Karnataka Election Result 2018: SC fixes 10:30 am hearing for Congress-JDS challenge to KG Bopaiah appointment

Checking out from Taj Krishna, onward to Bengaluru

Congress MLAs leave for Bengaluru from Hyderabad's Taj Krishna hotel. #KaranatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/L7ftLslxgL

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

Frenetic hotel hopping by politicos in Bengaluru before the big day

CM BS Yeddyurappa along with BJP MLAs leave from Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru after the meeting. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/RzRJUnRshx

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

Soundbite Central

I am in touch with the JD(S) MLAs so that they support BS Yeddyurappa ji tomorrow. Nobody can even dare to ask me to help them & nobody has dared to ask me as yet. Party is like my mother: Preetham Gowda, BJP #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/OPgWrFTnMf

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

Latest in the week-long drama after the Karnataka elections

Congress and JD(S) leaders have approached the Supreme Court challenging the appointment of MLA KG Bopaiah as pro-tem speaker for the floor test in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly scheduled for Saturday. A three judge Supreme Court bench will hear the application at 10:30 am Saturday in an unrelenting string of breakthroughs for the legal pushback from the Congress-JDS camp which claims it has the support of 118 MLAs. 

Congress leaders are saying (and hoping) Yedyurappa’s letter to the Governor will “seal his fate”. “There is no mention of a number bigger than 104. The Governor’s invitation does not mention any number at all!”, writes P Chidambaram.

Congress-JDS ask for video recording arrangements during floor test 

pic.twitter.com/Q3xKN2MdZl

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) May 18, 2018

What the Congress-JDS petition says

Read the prayers made by petitioners pic.twitter.com/cPYvdW5Zt9

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) May 18, 2018

Another hearing at 10:30 am for Congress pushback against Bopaiah

Breaking: The matter will be heard tomorrow morning at 10.30am by a three judge bench of Justive AK Sikri, Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice SA Bobde

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) May 18, 2018

As the clock ticks, Congress-JDS raise stakes on multiple flanks 

Petitioners have made a representation to Governor requesting him to follow convention and appoint the senior member MLA as the pro tem Speaker to facilitate the #FloorTest

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) May 18, 2018

Grave and genuine concerns over appointment of pro tem Speaker: Congress-JDS

It is submitted that there are grave and genuine concerns as far as the impartiality of the present pro tem Speaker is concerned. #FloorTest

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) May 18, 2018

Congress JDS on all out offensive against K G Bopiah

Petitioners submit that @BSYBJP in tandem with Government at the Centre is exercising influence through the Governor of the State to ensure that he sails through the floor test by hook or crook, in absolute disregard to Parliamentary practice #FloorTest #KGBopaiah

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) May 18, 2018

Another midnight ride into town: From Bengaluru to Hyderabad and back again in 24 hours

JD(S) MLAs leave for Bengaluru from Hyderabad's Novotel Hotel. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/AZO7DphbTK

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

Congress-JDS number soup now at 118

JD(S) & Congress have jointly given list of 118 MLAs to Governor. We've sufficient strength to form Govt in #Karnataka. This morning Supreme Court has given judgement on Governor's decision. For past 2 days, BJP is trying to by the MLAs of the opposition: HD Kumaraswamy, JD (S) pic.twitter.com/pOyp1amXz3

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

Siddaramaiah elected as the leader of Congress Legislative Party 

Karnataka Congress Legislature Party met in Hyderabad and unanimously elected Shri @siddaramaiah as the leader of the CLP as per the directions of Congress President Shri @RahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/lsyVdgVSLX

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) May 18, 2018

Congress plea against pro tem speaker filed in SC, party seeks hearing tonight 
 

Congress has submitted a plea requesting urgent hearing in the Supreme Court against the appointment of KG Bopaiah as pro tem speaker. The Supreme Court has not yet listed the matter for hearing, reported CNN-News18.

Heated arguments outside SC as Congress lawyers not allowed to enter court premises

According to CNN-News18, junior lawyers from the Congress party are engaged in a heated argument with the registrar’s staff and the Supreme Court guards after they were denied entry into the court. The report further said that the Congress party’s lawyers were there to file an urgent petition over the appointment of KG Bopaiah as pro tem speaker in Karnataka. 

According to India Today, The lawyers claimed that they were stopped from entering despite having an appointment. However, it is noteworthy here that the Supreme Court is on the summer break starting today.

Prakash Javadekar claims purported audio of Janardhan Reddy fake, handiwork of Congress

“This audio CD is one of the handiworks of Congress’ dirty tricks department. This is a fake CD: Prakash Javadekar on the audio, which was released by Congress, in which Janaradhana Reddy is allegedly trying to lure Congress MLA from Raichur Rural by offering him money,” Javadekar said.

Yeddyurappa 101% sure, claims to have ‘more majority than expected’

“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. Of course they are with us, if the MLAs from Congress and JD(S) don’t support us, how can we prove majority? We will win the floor test 101%.

Supreme Court order on floor test will dispel horse-trading speculations: Experts 

Legal experts were today divided over the choice of the pro tem Speaker of the Karnataka assembly by the Governor, but were one on the Supreme Court’s direction to conduct the floor test tomorrow, terming it reasonable and justified. 

Senior advocates Rakesh Dwivedi, Ajit Sinha and Vikas Singh hailed the apex court’s order and said the direction would help dispelling the speculations of “horse trading and poaching”. 

While Dwivedi  said the top court’s order to conduct the floor test was “quite reasonable”,  Sinha echoed similar views and said there was nothing wrong in the time limit granted by the apex court.

