Cong, JD(S) want 2 more days; don’t make me scapegoat, pleads Speaker

Bengaluru, July 22

For the third day running, the Karnataka Assembly debated the confidence motion moved by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy with the Congress insisting that it not be put to vote till the chair decided on the resignations submitted by the rebel MLAs.

In an unending battle of nerves, the Assembly was adjourned till Tuesday without voting on the confidence motion. Right from the time when the proceedings began, Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar repeatedly reminded the government of honouring its commitment to complete the trust process today itself.

As the House resumed its sitting after an hour’s delay, the Speaker said, “Everybody is watching us. Please don’t make me a scapegoat. Let us reach our goal.”

“It will not bring respect to the House or to me,” the Speaker made his position clear, implying that the trust vote should not be delayed further, amid reports that the ruling coalition had sought two more days for voting. “We are in public life. People are watching. In the name of discussion, if an opinion is created that we are wasting time, it won’t be right on my part or anybody else’s,” he said.

The Congress’ position was stated during the debate by minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who said that taking up the voting without the Speaker’s decision on the resignation issue would leave the confidence motion process without any sanctity. “We are in an extraordinary situation... I request the chair to decide on the resignation first. Or else, it will (confidence vote) will have no standing,” Gowda said.

“Is the resignation voluntary and genuine. Aren’t they against democracy?” he asked. The Speaker, meanwhile, ruled that a legislature party leader had the right to issue a whip. “Issuing whip is your right. Following them is left to the MLAs. If any complaint comes to me, I will follow rules and take a decision,” Kumar told Congress legislature party leader Siddaramaiah. The BJP, on its Facebook page, said, “If at all you have faith and respect for the Constitution and the people of the state, you (the CM) resign and go home.” — PTI

Summons to rebels

• The Speaker summoned the 12 rebel Congress MLAs for a hearing in response to a notice by their party disqualifying them for defying the whip
• “Notices were sent under rule 7 of Karnataka Legislative Assembly (disqualification of members on ground of defection) Rules 1986," said Speaker's Secy MK Vishalakshmi
• Rebels, however, sought more time to appear before Speaker