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Karnataka news LATEST updates: Denying that he slowed down the process on resignations, Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar said at a press conference, “I felt hurt when I saw some news that I am delaying the process. The governor informed me on 6 July. I was in office till then and later I left for personal work. Before that, no MLAs informed that they were coming to meet me.” He further said: “If calling the MLAs for personal hearing is seen as a delay then do you expect me to take action on them in a lighting speed? Should I not follow the rules of procedure?” The first batch of rebel MLAs have reached the Vidhana Soudha to submit their resignations. The Karnataka Assembly Speaker is expected to address the media at 7 pm. Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar has reached his office after the Supreme Court directed him to meet the rebel MLAs on Thursday itself. Meanwhile, the state cabinet resolved to face the situation “bravely” and “withstand” it unitedly. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Congress leader DK Shivakumar and other coalition leaders are inspecting security arrangement at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. The rebel MLAs have been directed by the Supreme Court to meet Karnataka Assembly speaker at 6 pm on Thursday and resubmit their resignations. Speaker Ramesh Kumar had moved court to request more time for filing his reply. The application filed by the speaker requests the court to vacate the interim order passed this morning directing the Speaker to meet the rebel MLAs today. Two more rebel MLAs from Karnataka have joined their dissident colleagues who are staying at a hotel in Mumbai, on Thursday, PTI reported. As the rebel MLAs are heading to Bangalore to appear before the Speaker, the Bangalore Police is getting ready to tackle any kind of face-off between the BJP, Congress and JD(S) workers. According to one of the top police officers, additional protection has been already put into place, right from the airport to Vidhana Soudha. The MLAs’ vehicle will also be escorted to the Vidhana Soudha. Congress leader Siddaramaiah has reportedly requested Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to disqualify at least two of the 16 rebel MLAs, Ramesh Jarkhiholi and Mahesh Kumathhalli. The Supreme Court on Thursday requested Speaker KR Ramesh to communicate his decision to the court by Friday and asked DGP Karnataka to grant security to 10 rebel MLAs when they reach Bangalore from Mumbai. Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Anand Sharma protested in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament on Wednesday against Karnataka and Goa political crisis. Amid the political upheaval in Karnataka, a meeting of the state Cabinet will be held on Thursday at Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the Cabinet meeting will have all the ministers as they have only submitted their resignations to their party presidents, not to Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy. The meeting comes a day after Karnataka Water Minister DK Shivakumar, who went to Mumbai to meet the rebel MLAs staying at a hotel there, was detained by Mumbai Police and not allowed to meet the rebel MLAs. Shivakumar, who returned to Bengaluru late on Wednesday, said it was a “matter of shame” that he was “forcefully deported” back to Bengaluru. “Mumbai is known for its hospitality. I had booked a room there and was on an official visit to meet my friends and colleagues, but BJP and officials misused their authority. It’s a matter of shame,” Shivakumar told ANI. Soon after Shivakumar, rebel Karnataka Congress MLA ST Somashekar also returned to Bengaluru from Mumbai. Somashekhar, who is the Chairman of Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), is expected to attend a meeting of the BDA scheduled to take place later today. “I have come back. I will be here in Bengaluru; I am not going back to Mumbai. I have resigned, (but) I am in Congress party,” Somashekar told ANI after returning to Bengaluru. Somashekar, along with nine other MLAs of Congress and JDS, was staying at the Renaissance - Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel. Shivakumar had reached the hotel in Mumbai on Wednesday morning to pacify the rebel MLAs. He was, however, forced to sit outside the hotel after being denied entry. Later, Mumbai Police detained Shivakumar, Milind Deora, and other Congressmen and kept them at Kalinga University rest house. The 13-month old Congress-JD(S) government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week. Congress’ Roshan Baig and independent H Nagesh have also deserted the HD Kumaraswamy government. The Congress has been accusing the BJP of conspiring to topple the coalition government in Karnataka. The ruling alliance is making all efforts to protect its government which seems to have fallen short of a majority. The state Assembly has 225 members, including one nominated MLA. The halfway mark in the 225-member Assembly is 113.