Singh, who is also the Supreme Court Bar Association President, said the top court should have deferred the oath ceremony of B S Yeddyurappa at the first place but welcomed the decision to give the minimum time for the floor test. – PTI

Congress MLAs leave from Hyderabad’s Taj Krishna hotel 

Congress MLAs leave from Hotel Taj Krishna in Hyderabad. They will be travelling to Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/T9ZTJAhyV7

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

Ghulam Nabi Azad claims BJP approached 21 of its MLAs

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Speaking to India Today, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the BJP in desperation has reached out to as many as 21 of our MLAs but they will not succeed. He said that a party MLA has recorded G Janardhan Reddy’s call while he was trying to persuade him to come to BJP.

Congress releases audio, claiming G Janardhan Reddy inducing their MLAs

#BREAKING | Congress releases audio tape, alleges MLA bribery. Voice of Janardhan Reddy trying to bribe MLA: Congress claims. Listen in. #KarnatakaFloorTest @sanket.

PS: CNN-News18 doesn't vouch for the audio clip. pic.twitter.com/ab8g48zso9

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

Congress claims G Janardhan Reddy offering bribes to MLAs, releases purported audio

The Congress party has released audio clip in which Janaradhana Reddy is allegedly trying to lure Congress MLA from Raichur Rural by offering him money. Reddy can reportedly be heard saying that the MLAs from Raichur are welcome back if they bury the past and return. Reddy was apparently heard inducing the MLAs in the name his party chief (Amit Shah) and more than “100 times growth”. 

Firstpost could not independently verify the veracity of the purported audio clip. 

Congress released an Audio clip where BJP leader Janaradhana Reddy is trying to lure Congress MLA from Raichur Rural by offering money and posts.

Janaradhana Reddy clearly says he has the backing of BJP President Amit Shah for doing horse trading! pic.twitter.com/oVEC88DgV2

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) May 18, 2018

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala calls a special assembly session at 11 am tomorrow

UP Congress leaders meet governor over developments in Karnataka

UP Congress leaders, led by Raj Babbar, meet Governor Ram Naik to hand over a memorandum, protesting against Karnataka Governor inviting BJP to form the government in the state. pic.twitter.com/N7ICEgsLXo

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) May 18, 2018

BJP legislators likely to meet in Bengaluru at 9 pm

According to various news reprots, BJP MLAs are likely to meet at the Shangri-La hotel in Bengaluru at around 9 pm to chalk out a strategy for tomorrow’s floor test. The party claimed to have support of 111 MLAs, while only 104 MLAs won the elections on its ticket.

Cong MLA being kept in captivity by BJP, says Siddaramaiah

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The BJP has “abducted” and “kept in wrongful confinement” Karnataka Congress MLA Anand Singh by using the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax (I-T) department against him, the party alleged on the eve of the floor test for the Yeddyurappa government.

“(BJP president) Amit Shah did the same kind of manipulation in all the states. They don’t know the Constitution and the law. They don’t know anything other than false propaganda,” Siddaramaiah said.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said Singh was in Delhi and would be with the party once he is “freed”. “Singh is in Delhi. He is with us. Anand Singh is (at present) in captivity. Once he is free, he will be with us. He is being held hostage, but he is in touch,” he said.

On Pratap Gowda Patil, who is also reported to be “missing”, Siddaramaiah said he was with them.

Prakash Javadekar defends KG Bopaiah’s appointment as pro tem speaker

Congress exploring legal route on Bopaiah’s appointment? Surjewala says all options open

“We will be able to inform you in a short while. Yes, the option of going back to Court is open,” Surjewala said upon being asked if Congress will challenge BJP MLA KG Bopaiah’s appointment as pro tem Speaker.

Guv conducted encounter of Constitution third time: Surjewala

“Governor Vajubhai Vala has once again launched an encounter on the Constitution by appointing KG Bopaiah as pro tem Speaker instead of the senior most MLA. This is the same man (Bopaiah) whose partisan conduct was even criticised by the honourable Supreme Court,” Surjewala said. 

He said that even the Supreme Court had remarked that “unless there was the intent that the trust vote does not go against the chief minister” there was no logical explanation of the Speaker’s conduct. Surjewala said that it was the Supreme Court which had given stinging structures against Bopaiah.

All traditions of the constitution have been violated in selecting pro-tem speaker: Surjewala

**"**In the current situation, ​RV Deshpande who is the senior most MLA in the Assembly, should have been appointed the pro tem speaker without any doubt. He may have been elected on a Congress ticket but at least his unbiasedness and his respect is intact, unlike Mr Bopaiah," Surjewala said.

Congress addresses press conference over KG Bopaiah’s appointment

“It is a well-laid out procedure that the senior-most MLA will be appointed as the pro tem speaker. However, when in a situation when the BJP is intent on abducting the democracy and keeping it captive, then it becomes all the more important that this procedure is followed,” Congres spokesperson RS Surjewala said.

Watch: Siddaramaiah reaches Hyderabad to meet Congress MLAs

#BattleForKarnataka -- Siddaramaiah meets MLAs in Hyderabad ahead of the #FloorTest on Saturday. #KarnatakaFloorTest#LIVE Updates: https://t.co/w2rXfHmnzr pic.twitter.com/SpUWrjfM82

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

Supreme Court had criticised Bopaiah’s conduct as Speaker in 2011

“Extraneous considerations are writ large on the face of the order of the Speaker and the same has to be set aside,” the Supreme Court said while quashing then Speaker KG Boapaiah’s order to disqualify 11 BJP and 5 MLAs in 2010 as it was apprehended that they would support the no-trust motion against the then BS Yeddyurappa government. 

“We are constrained to hold that the proceedings conducted by the Speaker on the disqualification application filed by Yeddyurappa do not meet the twin tests of natural justice and fair play,” the apex court said .

CM Office in Vidhan Soudha locked after Supreme Court order

The Chief Minister’s Office in Vidhan Soudha on the third floor has been locked by the officials after the Supreme Court ruled that no policy decisions should be taken by Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa before he proves his majority in the floor test. 

BJP backs Bopaiah’s appointment, says former guv appointed him 10 years ago too

“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 objection. The appointment of Bopaiah Ji is as per rules and regulations,” BJP leader and Union minister Prakash Javadekar said defending Boapaiah’s appointment.

