E-Paper
No whip during Karnataka confidence vote
The rebel JD(S) group has decided against issuing whip to its members during the 'confidence motion' on Feb 8.
In a move that could avoid legal wranglings, the rebel JD(S) group has decided against issuing whip to its members during the "confidence motion" to be moved by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on February 8.
"Whip may not be issued. Because such a step would create inconvenience to some of our senior leaders. I will seek conscience vote," Kumaraswamy told reporters in Bangalore.
About nine members loyal to former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and 12 others who have pledged support to JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda's decision to oppose tie up with BJP are yet to join the rebels.
Responding to a query whether some senior members of previous cabinet, MP Prakash, PGR Sindhia, HD Revanna and D Manjunath would join his ministry, Kumaraswamy said he was hopeful that they would be in the government and guide him.
Asked how he would balance the new coalition as BJP had 80 members as against 40 by JD(S), Kumaraswamy said, "don't worry about numbers. We will manage".
His deputy, Yediyurappa also echoed a similar view to the question.
