Karnataka’s political crisis deepened on Wednesday when rebel legislators from the ruling Congress and JD(S) went to the Supreme Court, alleging that the assembly Speaker had abandoned his constitutional duty and was deliberately delaying a decision on their resignations.

Where things stand

On Tuesday, Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar said he would need at least six days to examine the resignations of the 13 rebel MLAs, giving the coalition some breathing space.

The majority mark in the 224-member House is 113. Suspended Congress MLA Roshan Baig has also resigned, although he says he is not joining the rebels. If all 14 resignations are accepted, the Congress-JD(S) strength would drop to 102, while the BJP, with the backing of two independents and the lone BSP MLA, would have 108.

Four possible scenarios

• The coalition survives: four or five rebels withdraw their resignations and take cabinet posts. If that is not enough, the Congress and JD(S) could try to persuade four or five BJP MLAs to resign.
• The BJP returns: if the Speaker accepts the resignations, the BJP would have 108 MLAs against the coalition’s 102. With the seats vacant, the majority mark would drop to 106, and the Governor could ask the BJP to take office.
• The Supreme Court steps in: with 10 rebels having petitioned the court, it could ask the Speaker to decide sooner, or even order a floor test.
• Fresh elections: if the resignations are accepted but the independents and the BSP MLA decline to back the BJP, leaving it at 105, the Governor might recommend President’s rule. HD Kumaraswamy could stay on as caretaker chief minister, or the Governor could run the State until polls.

What happened next

H. D. Kumaraswamy’s government, in office since 23 May 2018, fell in July 2019, and B. S. Yeddyurappa returned as Chief Minister.

See also: Janata Dal (Secular) | Bharatiya Janata Party | State assembly members

Originally published on 10 July 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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