Governor Vajubhai Vala appoints BJP’s KG Boapaiah as pro tem speaker

Senior most MLA RV Deshpande ignored by Governor Vala in appointing Pro Tem Speaker

The Constitution does not define an eligibility criteria for a Pro Tem Speaker. However, a well established tradition has been that the senior-most MLA in the House has been nominated to swear-in MLAs and conduct a floor test, if needed. In the Karnataka Assembly, Congress’ RV Deshpande is the senior most member in the House and has won elections eight out of the nine times that he has contested. However, KG Bopaiah, a three-time MLA and former Speaker of the Assembly has been appointed as the Pro Tem speaker. 

KG Bopaiah served as Speaker from Nov 2009 to 2013

KG Bopaiah, who was appointed by the governor to conduct a floor test, has been a three-time MLA. He was appointed Speaker on 17 November 2009 and he served till October 2013. 

In 2011 he oversaw the floor test for BS Yeddyurappa government and had disqualified all MLAs who had rebelled against Yedyurappa. His decision was upheld by Karnataka HC but overturned by Supreme Court. The apex court had castigated him for “hastily” disqualifying 16 MLAs to enable BS Yedyurappa to win the trust vote in October 2011. 

“Unless it was to ensure that the trust vote did not go against the CM, there was no conceivable reason for the Speaker to have taken up the disqualification application in such a great hurry,” the Times of India had reported at the time, quoting the SC order.

In another departure from trend, governor appoints BJP"s KG Bopaiah as Pro Tem speaker

By convention, the Pro Tem Speaker is usually the senior most MLA in the House. However, Governor Vajubhai Vale has appointed BJP’s KG Bopaiah, a three-time MLA, as the Pro Tem speaker. The Congress has objected to the governor’s decision and said that the convention should have been followed.

With Congress-JD(S) and BJP vying for numbers, both groups eye RR Nagar and Jayanagar seats

Even as all the three parties are struggling to form the government with no party having a simple majority on its own, the parties are eyeing the two assembly constituencies which are yet to go to the polls — Rajarajeshwarinagar and Jayanagar. Winning these constituencies will make a huge difference to the parties which are struggling to increase their numbers to inch closer to the simple majority figure of 112.

Court shot down BJP’s secret ballot request, Abhishek Manu Singhvi said  

“We want to set down a few things in perspective. The BJP’s lawyers pleaded in Supreme Court that more time should be given for the floor test. The court denied. They argued that a chief minister should not be barred from making decisions, but the apex court denied that as well. Then they wanted a secret ballot. Now any one who is smart will now why would anyone place such a demand. But Supreme Court denied that request as well,” Singhvi said.

Congress says historic hearing in SC today, says Abhishek Manu Singhvi

In a counter to Sambit Patra’s presser, Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that the Supreme Court has delivered a historic verdict. “. First time a question has been raised on the role of governor and which party can he invite according to the constitutional provisions,” Singhvi said.

Constitution cannot be altered to the whims of the Gandhis, says Sambit Patra

“This is the real face of Congress. They want to selectively read the Constitution of India,” Patra said. “Congress’s selective approach won’t work. The Constitution cannot be altered to the whims of the Gandhis,” he added.

Anticipating good show, Congress drafted plea for largest party to be invited, says BJP 

“The Congress party has been exposed completely,” Patra said. Citing a report in  The Times of India , Patra claimed that initially, anticipating good show the Congress party had drafted a  petition to be filed in Supreme Court, requesting it to order that the single-largest party should be called for swearing-in. But they changed the plea when they say that they will have to do the same thing.

“It seems they knew that Congress will be the single largest party & they had this doubt that BJP & JD(S) will come together to form the government,” Patra said.

Congress murdering the mandate: Sambit Patra

“Congress party is murdering the mandate. There is nothing larger than a mandate in a democracy,” BJP Sambit Patra said. He also pointed out that it was the same Congress party which was hell bent on impeaching the CJI. “I am happy to see that the Congress party is finally showing respect for the Supreme Court. I hope a similar veneration is maintained in future too, and they don’t change their stand from judgment to judgment,” Patra said.

Siddaramaiah leaves for Hyderabad by special flight

With the floor test hours away, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah left for Hyderabad on a special flight. He will escort the MLAs back to Bengaluru ahead of tomorrow’s floor test.

Tejashwi Yadav and other alliance leaders met Bihar Governor Satyapal Malik, hand over letters stating that RJD is the single largest party and hence should be invited to form government

Patna: Tejashwi Yadav and other alliance leaders met Bihar Governor Satyapal Malik, hand over letters stating that RJD is the single largest party and hence should be invited to form Government pic.twitter.com/K24yHxu3nH

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

Congress, JDS MLAs to leave from Hyderabad either this evening or tomorrow early morning, says JDS

“Rs 100 crore or Rs 200 crore, our MLAs are with us. None of our members are going away. Today, evening or tomorrow early morning, we all are leaving for Bengaluru,” JD(S) leader  GT Devegowda. 

Rs. 100 crore or Rs. 200 crore, our MLAs are with us. None of our members are going away. Today, evening or tomorrow early morning, we all are leaving for Bengaluru: GT Devegowda, JD(S) in #Hyderabad. pic.twitter.com/eBa1lc7SHn

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

A Pro tem Speaker should be impartial: RV Deshpande

The Governor appoints the senior-most legislator of the House as a Pro tem Speaker. Speaking to News18, RV Deshpande, who is the senior-most member of the Karnataka Assembly said, “Have not received any confirmation from Raj Bhavan whether I will be the pro tem Speaker tomorrow. Generally, the senior-most legislator is appointed as the Pro tem Speaker but since I have not been asked yet, so I cannot say anything.”

