Karnataka Floor Test: BSP MLA N Mahesh Decides Against Supporting HD Kumaraswamy Govt, Says Mayawati Has Asked Him to Abstain From Trust Vote

Bengaluru, July 21: A day before the crucial trust vote in Karnataka, the JDS-Congress coalition faced a blow as BSP MLA N Mahesh has declared that he would not extend support to the HD Kumaraswamy government on the day of floor test. MLA Mahesh had earlier declared that he would support the Congress-JD(S) coalition but made a U-turn. The Karnataka floor test is scheduled for Monday. Karnataka Political Drama Continues; Trust Vote Delayed Till Monday by Speaker KR Ramesh Amid Uproar in State Assembly.

MLA Mahesh said that he has been instructed by BSP chief Mayawati to abstain from the trust vote. Karnataka Congress to Approach the Supreme Court Against Order Restraining Party From Issuing Whip to Rebel MLAs From Participating in Trust Vote.

"I had my personal work so I couldn't go to the session. My high command has told me to abstain from voting on trust motion so I won't attend the session on Monday and Tuesday. I'll be in my constituency," said N Mahesh, speaking to India Today news channel.

The trust vote in the Karnataka state assembly was delayed on Friday for the second consecutive day without the floor test taking place at the Vidhan Soudha.

Speaker of the assembly KR Ramesh Kumar adjourned the floor test to Monday and said that the matter would not be prolonged further under any circumstances. Earlier, Kumar had asked the MLAs to conclude the trust vote till 7:30 PM. Governor Vajubhai Vala had also ordered the MLAs to finish the proceedings of the trust vote by today itself, but his order was unheard.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2019 05:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).