Karnataka news updates: 'Can't work at lightning speed'; Speaker slams claims of delay in accepting resignations
Karnataka news LIVE updates: Denying that he slowed down the process on resignations, Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar said at a press conference, “I felt hurt when I saw some news that I am delaying the process. The governor informed me on 6 July. I was in office till then and later I left for personal work. Before that, no MLAs informed that they were coming to meet me.”
 "Karnataka news updates: 'Can't work at lightning speed'; Speaker slams claims of delay in accepting resignations")
Speaker slams rebel MLAs for approaching governor, SC over resignation issue
Lashing out at the rebel MLAs for approaching governor and the Supreme Court over their resignation issue, Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar said, “The MLAs didn’t communicate with me and rushed to governor. What can he do? Is it not misuse (of the system)? They approached the Supreme Court. My obligation is to the people of the state and to the Constitution of this republic.”
Rebel MLAs said they went to Mumbai after threats by some people: Speaker
Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar said that the rebel MLAs told him that they went to Mumbai due to fear because some people had threatened them. “But I told them that they should’ve approached me and I would’ve given them protection. Only three working days have elapsed (since the submission of resignation letters), but they behaved like an earthquake occurred,” he said.
Karnataka Speaker: They (rebel MLAs) told me that some people had threatened them & they went to Mumbai in fear. But I told them that they should've approached me & I would've given them protection. Only 3 working days have elapsed but they behaved like an earthquake occurred. pic.twitter.com/c3Y0PCD4x1
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019
Will send video of meeting with rebel MLAs to Supreme Court: Speaker
Asserting that the rebel MLAs submitted their resignation letters in the correct format on Thursday, Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar said that he needs to examine the resignations all night and ascertain if they are genuine. On the Supreme Court order, he said, “The Supreme Court has asked me to take a decision. I have videographed everything and I will send it to the Supreme Court.”
Speaker addresses issue of resignation letters not being in ‘prescribed format’
Speaking to the media, Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar said, “On Monday, I scrutinised resignations based on Rule 202 of the Karnataka Assembly Rules and Procedures. Eight letters weren’t in prescribed format. In case of the rest, I’m obliged to look if resignations are voluntary and genuine. I won’t speak about voluntary and genuine nature of resignations.”
Did slow down process on resignations, says Speaker
Denying that he slowed down the process on resignations, Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar said at a press conference, “I felt hurt when I saw some news that I am delaying the process. The governor informed me on 6 July. I was in office till then and later I left for personal work. Before that, no MLAs informed that they were coming to meet me.”
He further said: “On 6 July, I was in my chamber till 1.30 pm. The MLAs came there at 2 pm, and they hadn’t even taken prior appointment. So, it’s not true that I ran away because they were coming… If calling the MLAs for personal hearing is seen as a delay then do you expect me to take action on them in a lighting speed? Should I not follow the rules of procedure?”
Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar: I felt hurt when I saw some news that I am delaying the process. Governor informed me on 6th. I was in office till then and later I left for personal work. Before that no MLAs informed that they were coming to meet me. pic.twitter.com/21bJGPe6It
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019
Watch: Rebel Congress MLA Byrathi Basavaraj runs to reach Speaker’s office
The rebel MLAs were supposed to meet the Speaker at 6 pm on Thursday. According to reports, the bus carrying the MLAs got a signal-free route to let the MLAs reach the Speaker’s office on time.
#WATCH: Rebel Congress MLA Byrathi Basavaraj runs into the Speaker's office in Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/L6zrzPqCub
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019
Congress issues whip to MLAs to be present in Assembly tomorrow
Congress chief whip in Assembly Ganesh Hukkeri issued a whip to party MLAs to attend Friday’s session to pass the finance Bill and other matters, failing which absent MLAs will be disqualified under the anti-defection law.