“House proceedings should be followed with decency. A Pro tem speaker should be impartial. I expect everyone will abide by the Supreme Court order,” Deshpande further added. 

#EXCLUSIVE -- House proceedings should be followed with decency. A Pro tem speaker should be impartial: @RV_Deshpande to CNN-News18 pic.twitter.com/5zUcOjfqnG

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

#EXCLUSIVE -- I expect everyone will abide by the Supreme Court order: @RV_Deshpande, Senior Congress MLA to CNN-News18 pic.twitter.com/hspLyxjIiI

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

#EXCLUSIVE -- I have not received any intimation from the Governor. Generally, the senior most member is appointed as Pro tem speaker: @RV_Deshpande to CNN-News18 #KarnatakaFloorTest pic.twitter.com/jSCiYK1hE5

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

Siddaramaiah: Governor listening to Shah, Modi and not following Constitution

"Governor is listening to Shah & Modi instead of following the Constitution. What the Governor did was a murder of democracy. Yeddyurappa had asked for seven days but Governor gave him 15 days to prove majority! It shows clear collusion with BJP": @siddaramaiah#SaveDemocracyDay pic.twitter.com/pIvVqRVOfb

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) May 18, 2018

Siddaramaiah: Governor Vajubhai Vala is an extended arm of the central government

“This is a historic decision. I welcome Supreme Court’s decision. Thank the supreme court for the same. Judges have once again risen to the occasion and taken the correct decision. a decision that protects democracy and the constitution. Constitution clearly states the importance of governor’s role. Governor mustnt favour any party and any decision he takes shouldn’t be biased. Bunch of us had gone to the Governor and told him that BJP doesn’t have the numbers. Karnataka did not vote for BJP. They don’t have anything more than 104 seats. On the other hand, the Congress, JDS and the Independents have 117 seats, Therefore, you should invite us to form the government, we told the governor. We tabled our claim even before the BJP approached the governor.”

#BREAKING 1st on CNN-News18 | Governor should not show favoritism: Siddaramaiah (@Siddaramaiah), Fmr Karnataka CM, at media briefing | #KarnatakaFloorTest pic.twitter.com/34Cd0JPceK

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

BJP implores to the “inner conscience” of MLAs ahead of floor test tomorrow

In a series of tweets, BJP’s Karnataka wing said, “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. We were ready to prove majority from the word go. We have more than the required number to sail through the floor test. We are looking forward to proving our mandate tomorrow. To all those doubting the strength of our mandate, we just have one thing to say: Wait and watch. Following SC’s order for floor test tomorrow at 4 PM, we want to make one thing very clear. 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! The drama that has been staged by JDS-Cong is there for everyone to see! They know fully well the discontent that exists amongst its own MLAs. It will be known to the world tomorrow! JDS-Cong may pull all their plugs. But rest assured, we will emerge victorious tomorrow.”

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.

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 18, 2018

We were ready to prove majority from the word go. We have more than the required number to sail through the floor test. We are looking forward to proving our mandate tomorrow.

To all those doubting the strength of our mandate, we just have one thing to say: Wait and watch.

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 18, 2018

Following SC's order for floor test tomorrow at 4 PM, we want to make one thing very clear.

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!

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 18, 2018

The drama that has been staged by JDS-Cong is there for everyone to see! They know fully well the discontent that exists amongst its own MLAs. It will be known to the world tomorrow!

JDS-Cong may pull all their plugs. But rest assured, we will emerge victorious tomorrow.

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 18, 2018

Wait and Watch, says BJP

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**"**We were ready to prove majority from the word go. We have more than the required number to sail through the floor test. We are looking forward to proving our mandate tomorrow.  To all those doubting the strength of our mandate, we just have one thing to say: Wait and watch."

We were ready to prove majority from the word go. We have more than the required number to sail through the floor test. We are looking forward to proving our mandate tomorrow.

To all those doubting the strength of our mandate, we just have one thing to say: Wait and watch.

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 18, 2018

Indian National Congress briefing after Supreme Court orders Karnataka floor test on Saturday at 4 PM

#BREAKING #LIVE | Congress (@INCIndia) briefing after Supreme Court (SC) orders Karnataka floor test Saturday at 4p… https://t.co/o9xnLAZZct

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

100% confident that we will prove full majority: BS Yeddyurappa

After Supreme Court’s floor test order, Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said, “Will discuss with Chief secretary and call for assembly session tomorrow. We are 100 percent confident that we will prove full majority.”

Congress-JDS take affidavits of all 116 MLAs which will be submitted first in the court and later sent to President Ram Nath Kovind

#BREAKING 1st on CNN-News18 | Congress-JD(S) take affidavits from all their MLAs. Affidavits of 116 MLAs with @dramsinghvi. Affidavits to be submitted in court and later sent to the President | @utkarsh_aanand, CNN-News18 Legal Editor with details | #KarnatakaFloorTest pic.twitter.com/z5uQ0UdC1n

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

QUICK RECAP

The Supreme Court gave a historic order.

– The floor test will happen tomorrow.

– Yeddyurappa can’t take decisions till the floor test, says Lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The Supreme Court ordered that a floor test be held in the Karnataka Assembly at 4 pm tomorrow to ascertain whether newly appointed BJP Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa enjoys a majority in the state. 

– Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Chief Minister, 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.

Watch: Mallikarjun Kharge, Ghulam Nabi Azad lead Congress rally

Congress workers gathered at the KPCC office for the start of the Raj Bhavan Chalo march led by Mallikarjun Kharge, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Dinesh Gundu Rao and others.

Input by Y Maheswara Reddy/Team 101Reporters

Supreme Court order vindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally: 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.”

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.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 18, 2018

Congress workers detained during protest 

Police detain Congress leaders who were taking out a rally to Raj Bhavan to protest the governor’s decision to invite BJP to form the government. Senior leaders such as Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge were leading the rally.

