JD(S)-Cong govt in Karnataka falls, CM Kumaraswamy loses confidence vote

The Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka headed by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy collapsed on Monday night capping a 14-month long turbulent tenure, losing a vote of confidence in the Assembly, setting the stage for the BJP's return to power in the southern state.

After losing the trust vote which missed a couple of deadlines, Kumaraswamy, 59, went to Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala. The resignation was accepted with immediate effect but Kumaraswamy was asked to continue as caretaker chief minister till alternative arrangements are made.

Bringing to end a three-week long high-voltage intense power struggle triggered by a raft of resignations by rebel lawmakers that made the survival of the government difficult, the confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy was defeated with 99 members voting for the motion and 105 against it in a House of 225 including Speaker P R Ramesh Kumar and a nominated member.

As many as 20 MLAs-- Congress-JDS (17), BSP (1), Independents (2)-- skipped the proceedings, reducing the effective strength of the House to 205.

The magic figure for Kumaraswamy to win the trust vote required was 103.

"The motion moved by the Chief Minister has fallen through," Speaker Kumar announced.

Flashing the victory sign after the voting, BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa, who is hoping to become the chief minister for the fourth time, described the outcome as a "victory for democracy" as people were fed up with the Kumaraswamy government.

After the Assembly polls last year, Yeddyurappa resigned without facing the trust vote since he did not have the numbers on his side with the BJP, which bagged 104 seats, falling short of majority by 9 seats.

He assured the people of Karnataka that "an era of development" would start with the BJP in power.

On the next step, Yeddyurappa, 76, said an appropriate decision would be taken "as early as possible."
"We have worked honestly to provide people friendly government."
"Chief Minister's seat is not permanent to anyone."
He said the 15 MLAs resigning was nothing but "wholesale trade."
Siddaramaiah, a former chief minister, alleged that "Rs 20,25 and 30 crore" were offered to lure the MLAs and asked "Where did this money come from?"