Section 144 to be imposed in Bengaluru amid Karnataka floor test drama, 'Accidental CM' Kumaraswamy admits 'Yes, I have a room in a 5-star hotel'

As Chief Minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy speaks in the Vidhan Soudha minutes before the trust vote thatis scheduled at 06:00 PM, Section 144 has been imposed in Bengaluru. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of 1973 empowers a magistrate to prohibit an assembly of more than four people in an area. According to sections141-149 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the maximum punishment for engaging in rioting is rigorous imprisonment for 3 years and/or fine.

Even as Kumaraswamy continued with his monologue in the assembly, sometimes citing that he is not power-hungry and on other times blaming media for wrongly highlighting the developments in the state. He said: "I ask the electronic media, why are you selling the country for the sake of TRP? Even when I'm going home, cameras follow me . Don't I have my privacy? It's my parent's or God's blessings that I am even alive and standing here today. I am a sensitive & emotional person."

Responding to his five star stay that was exclusively broken by Republic TV, he said:  "Yes I have a room in a 5 star hotel. I didn’t meet people or even officials in that room. I didn't get a 5 star room for illegitimate activities. Can any leader prove I was involved in a scam? Show me the proof. I've never taken a Govt bungalow, now an official car, never claimed TA/DA - I use my own car. Yes I have a room in a 5 star hotel. I didn’t meet people or even officials in that room.

Just as the clocked ticked for the floor test, he said: "Fed up of the current situation and ready to sacrifice my CM post  I will not face the current situation and take blame. I will be happy to give up the CM post. I have worked honestly for the people of the state."

Meanwhile, informing about the imposition of Section 144, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Alok Kumar said that it is imposed in view of all political parties and the clashes being reported from across various parts of the city. Section 144 upto 6 pm on July 25.

• From 6pm onwards
• For 2 days 
• Bars and Pubs to remain shut for 48 hours
• Pubs, bars, wine stores to be closed
• Section 144 till Thursday 6pm. 

Karnataka crisis: How it developed

In a last-ditch attempt,  HD Kumaraswamy on Monday sought an appointment with Governor Vajubhai Vala's office at 6:30 PM, as per sources. However, the Speaker K R Ramesh has refused to entertain the CM's request for time till Wednesday. He denied permission in the morning as well. HDK has said more discussion required on the floor of the house.
 

This development follows after 2-3 Congress MLAs and the lone BSP MLA were not present on the Vidhan Soudha on Monday. Apart from this, 2 Congress MLAs have not been present since day 1. Earlier in the day, on the Assembly floor, while Kumaraswamy tried to buy more time by saying that he will prove majority by Wednesday, the Speaker reminded the government's commitment to conclude the trust vote process on Monday.
 

Previously on Sunday, both Congress and BJP held legistaure party meetings at 5-star hotels in Bengaluru ahead of the looming trust vote. 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. 
 

Meanwhile, BSP Supremo Mayawati had directed Karnataka BSP MLA N Mahesh to vote in favour of the state CM H D Kumaraswamy's government. Incidentally, Mahesh was among the 20 members who had missed the Karnataka Assembly session on Thursday and Friday apart from the 15 rebels MLAs, two independent MLAs, and Congress MLAs Srimant Patil and B Nagendra.
 

On July 19, the drama of the assembly was put on hold till Monday, with the Assembly being adjourned by the Speaker after failing to meet the governor's deadline at 6 PM to conduct trust vote that would decide the fate of HD Kumaraswamy-led coalition government.  BJP Karnataka chief BS Yeddyurappa, on Friday, had said that the current coalition JD(S)-Congress government has time till Monday to prove its majority saying that BJP had the numbers while Kumarswamy did not.