7 years ago
Bengaluru/Hyderabad:
The BS Yeddyurappa-led BJP government in Karnataka has been asked by the Supreme Court to take floor test tomorrow at 4 pm. The court today resumed hearing a petition filed by Congress- Janata Dal Secular (JDS) combine challenging Karnataka Governor's controversial invitation to the BJP's BS Yeddyurappa to become chief minister, the Congress and the JDS in Karnataka moved their lawmakers from Bengaluru to Hyderabad. In a move that came well past midnight, the lawmakers were taken in bus to the Telangana capital, 569 km from Bengaluru. "The central government was kind enough to refuse all permission for flights so taking the road," former minister DK Shivakumar told NDTV during the overnight journey. The Congress and JDS lawmakers spent Thursday in two different hotels in Bengaluru. While the Congress flock was at Eagleton Resorts, the JDS leaders were at Shangrila Hotel. The move to sequester the the 100-odd lawmakers of Congress-JDS was taken to prevent the BJP from luring them as soon as it became clear that Governor Vajubhai Vala was going to invite BS Yeddyurappa to form government. The Congress-JDS combine responded by taking the battle to the Supreme Court that held a rare overnight hearing and took up the case again today at 10:30 this morning.
Here are the LIVE updates on Karnataka politics after election results:
Congress legislators are also heading to Bengaluru in a bus from Hyderabad.
HD Kumaraswamy along with other JDS MLAs board a flight to Bengaluru ahead of floor test in Karnataka assembly today.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee files complaint against Janardhan Reddy, linked to BJP, for offering hundreds of crore rupees and a minister portfolio to Raichur rural MLA Basvanagowda Daddal over telephone.
Supreme Court agrees to hear Congress petition against pro-tem speaker tomorrow at 10.30 am in court number 6.
JDS' HD Kumaraswamy says, "Two MLAs have been hijacked by our BJP friends. But, I am certain that they will come back to us."
Watch: Karnataka Congress Claims Proof Of Janardhan Reddy Trying To Buy MLAJust a day before BJP's BS Yeddyurappa faces the Supreme Court-ordered floor test in the Karnataka assembly, the Congress today released an audio tape that the party claims shows how the BJP was trying to lure its legislators to support Chief Minister Yeddyurappa in the Karnataka assembly.
Congress MLAs hold meeting ahead of tomorrow's floor test in Karnataka.
"MLAs are with us. Whatever misuse they had to do they have done. Supreme Court has also given them a good scolding not verbally but in terms of action, it is a different matter that the people of BJP have a thick skin": Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad
Congress moves Supreme Court seeking urgent hearing on the appointment of KG Bopaiah as pro-tem speaker.
Read: Congress Claims Proof Of Janardhan Reddy Trying To Buy MLAJust a day before BJP's BS Yeddyurappa faces the Supreme Court-ordered floor test in the Karnataka assembly, the Congress today released an audio tape that the party claims shows how the BJP was trying to lure its legislators to support Chief Minister Yeddyurappa in the Karnataka assembly.
Union minister Prakash Javadekar on audio clip released by Congress with alleged bribe offer: This is Congress' false propaganda and we condemn this. The mandate is not for Congress and JDS.
"We are in the Shangri-La hotel for the legislature meeting. We have the majority. More than what we expected. Our workers are really happy," says Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa.
He adds, "I assure the people of Karnataka that all promises will be fulfilled. BJP workers will celebrate 'Vijayotsava' tomorrow after majority is proved. If they don't join us, how will we get absolute majority?"
JDS leader Saravana: "His name is Devanand Chavan, MLA from Nagathan, he is with us. BJP leaders are misleading about him that he is supporting BJP."
JDS leaders in Hyderabad are currently addressing media persons.
Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy along with other party leaders at the hotel in Hyderabad.
A jet aircraft with 160 seats and 12 VIP seats has been hired at a cost of Rs 16,000 per seat.
