Karnataka trust vote: JD(S)-Cong to face confidence motion; Kumaraswamy appeals to rebel MLAs to attend session, save democracy & expose BJP. LIVE updates here

The strength of Congress-JD(S) coalition in the Karnataka is likely to be put to test on Monday, July 22 after it missed two deadlines by Governor Vajubhai Vala to conduct floor test and prove its majority. At least fifteen rebel MLAs from the coalition are camping in Mumbai. 

While sources have said that the ruling coalition is trying to delay the confidence motion and win back the rebel MLAs, the Congress-JD(S) alliance has repeatedly accused that BJP of horse-trading. In a tweet, HD Kumaraswamy said that BJP has 'set a new benchmark for immoral politics. 

He has appealed to the rebel MLAs to attend the assembly and describe the way BJP 'took them away forcefully''. He also asked them to save the Constitution and democracy by such 'evil forces'.

Meanwhile, as per sources, the rebel MLAs are firm about quitting the coalition and await the decision of their resignation by Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar. The BJP has accused the government of delaying the trust vote. Kumaraswamy and the Congress had moved the Supreme Court on Friday, accusing the Governor of interfering with the Assembly proceedings when the debate on the trust vote was underway and sought clarification on its July 17 order, which they said, caused hindrance in issuing whip to the legislators.

On Sunday, two Independent MLAs Shankar and Nagesh have approached the Supreme Court about the breakdown of Constitution and democracy in Karnataka - where a CM despite not having a majority in the house is stalling a trust vote by dubious tactics. They alleged that the CM HD Kumaraswamy is planning to admit himself to a hospital to further delay the trust vote. The BSP MLA has been asked to remain neutral by party chief Mayawati.

During the assembly proceedings on Friday, the Speaker overlooking the deadline of 1.30 pm by the Governor to hold the trust vote said that since some MLAs did not receive the chance to participate in the discussion, it would continue later. Following this, another deadline of 6.00 pm for the confidence motion was set by the Governor which too was not followed in the assembly.

Here are the numbers at present:

BJP - 105 MLAs

Congress-JD(S) MLAs - 100 including Ramalinga Reddy 

Speaker- 1

Rebels MLAs- 15

Independent- 2

BSP MLA - 1

Congress MP BK Hariprasad has given notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 for the suspension of business for discussion over 'Constitutional crisis in Karnataka'

Ahead of the possibility of a trust vote, Congress has tweeted saying that 'everything is for sale for BJP and the Karnataka Assembly is no exception. They posted the tweet showing the assembly overlayed with a print of a barcode.

Supreme Court has refused for an urgent hearing into 2 independent Karnataka MLAs' plea to direct Speaker to conduct trust vote by evening. It said it may hear it on Tuesday. 

BJP's Karnataka chief BS Yeddyurappa reaches Vidhana Soudha ahead of floor test.

Earlier on Monday, BJP MLAs lodged at Bengaluru's Ramada hotel in the morning performed yoga.

Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar has summoned rebel MLAs to meet him at his office at 11 am on July 23. The notice has been issued over disqualification (of rebel MLAs) petition by coalition leaders
 

Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy tries to buy more time. In the meeting with the Speaker he said that he will prove majority by Wednesday. The Speaker had already said today's business is to conduct trust vote.

Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar has asked the government to honour its commitment to conclude the trust vote process on Monday.

 Congress leader DK Shivakumar speaking in the Karnataka assembly: Why is the BJP not accepting it wants the chair? Why are they not accepting the fact that they are behind 'Operation Lotus'? They should accept that they have spoken to these(rebel) MLAs.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah meets Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar at his chamber

As per sources, Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy is seeking time with the Governor Vajubhai Vala's office for 6:30 pm. But nothing has been scheduled yet.

This comes after the Speaker said that he had promised to conduct trust vote on Monday and instructed all MLAs to be present in the assembly. "I have given my words to conduct floor test today. Siddaramiah and HD Kumaraswamy had given their words that they will prove majority."
 

Karnataka Home Minister MB Patil has called an official meeting with the Commissioner of Police to discuss zero traffic reportedly given to rebel MLAs when they came back to Bengaluru to meet the speaker. JD(S) MLA, AT Ramaswamy, had raised this matter in assembly today.

Coalition leaders create a ruckus in the Assembly, demand more time for discussion.

According to Republic sources, the Congress-JDS continues to protest even after house reconvening.

It has been reliably learned that in a desperate attempt to avoid the trust vote, the Chief Minister of Karnataka may also rake up an emergent situation and use medical emergencies including hospitalization.”

Karnataka case of independent MLAs listed for hearing on Tuesday in the Supreme Court.

As per sources, Speaker has filed a response to Supreme Court in an affidavit saying he has summoned all 16 rebels to appear by 11AM in front of him and if they fail to do so, he will disqualify them.