Karnataka: Congress’ Shivakumar meets rebel Nagaraj, says ‘he’ll be with us’

In much-needed, albeit minor, relief for the ruling Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition in Karnataka, Congress leader DK Shivakumar met rebel MLA MTB Nagaraj. Addressing the media after the meeting, Shivakumar, considered Congress' troubleshooter, called Nagaraj a sincere and loyal Congressman, and said that he would remain with the party. Nagaraj is one of the 16 legislators who had tendered their resignations to the Speaker of the Karnataka assembly, thus imperilling the state government. Amid the Supreme Court's decision to put a stay on any action over the resignations till July 16, CM Kumaraswamy has sought a floor test.