The list of business for Karnataka Assembly on Saturday.
Raising questions over the Governor's move to appoint BJP MLA K G Bopaiah as the pro tem speaker, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that the Governor should have had appointed the senior most MLA from the current assembly as the pro tem speaker as per constitutional conventions. According to the Congress, its eight-time MLA R V Deshpande is the senior most lawmaker in the assembly.
BJP legislators are expected at Bengaluru's Shangri-La Hotel shortly, reports NDTV's Maya Sharma. JDS MLAs were staying at the same hotel before moving to Hyderabad.
Breaking | Karnataka Congress alleges attempt to bribe its lawmakers, claims audio proof of BJP-linked Janardhana Reddy offering money.
The Bharatiya Janata Party lawmakers will meet at Shangri-La Hotel in Bengaluru today at 9 pm, reports ANI
JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy arrives at Taj Krishna, Hyderabad. Mr Kumaraswamy will discuss the option of going by road to Bengaluru for the floor test if chartered flights do not work out
We will be able to inform you in a short while. Yes, the option of going back to court is open: Randeep Surjewala responds to a question on the appointment of BJP lawmaker KG Bopaiah as pro tem speaker
Governor Vajubhai Vala "encountered" the constitution today. This is the same KG Bopaiah who's 'dented and tainted': Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala
The senior most MLA must be appointed pro-tem speaker. There's no confusion about this. In a place where the BJP is trying to grab power, this practice is important. RV Deshpande is the senior most MLA : Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala
The floor test will be conducted at 4pm tomorrow. The truth will come out. BJP's lies will be exposed: Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala
Governor is carrying out an "encounter" of the democracy, Constitution: Congress leader Randeep Surjewala
Congress lawmakers shifted to different hotels for security reasons.
Congress' Siddaramaiah arrives in Hyderabad. He would be meeting Congress lawmakers who are staying in the Taj Krishna hotel, reports ANI
From 130 you've (Congress) come down to 78. Your fear is that it might reduce even further- it is making you do all this. Under Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's leadership, the party is losing all states: BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje
Congress to move the Supreme Court against the appointment of BJP lawmaker KG Bopaiah as the pro-tem speaker for tomorrow's floor test
The Supreme Court has clearly said that the pro-tem speaker must conduct the floor test. The Congress has supported the JDS. Congress lawmakers are disappointed and scared. More than 120 lawmakers will support the BJP tomorrow: BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje
We don't understand Congress' mindset. We don't understand why they're upset. Congress is trying to interfere. HR Bhardwaj had appointed Bopaiah as speaker. Why didn't you (Congress) question back then?: BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje
I want to congratulate KG Bopaiah. He has been appointed as speaker for the second time. He has also served as deputy speaker. KG Bopaiah was a four-time MLA. He has a lot of experience: BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje
It is very simple. The majority and truth is with us. If somebody tries to tamper with facts, the Supreme Court's doors are open for us: Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on KG Bopaiah's appointment as temporary speaker
"KG Bopaiah was appointed as pro-tem speaker even in 2008 by the then Governor. That time Bopaiah was 10 years younger than what he is today. Congress is thus raising hoax objections. The appointment of Bopaiah ji is as per rules and regulations," says BJP leader Prakash Javadekar.
"What the BJP has done is against the rule book. Ideally, the senior most leader is supposed to hold that position", says Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi after BJP lawmaker KG Bopaiah appointed as pro-tem speaker.
The Karnataka Governor's order appointing KG Bopaiah as temporary speaker ahead of floor test.
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala appoints BJP lawmaker KG Bopaiah as pro-tem speaker ahead of the floor test tomorrow
BJP lawmakers arrive at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru to meet Governor Vajubhai Vala, reports ANI.
"They (BJP) have already accepted defeat. We will form the government tomorrow," says Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Congress
"In our letter we first said we're supporting this party(JD-S) and then said we have so many signatures. Yeddyurappa's letter just states that he will form the government," says Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Congress.
