BackAmid ongoing political crisis, Kumaraswamy seeks trust vote
At least 16 legislators from the Congress and JD(S) have resigned since 1 JulyThe speaker is yet to give his decision on the matter
PremiumBengaluru: Karnataka chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, on Friday, sought time from the legislative assembly speaker to carry out a trust vote to prove the strength of the Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) and Congress coalition government.
His request for a trust vote almost challenges the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its demand that Kumaraswamy should step down as the coalition does not enjoy a majority in the lower house anymore.
"I am voluntarily seeking a trust vote in the wake of the political developments, " Kumaraswamy said in his opening remarks on the first day of the monsoon session.
Kumaraswamy's demand comes at a time when the coalition has witnessed a spate of resignations, threatening to bring down the year-old government.
"I am ready for everything and not here to stick to my chair," he added. The chief minister sought time from the speaker for the trust vote.
At least 16 legislators from the Congress and JD(S) have resigned since 1 July, even though the speaker is yet to give his decision on the matter.
If the resignations are accepted, the coalition would be reduced to 100 (excluding the speaker) while the BJP has 105 and the support of two independent legislators who earlier withdrew support to the government.
At least 10 legislators from the Congress and JD(S) are facing potential disqualification after the two parties moved a petition in the wake of the mass resignations,allegedly on the behest of the BJP that is hoping to form the next government in the state.
The BJP said that it was on expected lines, but expressed confidence that the government will fall short of numbers.
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