Input by Y Maheswara Reddy/Team 101Reporters

We will prove our majority, says BS Yeddyurappa 

BS Yeddyurappa said that the BJP will prove its majority in the floor of the House. “We will discuss with the chief secretary and call for Assembly session tomorrow. We will win with majority and obey the orders of the Supreme Court,” Yeddyurappa told reporters.

Flashpoints of Supreme Court ruling

1. Floor Test Must Be Conducted At 4pm Tomorrow 
2. Protem Speaker to decide the mode of test 
3. No Secret Ballot 
4. Govt shall not nominate the Anglo Indian Representative 
5. Government shall not take any major policy decisions

Congress’ official statement: Supreme Court has taken historic decision by ordering floor test tomorrow

“Today Supreme Court has taken many historic and interim decisions. First is, floor test will be conducted tomorrow at 4 pm. Then, BSY’s lawyer has given an undertaking that BS Yeddyurappa will not take any major policy decision until the floor test. Most importantly, Supreme Court will hear our petition which questions whether the governor should first invite the single largest party or should invite parties which have the number in ten weeks. There were several opposition to our stand but the Supreme Court has delivered a strong ruling and it should send a message to everyone who were opposed to this.”

Union minister Prakash Javadekar expresses confidence ahead of tomorrow’s trust vote

BJP is ready and confident of winning trust vote In #Karnataka . We will prove our majority on the floor of the House. @BSYBJP @narendramodi @AmitShah @BJP4Karnataka @BJP4India

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) May 18, 2018

What the Supreme Court ruled:

“After hearing the parties, we are of the opinion that it is necessary to peruse the letters dated 15th May 2018 and 16th May, 2018 submitted by the respondent no.3(Yeddyurappa) to the Governor which found a mention in the communication dated 16th May 2018 of the Hon’ble Governor. We request the learned Attorney General and/or respondent no.3 to produce these letters on the next date of hearing.

This Court is not passing any order staying the oath-taking ceremony of respondent no.3. In case, he is given oath in the meantime, that shall be subject to further orders of this Court and the final outcome of the writ petition”,  stated the order of the court.

BREAKING NEWS: Mukul Rohatgi has given an undertaking that BS Yeddyurappa will not take any major policy decision until the floor test

Live Law reports:

Protem Speaker will decide what manner the floor test should be held: SC via @kdrajagopal

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 18, 2018

Pro-Tem Speaker to decide manner of the floor test: Supreme Court

According to reports, the pro-tem Speaker will decide the manner in which the floor test should be conducted. RV Deshpande, the Pro tem speaker, is an eight-time Congress MLA from Haliyal, would not have powers like a regular speaker, but he would administer oath to all the newly elected MLAs.

If the reports are to be believed, this comes as a shot in the arm for the Congress and JDS. However, a detailed reading of the Supreme Court order is necessary to understand the ruling.

BREAKING NEWS: SUPREME COURT ORDERS FLOOR TEST TOMORROW AT 4 PM

Don’t nominate any Anglo-Indian community member as MLA till the floor test is over: Supreme Court

Supreme Court has directed not  to nominate any Anglo-Indian community member as MLA till the floor test is over.

While, Mukul Rohatgi sought more time for floor test saying there should be a reasonable time not one day, Supreme Court rejected the suggestion saying it should happen at the earliest. “It is not appropriate for floor test tomorrow,” Rohatgi said.

BREAKING NEWS: KK Venugopal suggests floor test by secret ballot, Supreme Court rejects suggestion

Floor Test most likely tomorrow

The Supreme Court is most likely inching towards ruling in favour of a floor test tomorrow. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Congress, said that the party is ready for it but “the entire proceedings should be video graphed  and ensure proper security to MLAs to vote fearlessly.”

Supreme Court rejected videographing of the floor test. Rohatgi suggested floor test on Monday, but the apex court has rejected the suggestion adding that the floor test should happen at the earliest.

Governor has no discretion to invite a party without the support of majority MLAs  to form govt: Sibal

Governor has no discretion to invite a party without the support of majority MLAs  to form government, Kapil Sibal, who is appearing for HD Kumaraswamy told the Supreme Court.

We’ll direct Karnataka DGP to ensure security and make proper arrangement for floor test on Saturday: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court seems poised to order in favour of a BS Yeddyurappa conducting a floor test tomorrow to prove his majority in the House. Heated arguments are underway in the apex court and Supreme Court has only made observations and not ordered anything till now. 

We will direct the Karnataka DGP to ensure security and make proper arrangement for floor test on Saturday: SC

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 18, 2018

How was Governor Vala convinced that Yeddyurappa has the numbers?

So, the question the Congress and JD(S) have raised and the Supreme Court will consider is this: If JD(S)-Congress combine have already demonstrated that they have the ability to form a stable government (with 116 MLAs), why did the governor chose the BJP, which has, officially, only 104 MLAs in this corner? Where from and how did Yedyurappa assure the governor that he would muster eight or more MLAs to form a stable government. And more important, how was the governor convinced that Yedyurappa had the numbers?

The BJP notched up 104 MLAs and is short of eight MLAs for a simple majority. On the other hand, JD(S) demonstrated, to the governor and the public, that it has the support of 116 MLAs, four more than the simple majority required to win the vote of confidence. Karnataka assembly has 224 seats, so normally the majority figure should have been 113. But polling was held only for 222 constituencies, because polling in two constituencies was put off to 20 May by the Election Commission. So the current majority figure is scaled down to 112.

Supreme Court suggests why not have a floor test tomorrow?

Proceedings in Supreme Court turned extremely interesting as Justice Sikri suggested that since the trust vote is the deciding factor, why not have it tomorrow? This, however, is merely a suggestion by the apex court.