Watch: Rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs reach Speaker’s office
#WATCH Karnataka: Rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs reach Speaker's office in Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/K3U8k8BmAo
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019
First batch of rebel MLAs arrive at Vidhana Soudha, says reports
The first batch of rebel MLAs have arrived at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru to submit their resignation letters. Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar is expected to address media at 7 pm.
Bus of rebel MLAs stuck in traffic, say reports
According to reports, the bus carrying the rebel MLAs is stuck in traffic in Bengaluru. The Supreme Court earlier asked the Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to decide ‘forthwith’ on Thursday about the resignation of 10 rebel Congress-JD(S) coalition MLAs, allowing them to meet him at 6 pm.
JD(S) files disqualification plea against three rebel MLAs
The Janata Dal (Secular) has filed a disqualification petition against their three rebel MLAs – Narayan Gowda, Gopalaiah, and H Vishwanath, according to reports.
BJP MLAs meet at Vidhana Soudha
According to reports, BJP MLAs are holding a meeting in the Vidhana Soudha, where the rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs are expected to arrive in some time to meet the Speaker. The rebel legislators are currently on their way to the Assembly,
Govt will survive,ready to face no-confidence motion: Cabinet
The Karnataka Cabinet that met on Thursday resolved to face the situation “bravely” and “withstand” it unitedly. Expressing confidence that the government would survive, the cabinet that met under the leadership of Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said it was ready to face a no-confidence motion, if moved by the Opposition BJP.
“Political developments were discussed, what was discussed and decided was that the government is in a crisis situation, there is no doubt about it, various reasons for it and steps to solve it were discussed,” Rural Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said.
PTI
Rebel MLAs’ plane takes off from Mumbai
According to India Today, the special flight for Bengaluru carrying rebel MLAs has taken off from Mumbai. The legisators are expected to meet the Speaker at 6 pm on Thursday.
Rowdyism of BJP legislators a blot to the society: Congress
Amid the crisis in Karnataka, Congress lashed out at the BJP, saying that the saffron party’s legislators had brought “a very bad name to Karnataka and have shamed the state with their demeanor”.
' @BJP4India trying to suppress Democracy
— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) July 11, 2019
The Rowdyism & hooligan behavior of their legislators are a blot
to the society
They have brought a very bad name to Karnataka and have shamed the state with their demeanor.
This act is deplorable and anti-democratic#BJPKidnapsMLAs
HDK, DK Shivakumar inspect security arrangement at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru
Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Congress leader DK Shivakumar and other coalition leaders are inspecting security arrangement at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. The rebel MLAs have been directed by the Supreme Court to meet Karnataka Assembly speaker at 6 pm on Thursday and resubmit their resignations.
Karnataka: CM HD Kumaraswamy, Congress leader DK Shivakumar and others inspect security arrangement at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. The rebel MLAs have been directed by the Supreme Court to meet Karnataka assembly speaker at 6 pm today & resubmit their resignations. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/Sm4Vqq5R00
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019
SC cannot give direction to Speaker on resignation of MLAs: Singhvi
Hours after the Supreme Court directed the 10 rebel MLAs to appear before speaker KR Ramesh Kumar in the evening, the Congress contended in the court that it cannot give such a direction to the Speaker.
Raising the matter before the bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi in the afternoon, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, “Such a direction, asking the Speaker to decide on the resignation of ten rebels, cannot be issued by the Supreme Court.”
He said a decision on the resignation fell within the purview of the Speaker under the anti-defection law and that power cannot be curtailed or abridged. He said the court has posted matter along with the main petition for Friday morning.
