan to stake claim to form government.
JD(S) legislative party meeting begins in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/K1FaCYMMnU
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
Karnataka Election Results: Three Missing Lawmakers Spark Congress-JDS Alarm In Split KarnatakaAs three Karnataka lawmakers went "incommunicado" on Wednesday, an orange alert went out across the Congress-Janata Dal Secular (JDS) combine, which claims enough numbers to form government after a hung verdict in the state."
"We are following all democratic traditions and we would form the government"
People of state have rejected Congress. Their attempt to make a back-door entry is not appreciated by people.
Bitter enemies now want to come together, its an unethical marriage of convenience.
Many legislators aren't happy with the post-poll alliance.
We are following all democratic traditions and we would form the government.
JD(S) is the A team of Congress. JD(S) and Congress fought with each other. BJP and JD(S) have got anti-Congress votes.
BJP leaders offered me ministry: Congress MLA
- They are trying to horse-trade
- I also received a call, was offered Ministry too
- If High Command decides Kumaraswamy to be CM, so he will be our CM
- I am also Lingayat and I am happy with Congress
- Mr Kumaraswamy has been my good friend and I have worked with him
Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and JP Nadda and Union Minister Prakash Javadekar arrived at BJP office for legislative party meeting. Meeting to begin shortly.
I don't know what they (BJP) are offering but they are trying to call our people, but they are not responding. We are all together, no one can touch our party. Our party MLAs are loyal to the party: Saravana, JD(S) #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/3q0OAehwWq
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
JD(S) has all the faith in their MLAs. Nobody is going to go away. Let BJP try, whatever they want to: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress
Bengaluru: JD(S) MLAs at the legislative party meeting, meeting to begin shortly. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/nhukI8agPJ
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
Congress is unable to establish contact with three party lawmakers. According to sources, Congress MLAs Rajshekar Patil, Narendra and Anand Singh have not turned up for the party meeting. KS Eshwarappa, former Deputy Chief Minister had said that disgruntled Congress-JDS lawmakers are in touch with the party.
Veerappa Moily on Congress support to JDS
- No, first of all let them call HD Kumaraswamy to form the government
- Then rest of the things will be talked over
- Congress has extended the unconditional support to Mr Kumaraswamy and JDS to form the government
- Yeddyurappa is trying to prevail upon the governor to act illegally and contribute to the provision of the constitution
- If that is done then we will not keep quiet
We believe in all our MLAs. BJP is trying hard to get them. They don't believe in democracy, BJP just wants power. All the people are happy, nobody is unhappy here: Ramalinga Reddy, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/wD4N8wcexA
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
Political scenario will unfold in next 2-3 days. It depends on development in political parties. As of now, we aren't approaching any individuals but politics is art of possibility: Basavaraj Bommai, BJP on being asked 'How will BJP get no. to form govt' #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/wuLYKSqXpL
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we'll give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister: Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/BIJYZHV7P7
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
There is no doubt we will form govt, 100% we'll do that. Wait and watch. Results came out only yesterday. It has been only a day. See what can happen in Karnataka in a day: KS Eshwarappa , BJP
Bengaluru: All India Congress Committee General Secretary & MP, KC Venugopal and other Congress MLAs arriving at Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office for party legislative meting. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/95fHQla0Yc
- ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
BJP General Secretary Dr Anil Jain on government formation
- BJP will surely form the government in Karnataka
- BJP is the single largest party, therefore we have full confidence that governor will call us first
- As per the constitution and expert opinions, governor should call the single largest party
In the past, @BJP4India has formed coalition govts multiple times. We've all seen it - with the most recent example being Goa, where the single-largest party (@INCIndia) was not invited to form the Govt!
- Dr. G Parameshwara (@DrParameshwara) May 15, 2018
The @INCKarnataka-JD(S) coalition is eligible in every way to form Govt. https://t.co/RnpgDq7SqZ
Results for all seats in Karnataka declared. BJP wins 104, eight short of majority; Congress gets 78, JDS 38
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 15, 2018
Here is the 10-point cheatsheet on #KarnatakaElectionResults: https://t.co/2AKCfV8AmY#ResultsWithNDTV #KarnatakaVerdict pic.twitter.com/PmxpFguPhp
JDS and Congress will stake claim before the governor with signatures of 117 MLA's.
BJP legislative party meeting is scheduled at 10:30 am. The party is expected to elect BS Yeddyuruppa as the party leader during the legislative party meeting. "Tomorrow at 10:30 am in BJP legislative party meeting, I am going to be elected as party leader. After that all MLAs are going to meet the Governor to request him to allow BJP to form government. Now the ball is in the court of the Governor. We will do as he decides," Mr Yeddyurappa told NDTV.
Highlights of the AICC press briefing by Communications In-Charge @rssurjewala on the Govt formation in Karnataka. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/9b0VEbNte8
- Congress (@INCIndia) May 15, 2018
Congress will have a legislative meet at 8.30 am
Congress Made First Move For Karnataka Alliance 3 Days Ago: JDS LeaderLike other political parties, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had spoken confidently about coming back to power in last week's Karnataka elections. But after voting ended and the exit polls, the Congress appears to have had second thoughts about its performance and reached out to HD Deve Gowda's Janata Dal Secular, or JDS, for a possible alliance. The phone call was made to Danish Ali, the party's spokesman who had gone public with his party's preference to ally with the Congress rather than the BJP."
"We have 117 lawmakers, well above the majority mark," outgoing Congress Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters after the meeting. He rubbished reports of disquiet among the party's Lingayat lawmakers to accepting the leadership of Mr Kumarawamy, who belongs to the Vokkaliga community.
After the Congress defeat, the party showed political urgency and took the initiative of striking a deal with the JD(S). According to the agreement, the Congress pledged to back a government headed by JD(S) leader HD Kumarawamy. Congress is most likely to have a Deputy Chief Minister of its choice under the deal.
Of the 222 assembly seats for which polling took place, the BJP has bagged 104. While the Congress has won in 78 constituencies, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda's party JD(S) and its pre-poll ally BSP have 38 seats.
