Karnataka: 2nd independent MLA pulls support as all JD(S) ministers quit

Municipalities Minister R. Shankar, an independent MLA representing Ranebennur constituency, on Monday afternoon withdrew support to the H.D. Kumaraswamy government. Shankar's action comes hours after the only other independent MLA, H. Nagesh, withdrew support to Kumaraswamy's government and informed Governor Vajubhai Valla that he would extend support to the BJP.

Both Nagesh and Shankar were inducted into the cabinet less than a month ago.

Last week, a total of 13 Congress and JD(S) MLAs submitted their resignations to the speaker, posing a major threat to the Kumaraswamy government. Till last week, the Kumaraswamy government had support from a total of 119 MLAs in the Assembly, including the two independents. Several of the 13 MLAs who resigned last week were moved to a hotel in Mumbai, allegedly with the assistance of the BJP. ANI reported that Nagesh too has reached the Sofitel Hotel in Mumbai where the other MLAs are staying.

The resignation by Shankar came as both the Congress and JD(S) decided to revamp the cabinet to save the coalition. While Congress leader Siddaramaiah announced 21 ministers from the party have resigned, Kumaraswamy said all JD(S) ministers have also resigned. Kumaraswamy said the aim was to pave the way for “overhauling the cabinet”. The JD(S) had a total of 12 positions in the 34-member cabinet, including the post of chief minister. The Twitter handle of the Karnataka Chief Minister said a "cabinet reshuffle will happen soon".

The Congress and JD(S) are also contemplating warning the rebel MLAs of the possibility of initiating disqualification proceedings against them. The Karnataka Assembly speaker will take up the resignation letters from the MLAs on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, amid the chaos, BJP state general secretary Arvind Limbavali sought the intervention of Governor Valla on the grounds the Kumaraswamy government had lost its majority with the loss of “15 MLAs”. Limbavali said, “The governor must intervene immediately as 14 MLAs have resigned and one independent MLA has withdrawn support. But it appears the chief minister, despite having no morality to continue, is unlikely to resign on his own.”

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