"BJP wanted that the vote of confidence should be done via secret ballot. But, the Supreme Court has written in its order that there shall be no secret ballot tomorrow," says Abhishek Manu Singhvi
This is the first time a question has been asked about the Governor's discretion. This is a constitutional matter. This is a matter of our rights. We have to conduct the floor test: Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi
Sambit Patra, BJP National Spokesperson
- We are very pleased that the Congress has finally seen something to appreciate it
- But this kind of "selectivism" won't work
Sambit Patra, BJP National Spokesperson
- There is nothing bigger than the mandate
- We are all watching the Congress conspiracy to undermine the mandate
- That's why Congress went to the court in the middle of the night
The Goa Congress requested the governor to "right the past wrong" and "now invite the 16-member Congress legislative party to form the government instead". She said she would respond in two days, said Congress leaders.
Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah is going to Hyderabad today by a chartered light.
This is what Tejashwi Yadav tweeted after meeting Bihar Governor.
Met Governor of Bihar along with support of three other parties and staked claim to form government as we are single largest party & single largest block of pre poll alliance. pic.twitter.com/Xuz14yCvjb
- Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 18, 2018
After Karnataka, in Bihar, RJD and other alliance parties-Congress and CPI(ML) hand over letters to Governor Satyapal Malik stating that RJD is the single largest party hence should be invited to form government.
Read: During Supreme Court Hearing On Karnataka, Judge's WhatsApp JokeLike every big development, the Karnataka numbers game also inspired many social media jokes, memes and WhatsApp messages. One of them featured in the Supreme Court hearing in which BJP's BS Yeddyurappa was ordered to take a trust vote by 4 pm on Saturday.
13 Goa Congress MLAs at Raj Bhavan, hand over memorandum to Governor Mridula Sinha saying Congress is the single largest party in the state.
"The judgement of the Supreme Court is historic. The governor's role in the constitution is very important and he must be unbiased. But in Karnataka, the governor has taken decisions to favor the BJP": Congress' Siddaramaiah
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 18, 2018
Track LIVE updates: https://t.co/uL6LFGHkU6 pic.twitter.com/YytZ3YZJFr
"Mr Yeddyurappa who has 104 MLAs including himself, in the letter requested for 7 days, he had no other name, yet Governor invited him. It was unconstitutional, Governor even gave him 15 days time," Siddaramaiah said.
We are going to prove our majority to the Governor. We stake claim to form the government. We have the support of many parties & MLAs of those parties are with us. Let's see what happens: Tejashwi Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal. #Bihar pic.twitter.com/qzORWzhIfo
- ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018
In Goa, 13 Congress legislators reach Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Mridula Sinha.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa had a morning meeting with Director General of Police Neelamani Raju and Chief Secretary Ratna Prabha at his home in Bengaluru's Dollars Colony earlier today.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) legislators will be marching to the governor's residence in Patna.
Senior advocate and former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, had sought reasonable time till Monday for the floor test but the bench, also comprising Justices S A Bobde and Ashok Bhushan, ordered it for tomorrow.
We gave list of 117 MLAs and asked Governor to call us right now, saying we will prove majority. But unfortunately, he invited BJP without establishing that they have more than 104 MLAs or not: Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad
"Some governors, appointed by BJP, have not been taking decisions according to the constitution": Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad addresses media
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 18, 2018
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/hMlRpgak2y #KarnatakaCMRace #KarnatakaVerdict pic.twitter.com/yBebRXyIld
Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav, holds a meeting of his party legislators in Patna. The Karnataka governor's decision to invite the BJP to form government, has provided ammunition to Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav. Taking on bitter political rival BJP, the 28-year-old leader has declared that he would stake claim to form a new government in Bihar, as his Rashtriya Janata Dal is the single largest party in the state.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad and other Congress leaders address media in Bengaluru.
