The crisis in Karnataka worsened today after two more Congress lawmakers resigned submitted their resignation to the speaker. Party leaders DK Shivakumar and Milind Deora were detained by the Mumbai police from a five-star hotel in Mumbai where they waited to meet 10 rebel lawmakers whose resignation has threatened the survival of the Karnataka coalition government. This morning, Congress leader DK Shivakumar was stopped from entering the Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai. On Tuesday night, anticipating Mr Shivakumar's visit, the lawmakers had written to the police seeking "protection" from the Congress leader. "We cannot allow you to enter because of the letter," a Mumbai police officer was heard saying during an argument with Mr Shivakumar, who insisted he had a room in the hotel and that his "friends" are staying there.
In a letter addressed to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, the rebel Karnataka lawmakers, who have been camping in Mumbai since Saturday have approached the Mumbai, also said they didn't want to meet JD(S) leader Shivalinge Gowda. Since Saturday, Karnataka has been thrown into a political crisis with as many as 14 lawmakers resigning from their positions. At least 10 of those lawmakers are in Mumbai and have been staying at five-star hotels. They had checked into Sofitel in the Bandra Kurla Complex on Saturday evening and later moved to the Renaissance Hotel in Powai area.