ANI
Youth Congress workers detained in Kolkata for protesting over Karnataka
West Bengal: Members and workers of Youth Congress staged protest on the streets of Kolkata over political situation in Karnataka. They were later detained by police. pic.twitter.com/lJBA7jqFLV
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019
Rebel MLAs reach Mumbai airport
The 10 MLAs are expected to reach Bengaluru by 4 pm today and will meety the Speaker in Vidhan Soudha at 6 pm.
Mumbai: Rebel Congress MLAs reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. They have been directed by the Supreme Court to meet the Karnataka Assembly Speaker at 6 pm today and submit their resignations if they so wish. pic.twitter.com/1gUDE7lzCD
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019
Speaker moves SC, seeks more time to decide on rebel MLAs; SC to hear matter tomorrow
The Karnataka Speaker agreed to meet rebel MLAs at 6 pm, as per the Supreme Court order. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi representing the government’s side mentioned the matter before Supreme Court said that Constitution makes it mandatory for the disqualification applications to be decided first. The Speaker cannot decide on resignations until then.
Speaker Ramesh Kumar had moved court to request more time for filing his reply. The application filed by the speaker requests the court to vacate the interim order passed this morning directing the Speaker to meet the rebel MLAs today. The speaker, in his application, says judiciary cannot direct speaker of the legislature to take a decision saying the decision on the matter cannot be taken by midnight. He urged for an urgent hearing at 2 pm today.
The CJI-led bench, however, rejected his appeal for urgent hearing and said that it has already passed the order in the morning and it is for the speaker to decide what his course of action should be. We will hear you tomorrow, the bench tells the speaker.
Supreme Court said, 'In the morning we have fixed the matter for hearing tomorrow'. https://t.co/QbJ6igQ6lq
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019
BJP has nothing to do with our stay in Mumbai: Rebel MLA Byrathi Basavaraj
Speaking to reporters before departure to Bengaluru, ex-Congress MLA Byrathi Basavaraj said as per the Supreme Court’s direction they are leaving for Bengaluru to resubmit their resignations to Speaker. “There is no change in our stand,” he said. Refuting charges that they are in the custody of BJP, Basavaraj said “they were still members of Congress party,” and added: “we have only sought protection from Maharashtra government.” “Apart from that the local government here (Maharashtra) has nothing to do with our stay in Mumbai,” he said.
Speaker to act as per rules: Mallikarjun Kharge
Kharge on Thursday said that the Supreme Court’s order has to be followed and that the senior party leaders in the state will decide the future course of action.
Mallikarjun Kharge,Congress on SC asking 10 rebel Karnataka MLAs to meet the Karnataka Assembly Speaker at 6pm today & submit their resignations if they so wish: The Court has ordered, naturally that will be followed. As per law they have to act. Speaker will also go as per rule. pic.twitter.com/BnWouJyvbE
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019
K’taka MLAs leave Mumbai hotel
All Karnataka MLAs have left Mumbai’s Renaissance Hotel to board a flight for Bengaluru.
‘SC order has to be followed," says Mallikarjun Kharge
Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said that the Supreme Court’s order has to be followed. “Let them come and meet (the Governor). I haven’t spoken to anyone. Senior party leaders will decide,” he told reporters in Delhi.
‘BJP govt will be formed in K’taka’: Rebel MLA Vishwanath
Rebel MLA Vishwanath said that a BJP government likely to be formed in Karnataka. “We all (rebel MLAs) are toegther, this government is going to fall. We Will stick together in the speaker’s chambers too,” he was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
BJP Legislative Party to meet at 5 pm today
BJP Legislative Party meeting to be held at 5 pm on Thursday at BS Yeddyurappa’s chamber in Vidhan Soudha.
‘We don’t need this govt, they never listened to us,’ rebel MLA ST Somashekar
“The commitment made by the coalition govt couldn’t satisfy us. We didn’t take this decision all of a sudden, we had even informed earlier, but they did not care,” Somashekhar told the media in Bengaluru.