The best solution is let there be a floor test at the earliest and let the House decide: Justice Bobde

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 18, 2018

The House will decide who has the majority:SC

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 18, 2018

But the Court must decide who is entitled to get the first chance : @DrAMSinghvi

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 18, 2018

Floor test should be conducted at the earliest : Justice Sikri

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 18, 2018

We have the support from Congress and JD(S) MLAs, I cant disclose more at this point: Rohatgi tells Supreme Court

Mukul Rohatgi hands over the letters saying BS Yeddyurappa was elected as leader of the single largest party and has sufficient numbers to prove majority. There is no need for BSY to give names of all MLAs who are supporting him  to governor and he is ready to prove majority any time. Supreme Court asks, “On what basis  the Karnataka Governor decided which party/coalition can prove the majority since both sides have given the letter to Governor?” 

“We have the support from Congress and JD(S) MLAs, I cant disclose more at this point,” says Rohatgi. “Also the letter submitted by Indian National Congress and the JDS does not have the signature of many MLAs,” Rohatgi added.

Supreme Court hearing begins

A specially constituted three-judge bench comprising Justices A K Sikri, S A Bobde and Ashok Bhushan begin hearing Congress-JD(S) petition. The bench of the apex court rejected a joint writ petition, filed by the Congress and the JDS on Wednesday night, to halt the swearing-in of Yeddyurappa as the Chief Minister at a special pre-dawn hearing. The bench, headed by Justice AKSikri, also sought the letter Yeddyurappa wrote to the Governor on Wednesday, informing him about his election as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislature party leader in Karnataka.

Congress and JDS MLAs arrive at Hyderabad’s Taj Krishna hotel

Two buses filled with MLAs of Congress and JDS arrived at the Taj Krishna Hotel in Hyderabad. There is no official confirmation in the number of MLAs who travelled to Hyderabad, but reports confirmed that they have arrived in Hyderabad. 

Supreme Court hearing to discuss the legality of BSY’s claim to form government will begin soon. 

Karnataka Congress MLAs arrive at #Hyderabad's Taj Krishna Hotel, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) head Uttam Kumar Reddy also present. pic.twitter.com/BTSwh4qtmU

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

Mukul Rohatgi: Will show the letter which was given by BSY to Governor which shows BJP has majority MLAs

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who is representing two BJP MLAs in the Karnataka hearing in Supreme Court said that he is going to show the court the letter which was given by BS Yeddyurappa to the Governor. “I am going to show the letter which was given by BS Yeddyurappa to the Governor which shows BJP has majority MLAs. Let the Congress-JD(S) prove their majority in the floor of the House after this verdict,” he said.

Sharma travels come to the rescue of Congress, JDS MLAs 

Loyalty and trust were again at a premium when the Congress and the JD(S) pressed the services of Sharma Travel services to ferry its MLAs to safe havens outside Karnataka. The extended drama went on well past midnight till Friday morning amid reports of the opposition planning to fly its legislators out of the prying attempts at poaching ahead of the trust vote on the BS Yeddyurappa government. 

All MLAs were expected to board a chartered plane from Mysore or Bangalore to Cochin in Left-ruled Kerala. But finally the newly elected lawmakers were packed in small groups in luxury buses from Sharma travels and sources said they were last spotted in Kurnool, possibly on their way to Hyderabad.

Congress, JDS MLAs likely to be shifted out of Park Hyatt, moved to Taj Krishna

News18 reports that the venue for the MLAs has been shifted to Taj Krishna hotel. The information was confirmed by the management of Park Hyatt hotel, where the Congress MLAs were initially put up.

#BREAKING -- Park Hyatt hotel management (where the Congress MLAs are staying) inform media and police officials that the MLAs have decided to shift the venue to Taj Krishna hotel | @tweetsakshi with more details #KarnatakaResortPolitics

LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/JvMlvuYhal pic.twitter.com/0n3CMAyjVv

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

Congress’ DK Suresh confirms MLAs have arrived at Hyderabad’s Park Hyatt

“They (MLAs) are coming here, we are arranging everything here. We are waiting for them, in another 2 hours they will come, JD(S) and Congress both,” says DK Suresh. 

#Hyderabad: Visuals from Park Hyatt Hotel. Congress MP from #Karnataka, DK Suresh, says, 'They (MLAs) are coming here, we are arranging everything here. We are waiting for them, in another 2 hours they will come, JD(S) and Congress both.' pic.twitter.com/CGDVINUOSU

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

BJP’s rebuttal to ‘resort politics’

Amid reports that Congress MLAs have reached Hyderabad with JDS MLAs in tow, BJP hit back at the two parties saying that they “misleading” people for the last couple of days. “Don’t know where the MLAs are. They are misleading people for last three to four days. You will know how we will prove the majority and how many MLAs support the government. We will respect Supreme Court’s judgement and it’ll have a bearing on further development of political scenario in Karnataka,” says BJP’s B Bommai.

Don't know where the MLAs are? They are misleading people for last 3-4 days. You will know how we will prove the majority&how many MLAs support the govt. We will respect SC's judgement, it'll have a bearing on further development of political scenario in Karnataka: B Bommai, BJP pic.twitter.com/2neAggHyEH

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

Congress to take protest to President Kovind

Congress party is seeking an appointment with President Ramnath Kovind to protest against the swearing-in of BS Yeddyurappa and Governor’s Vajubhai Vala’s decision to administer the oath of office  “unconstitutional”. Earlier, a three-judge bench of the apex court rejected at a special pre-dawn hearing, a joint writ petition filed by the Congress and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) on Wednesday night, to stall Yeddyurappa’s swearing-in.

The top court, however, said the swearing-in of Yeddyurappa was subject to the final outcome of the matter before it and posted the case for further hearing at 10.30 a.m on Friday.

#BREAKING -- Congress asks an appointment with President Ram Nath Kovind to protest the decision taken by the Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala | @_pallavighosh with more details #BattleForKarnataka

LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/0G6te90nhi pic.twitter.com/hzNCjUbzWm

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

‘BJP’s threatening atmosphere making Congress send MLAs to resort’

Speaking to India Today, Jaiveer Shergill said,​ “If Congress MLAs are scared then it is because of the threatening atmosphere created by the BJP. The minute the police was withdrawn from Eagleton Resort (where Congress MLAs were staying earlier) the BJP workers barged in.”

