CM Kumaraswamy expected to sail through the floor test today
What's the story
The Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition government in Karnataka headed by HD Kumaraswamy is facing a floor test today which it is widely expected to sail through, ending the 10-day political speculation. The election for the post of Speaker will precede the vote of confidence, with BJP fielding its candidate S Suresh Kumar to take on senior Congress party leader Ramesh Kumar.
Political victory
HDK's long fought victory
58-year-old Kumaraswamy was sworn in as Chief Minister on Wednesday. The Congress has 78 MLAs, Kumaraswamy's JD(S) 36, and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) 1. The alliance has also claimed support of the lone KPJP MLA and an Independent. Kumaraswamy had won two seats. This is the second floor test in less than a week after BJP strongman Yeddyurappa had stepped down last Saturday.
Information
Coast is clear for Congress, JD(S) MLAs
The Congress and JD(S) MLAs who have been confined to a hotel and a resort fearing poaching attempts by BJP were brought in buses to the Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature.
Operation Kamala
Kumaraswamy speculates relaunch of "Operation Kamala" by BJP
After taking the oath, Kumaraswamy said he had an apprehension that the BJP would try to repeat "Operation Kamala". The term "Operation Kamala" was coined in 2008 when Yeddyurappa took over as the CM. The party was short of three MLAs for a simple majority. As part of "Operation Kamala", some Congress and JD(S) MLAs were persuaded to join the BJP.
Challenges ahead
Congress leader Shivakumar displeased being ignored for Deputy CM's post
Senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar, widely credited with having kept the flock of party MLAs together during attempted poaching by the BJP, is not happy after being ignored for the Deputy CM's post that went to G Parameshwara. Meanwhile, Parameshwara said on Thursday that the coalition was yet to discuss the tenure of the JD(S) leader as the Chief Minister.