ST Somashekar: Since last 3 days they became active to solve our issues. Why did they not care about us before? You imposed an IAS officer on Bengaluru Development Authority to scrutinise me as I am the BDA president. When you (govt) take such decisions, we don't need this govt. https://t.co/Id9v6VrmG6
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019
Two more Karnataka MLAs join rebels at Mumbai hotel
Two more rebel MLAs from Karnataka have joined their dissident colleagues who are staying at a hotel in Mumbai, on Thursday, PTI reported.
Congress accuses BJP of ‘horse-trading’
The Congress on Thursday protested outside the Parliament and accused the BJP of horse trading. Meanwhile, BS Yeddyurappa is holding a meeting with 10-12 BJP MLAs, including KG Bopaiah, India Today reported.
Shri Rahul Gandhi and senior leaders of the Congress Party protest outside the Parliament against horse-trading by the BJP, pic.twitter.com/ou9kij6mai
— Congress (@INCIndia) July 11, 2019
Congress accuses BJP of ‘Operation Lotus’
“Operations LOTUS with money and muscle power has exceeded all limits of acceptance,” the Karnataka Congress tweeted.
' @BJP4Karnataka by wielding their power are trying to bring down a democratically elected Govt
— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) July 11, 2019
Operations LOTUS with money & muscle power has exceeded all limits of acceptance
MLA's are kidnapped and victimized sounding the death knell for democratic values - @kcvenugopalmp pic.twitter.com/ezdjdrDrBp
Cops ready to tackle any situation
As the rebel MLAs are heading to Bangalore to appear before the Speaker, the Bangalore Police is getting ready to tackle any kind of face-off between the BJP, Congress and JD(S) workers. According to one of the top police officers, additional protection has been already put into place, right from the airport to Vidhana Soudha. The MLAs’ vehicle will also be escorted to the Vidhana Soudha.
Input by M Raghuram
MLAs to leave Mumbai in a special flight at 2.30 pm
According to sources, the 10 rebel MLAs will board a charter flight to Bangalore at 2.30 pm, their expected time of arrival at HAL airport is 4 pm.
Input by M Raghuram
Will meet Speaker as per SC order: Rebel MLA Vishwanath
Leader of the rebel MLAs H Vishwanath has stated that he and other MLAs will present themselves before the Speaker this evening as per the Supreme court orders, but they also expect the state government and the Speaker to ensure their safety as per the verdict of the Supreme Court.
Input by M Raghuram
DCP (crime) Girish arrives at Speaker’s chamber after SC order
According to reports, crime branch DCP Girish has arrived at the Speaker’s chamber at Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru.
Have confidence in MLAs, they will return: DK Shivakumar
Karnataka Minister and Congress leader DK Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru: “We have confidence that the MLAs will be with us. I hope they will come back and withdraw their resignation.”
Karnataka Minister and Congress leader DK Shivakumar in #Bengaluru: We have confidence that the MLAs will be with us. I hope they will come back and withdraw their resignation. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/qmfqPsPRee
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2019
Siddaramaiah requests Speaker to disqualify at least two of 16 rebel MLAs
Congress leader Siddaramaiah has reportedly requested Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to disqualify at least two of the 16 rebel MLAs, Ramesh Jarkhiholi and Mahesh Kumathhalli. They both had chosen to defy the whip of the Congress Legislative Committee for the meeeting held on Wednesday at Vidhan Soudha.
DK Shivakumar tweets about ‘dark day of Indian democracy’
The Congress leader who was detained from outside a Mumbai hotel along with Maharashtra Congress leaders including Milind Deora called the police action ‘shameful and intimidating’.
It was a dark day for Indian democracy. BJP Govt used police to stop me from meeting my Congress & JD(S) MLAs in Mumbai & detained me.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) July 10, 2019
These sort of intimidation tactics will not deter loyal Congressmen like me. We will continue our fight to uphold democracy in India. Jai Hind. pic.twitter.com/VWcL1h5TxV
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