Read: 116 Congress, JDS Lawmakers Shipped Out Before Karnataka TestThe three judges, Justices AK Sikri, SA Bobde and Ashok Bhushan, also brushed aside the argument by the central government's top law officer KK Venugopal that the anti-defection law kicks in only after a legislator takes oath of office. This is preposterous, the bench shot back. The anti-defection law bans lawmakers from switching political parties.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi: Today's Supreme Court order, vindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally. The BJP's bluff that it will form the Govt., even without the numbers, has been called out by the court. Stopped legally, they will now try money & muscle, to steal the mandate.
"We are absolutely sure of our numbers and will decisively prove our majority on the floor of the house. If people's mandate has to be vindicated again, so be it. Bring it on!," Karnataka BJP tweeted.
Watch: Live coverage ahead of Karnataka floor testThe BJP's BS Yeddyurappa, who was sworn in yesterday as Chief Minister of a minority government in Karnataka, has to prove his majority at 4 pm tomorrow, the
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yedyurappa: We will get a good majority. We will prove the majority
The Congress lawmakers will return from Hyderabad tonight or tomorrow morning, former Karnataka home minister Ramalinga Reddy tells NDTV.
"We will prove majority on the floor of the house tomorrow. BJP is confident of winning the floor test.We have the blessings of 6 crore Kannadigas who voted for change. Their aspirations and blessings will be respected and acknowledged," tweets Karnataka BJP.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi:
- Yeddyurappaji's lawyer agreed between now and tomorrow he will not take any administrative decision
- Their repeated appeals for more time were rejected
- It's a great judgment
- 10 weeks from now, the Supreme Court has also agreed to hear the larger constitutional case which asks if the governor can invite a party without majority
"The BJP is ready for floor test today evening itself. We will win the floor test tomorrow. Congress-JDS will be disappointed," tweeted Karnataka BJP spokesperson S Prakash.
BJP's BS Yeddyurappa To Take Floor Test Tomorrow At 4 pmThe Congress went to the Supreme Court against the governor's decision on Wednesday night. After an all-night hearing, the court allowed Mr Yeddyurappa's swearing in, but raised questions about the 15-day grace period for a test of strength and said the petition would be taken up again today.
#Karnataka #congress office... Is far from the scenes of a deserted, defeated party office... Dancing... Celebration, dancing and Hugh decibal slogan shouting as they are set to begin their protest march to VidhanSouda #KPCC #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/SFpg8nST9V
- Sneha Koshy (@SnehaMKoshy) May 18, 2018
BS Yeddyurappa-led BJP government in Karnataka has been asked by the Supreme Court to take floor test at 4 pm tomorrow.
Two buses started from Bengaluru around 12.15 am on Thursday night and zoomed down the highway in scenes straight out of a thriller. On board were around 116 Karnataka lawmakers - from the Congress and Janata Dal Secular (JDS) - being driven to Hyderabad under secrecy - as much as they could manage with a media team chasing them.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi, lawyer for Congress-JD(S), argues, BSYeddyurappa claimed support, but he does not have letters of support from these MLAs or it is only his oral submissions: ANI
BJP's lawyer Mukul Rohatgi tells Supreme Court, 'We have certain information that many MLAs from other parties have not given any kind of written support to Congress-JD(S).' (ANI)
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 18, 2018
LIVE updates on Congress-JD(S)' challenge to #BSYeddyurappa swearing-in: https://t.co/uL6LFGHkU6 pic.twitter.com/cdTtyZ4tkE
In Supreme Court, Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri says, 'floor test seems to be the best option... better to hold floor test on Saturday'. In Karnataka, the BJP that has 105 lawmakers, including an Independent, is short of majority.
"Appointment with Goa Governor at noon. We are going to tell her that since her counterpart in Karnataka has called the single largest party, she should also call us now. We are single largest party, will prove majority on the floor of the House," says Yatish Naik, Goa Congress spokesperson.
The Supreme Court suggests Karnataka floor test tomorrow.