Governor Vala is the polite servant of the BJP: Saamna editorial 

After Shatrughan Sinha, now Shiv Sena criticised the politics unfolding in Karnataka. Saamana, Shiv Sena mouthpiece slammed BJP over politics in Karnataka. The editorial called the Karnataka Governor a ‘polite servant’ of the BJP. “What BJP is doing in Karnataka is Chanakyaneeti. Those who don’t understand it, are not just fools, but also traitors.” 

Saamana editorial also added a sarcastic comment saying ‘if Congress would have done the same, it would have been called the murder of democracy, but it is absolutely valid" when BJP does it.  

#BREAKING -- Shiv Sena's mouthpiece Saamana slams BJP over Karnataka, calls Governor a 'polite servant' of the BJP. 'What BJP is doing in Karnataka is Chanakyaneeti. Those who don't understand it, are not just fools, but also traitors' (1/2) #BattleForKarnataka pic.twitter.com/sO7KZF4GpD

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

#UPDATE -- It (Saamana) also adds a sarcastic comment saying 'if Congress would have done the same, it would have been called the murder of democracy, but it is absolutely valid if BJP is doing it.' (2/2) #BattleForKarnataka pic.twitter.com/AAjrPNH2pr

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

Kerala minister invites K’taka Cong, JD(S) MLAs to ‘God’s Own Country’ to avoid poaching

To avoid “horse-traders”, amid speculation that the newly-elected lawmakers may travel to Kochi to prevent any poaching bid, Kerala Tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran on Thursday invited Congress and JD(S) MLAs from Karnataka to “God’s Own Country”.

The invitation followed unconfirmed media reports that the Congress and JD(S) MLAs were being moved to Kerala by bus after being denied permission by aviation regulator DGCA to use charter planes from an airport near Bangalore. However, a Civil Aviation Ministry official said any DGCA permission is not required for charter operations within India. “Heard news frm diff sources that the elected representatives of K’taka are travelling to #Kerala. As the tourism minister of the state, we are happy to welcome them & aid them, there won’t be any trouble of horse traders here! (sic),” Surendran tweeted from his unverified Twitter handle soon after reports surfaced about a possible Kerala shift of the MLAs.

Congress MLAs reach Hyderabad’s Park Hyatt hotel

Karnataka MLAs arrive in Hyderabad’s Park Hyatt hotel. Security is tightened in and around the area. News18 reported that top two floors of the hotel are residential, which is where the MLAs, most probably, will be put up.

Congress to stage protests in Telangana today

Congress plans to organise protests across Telangana today against the decision o the Karnataka Governor inviting BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa t form the government, AICC functionary R C Khuntia said. Dharnas and rallies would be organised across th state, Khuntia, incharge of Congress affairs i Telangana, told reporters.

The AICC has called for protests all over th country against the “partial and authoritarian act” of th governor," he said. Leader of Opposition in Telangana Legislative Council Mohammad Ali Shabbir urged Telangana Chief Ministe K Chandrasekhar Rao to join those who are “trying to sav democracy” in the Karnataka issue.

Inputs from PTI

BJP’s Shatrughan Sinha calls Karnataka drama ‘politics of Jugaad and arm twisting’

In a series of tweets, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha hit out at the political slugfest unfolding in Karnataka and said that this is the politics of jugaad and arm twisting. 

“Sir, why are we playing with fire? Votaries of Democracy are now making mockery of System. Those who do not forget to sermonize on the value of Democracy are out to wreck the polity.” Sinha further added, " In the present situation, one really wishes that ultimately justice prevails. What is right for Peter should be right for Paul too. What is right for Meghalaya, Manipur & Goa should be right for Karnataka too !! God save Karnataka & Democracy! Jai Hind !!"

Sir, why are we playing with fire? Votaries of Democracy are now making mockery of System. Those who do not forget to sermonize on the value of Democracy are out to wreck the polity....1>2

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) May 17, 2018

This politics of ‘Jugaad’ & arm twisting -for that matter, ‘Dhan-shakti’ over ‘Jan-shakti’ is neither acceptable nor desirable. Sir, there is a saying - you can’t fool all the people all the time to win/ gain anyhow by hook or by crook & moreover the same is not advisable too.2>3

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) May 17, 2018

It may be termed as penny wise pound foolish politics. Hope, wish & pray that good sense, maturity & wisdom prevails. Now the matter has gone to court & the court mercifully agreed for a mid night drama which is great news to begin with. We hold judiciary in very high esteem.3>4

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) May 17, 2018

We shall wait and watch. In the present situation, one really wishes that ultimately justice prevails. What is right for Peter should be right for Paul too. What is right for Meghalaya, Manipur & Goa should be right for Karnataka too !! God save Karnataka & Democracy! Jai Hind !!

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) May 17, 2018

Confusion over “missing” Congress and JDS MLAs

As reports confirmed that Congress and JD(S) MLAs are being moved to Hyderabad, there is still confusion over previous reports which said that the MLAs will be going to Cochin and Puducherry. Kerala minister and JDS MLA MT Thomas said, “I’m definite they (Karnataka JD(S) MLAs) aren’t coming by flight so I’m moving to Kurnool. Not sure about their destination. If they come here, they’re welcome. I was expecting them yesterday but Civil Aviation department didn’t give permission to charter flight.”

I'm definite they (Karnataka JD(S) MLAs) aren't coming by flight so I'm moving to Kurnool. Not sure about destination if they come here, they're welcome. I was expecting them y'day but Civil Aviation Dept didn't give permission to charter flight: MT Thomas, Kerala JD(S) MLA & Min pic.twitter.com/nrPBv48nHs

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

All the MLAs are with us. We are going to Hyderabad and then we’ll decide where to stay: JDS MLA CS Puttaraju

​

Amid reports that JDS and Congress MLAs have been shifted out of Bengaluru to keep them away from being poached by the BJP, JDS MLA CS Puttaraju said that all the MLAs are on their way to Hyderabad. “We will then decide where to stay.”

