Karnataka floor test to take place today; the battle continues

After days of ‘Resort Politics’, the Congress-JD(S) coalition was a success, and HD Kumaraswamy has sworn-in as the state’s Chief Minister.

And today the parties are to face the floor test, ending the 10-day political uncertainty in the state.

The Chief Minister Kumaraswamy is confident that he will sail through the test.

Over the last nine days, the lawmakers have changed hotels twice. Their current life, though nomadic, is replete with five-star comfort.

The lawmakers of the Congress are currently lodged at Hilton Embassy Golflinks at Domlur. The JD(S) lawmakers are staying at Prestige Golfshire Resort off Devanahalli on the outskirts of Bengaluru city. Both parties have been assiduously guarding their flocks.

The Congress alleged that some of their members were forced to join the BJP and that they were offered Rs. 100 crores and cabinet positions.

Without facing the floor test, BJP’s BS Yeddyurappa had resigned from his short-term CM position. Many had said that he would fail in the floor test.

READ ALSO: Karnataka floor test to be held tomorrow

Despite this unceremonious exit, the party has fielded its senior leader S Suresh Kumar, a fifth term MLA, for the post of the speaker whose election will precede the trust vote.

Not falling behind, Congress’s Ramesh Kumar too filed his nomination for the post as the candidate of the ruling coalition.

“Based on the strength of numbers and various other factors, our party leaders have confidence that I will win. With that confidence I have filed my nomination,” the BJP candidate said, indicating that the saffron party was keen on giving the JD(S)-Congress alliance a run for its money.

The BJP is the single largest party in the assembly with 104 MLAs.

The election for the speaker post is to take place today at 12:15 PM.

Congress Legislature Party leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah exuded confidence about the coalition candidate’s victory.

“I got to know that the BJP has also filed nomination. I hope they will withdraw. If the election happens, Ramesh Kumar’s victory is certain,” he said.

Today, after the floor test the remaining ministry positions will be filled in. The Deputy Chief Minister said: “We are also yet to decide on what portfolios have to go to them and what should be with us … then five-year term, whether they should be or we should also (sic).”