Majority be proved only on the floor of the house, there is no need for BS Yeddyurappa need no give names, says former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi.
The Supreme Court judges have arrived and the hearing has begun. The three judges apologised for being late because of a group photo to be taken.
Sources say that the Supreme Court is likely to cut down 15-day time-limit given to Mr Yeddyurappa by the Governor to prove the majority. The three-judge bench of the court will also examine a fresh application by the Congress-JDS combine challenging the Governor's decision to nominate an Anglo-Indian MLA to assembly till the floor test is conducted.
A group of Congress MLAs have reached Hyderabad's Taj Krishna hotel. The hotel staff is seen trying to ensure that media crews don't enter the hotel lobby.
Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi has also reached the court.
Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta arrives in court.
Courtroom number 6 is packed. Congress leaders and lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi have reached the court.
The Supreme Court will soon resume hearing a petition filed by Congress- Janata Dal Secular (JDS) combine challenging Karnataka Governor's controversial invitation to the BJP's BS Yeddyurappa to become chief minister.
One of the buses with the lawmakers from Karnataka has reached Park Hyatt hotel in Hyderabad.
Last night & this morning there was heavy police presence outside #EagletonResorts, now disappeared; not a single one around; police chief of #Ramanagara district where resort is located replaced as part of multiple changes in police bureaucracy after new CM @BSYBJP @ndtv pic.twitter.com/7Jo4vhGMXi
- Uma Sudhir (@umasudhir) May 18, 2018
Have been tracking and driving with #Karnataka #CongressMLAs all the way from #EagletonResorts; right now about 120 km from #Hyderabad; @DKShivakumar blames Centre for not allowing them to fly and says had to opt out of #Kochi becoz of room reservation issues, he tells @ndtv
- Uma Sudhir (@umasudhir) May 18, 2018
3 Buses On All-Night Journey As Karnataka Lawmakers 'Escape' To HyderabadThree buses started from Bengaluru around 12.30 am on Thursday night and zoomed down the highway in scenes straight out of a thriller. On board were around 116 Karnataka lawmakers - from the Congress and Janata Dal Secular (JDS) - being driven to Hyderabad under secrecy - as much as they could manage with a media team chasing them.
DK Suresh, Congress lawmaker from Karnataka, said, "The MLAs are coming here. We are arranging everything here, we are waiting for them. They would reach in another two hours. All MLAs are coming, both JD(S) and Congress MLAs. Poaching is going on."
Mallikarjun Kharge, Ghulam Nabhi Azad, Dinesh Gundurao and other Congress leaders will hold a protest walk to Raj Bhavan, Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's official residence at 11 am.
Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa's First Big Test In Supreme Court Today: 10 PointsThree judges of the Supreme Court will today resume hearing a petition challenging Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's controversial invitation to BJP's BS Yeddyurappa to become chief minister. The invite, which led to Mr Yeddyurappa taking charge as chief minister on Thursday, has triggered a huge political row and fears of defection. Hours before the Supreme Court takes up the case that the judges first heard at an all-night hearing on Thursday, the Congress-JDS combine has moved out their lawmakers into neighbouring Telangana to ensure its flock of about 116 lawmakers stays intact. Former Karnataka home minister Ramalinga Reddy told NDTV that there had been renewed attempts to bribe and threaten legislators of the Congress-Janata Dal Secular combine.
Amid the political crisis, former prime minister and JDS leader HD Deve Gowda is visiting the Tirupati temple. He is offering a special puja for his 85th birthday. Mr Deve Gowda is the father of HD Kumaraswamy.
Congress leaders have alleged they wanted to fly out the legislators but were forced to take the long bus ride because aviation authorities declined permission for the chartered aircrafts that had been arranged. "The central government was kind enough to refuse all permission for flights so taking the road," former minister DK Shivakumar told NDTV during the overnight journey.
The Congress and the JDS lawmakers started their 569 km bus ride from Bengaluru to Hyderabad late last night.