#KarnatakaResortPolitics -- All the MLAs are with us. We are going to Hyderabad and then we’ll decide where to stay: JDS MLA C. S. Puttaraju to CNN-News18 pic.twitter.com/MHT64TGHpf

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

Congress, JD(S) MLAs en route to Hyderabad 

Quoting sources, CNN-News18 reported that the newly-elected JD(S) MLAs are being shifted to Hyderabad along with some Congress legislators. They are currently in Kurnool, from where they would take 2 to 3 hours to reach Hyderabad. 

#BREAKING -- Karnataka JD(S) MLAs in Kurnool on their way to Hyderabad | CNN-News18's @tweetsakshi with more details #BattleForKarnataka pic.twitter.com/pMeB8u2Eyk

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 18, 2018

Congress’ RV Deshpande recommended for pro tem Speaker

According to  News18 , the Karnataka Assembly Secretariat has forwarded Congress MLA RV Deshpande’s name to Governor Vajubhai Vala to be appointed as the pro tem (temporary) Speaker. As per convention, the senior-most member in the House gets recommended as the pro tem Speaker when it is newly-constituted. 

The pro-tem Speaker would get to take a call on whether the trust vote should be held through a voice vote or ballot.

Senior IAS, IPS officers changed as Yeddyurappa assumes charge

Hours after BS Yeddyurappa assumed office as chief minister, several IAS and IPS officers were transferred in a top level reshuffle on Thursday. The reshuffle includes the transfers of the advocate general of the state, senior police officers and the additional chief secretary to the chief minister, according to News18 .

The government appointed M Lakshminarayana, additional chief secretary, public works department, as the additional chief secretary to the chief minister. It also notified that his position will be equivalent to the additional chief secretary in home department.

Senior IPS officer Amar Kumar Pandey, serving as Additional Director General of Police, Railways, has been made ADGP, Intelligence, according to a government notification. 

With inputs from PTI

Karnataka drama echoes in North East, Goa and Bihar

Former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and former Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma have sought time from respective governors of the state for a meeting today, reports said. Not just Meghalaya, Manipur, even Bihar and Goa on Thursday threatened to march till Raj Bhavan and stake claim to form government. 

Opposition leader of Manipur Legislative Assembly Ibobi Singh told reporters that since his party was the single largest party as it had won 28 seats out of 60, during the 2017 Assembly elections in the state, he would state claim to form the government.

Former Manipur CM Okram Ibobi Singh & former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma have sought time from respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/M3xunbU8Vf

— ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018

HD Deve Gowda seeks divine intervention amid political chaos in Karnataka

HD Deve Gowda, former Prime Minister and JD(S) chief, visited Tirupati temple last night #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/zUGgQCnVbb

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018

Congress MLAs shifted out of Bengaluru hotels; leave for Cochin, Hyderabad and Puducherry by road

News18 report stated that Congress MLAs have been shifted out of Karnataka. However, as the chaos after election results spiral out of control in Karnataka, confusion prevails. Firstpost wasn’t able to independently verify the information, but News18 quoted sources saying that several Congress MLAs had moved out of Eagleton resort and Shangri-La hotel in Bengaluru and left for Puducherry, while a few JDS MLAs were shipped off to Cochin and Hyderabad. 

JDS CM candidate HD Kumaraswamy, however, told reporters that all MLAs from both the parties were united and staying in the same place.

All eyes on Supreme Court today

A marathon midnight hearing and a tumultuous day later, all eyes are on the Supreme Court today, which is set to hear a petition filed by the Congress against Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala who invited the BJP to form the government on 16 May. 

The Supreme Court tonight said it was not in favour of deferring BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa’s swearing-in as Karnataka Chief Minister, even as the Congress and JD (S) continued their past-midnight legal push to stall the government formation in the state.

“As far as swearing-in is concerned, we are not restraining it, but we are making it subject to the outcome of the case,” a three-judge bench, comprising justices A K Sikri, S A Bobde and Ashok Bhushan, said in a rare past-midnight hearing that was continuing till the wee hours of Thursday.

Opposition Congress to meet Manipur governor to stake claim to form govt

Amid the political development in Karnataka, Opposition Congress in Manipur today said the party leaders would meet the governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the north-eastern state.

Opposition leader of Manipur Legislative Assembly O Ibobi Singh today told reporters that since his party was the single largest party as it had won 28 seats out of 60, during the 2017 Assembly elections in the state, he would state claim to form the government.

The governor had then invited the BJP, which had only won 21 seats out of the 60 seats in the Manipur Assembly, he said. Singh said he would meet the governor tomorrow following the swearing-in of BJP leader B S Yeddyuraapa as chief minister of Karnataka.

Meghalaya Congress to hold demonstrations today against Karnataka Governor Vala inviting BJP to form govt

Opposition Congress, which had won the largest number of seats in the February Assembly poll in Meghalaya, will hold demonstrations across the state tomorrow to protest the Karnataka Governor’s decision of inviting the BJP to form government. The Congress had secured 20 out of the 58 seats of Meghalaya Assembly in the polls.

But it was the conglomerate of the National Peoples Party which had secured 19 seats formed the government with the support of other regional parties and the BJP.

Regional parties United Democratic Party (six), Peoples Democratic Front (two), the Hills State Peoples Democratic Party (two), NCP (one), independents (two) besides the BJP, which won just two seats came together to form the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance under Conrad Sangma.

NPP’s seats increased to 20, the same as that of the Congress, after the party won the April 27 election in Williamnagar, where polls were countermanded following the killing of its candidate.