Karnataka CM says he will seek trust vote

Indian state Karnataka’s Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, battling a political crisis following the resignations of 16 MLAs from the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition, yesterday announced on the floor of the House that he would seek a trust vote. With the coalition’s strength dwindling owing to the resignations (which are yet to be accepted by the Speaker), the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state has been demanding that the CM should resign since the government does not enjoy a majority any more. The Congress and the JDS have been accusing the BJP of indulging in horse-trading and luring away legislators. The coalition’s tally stands at 116 (Congress 78, JD(S) 37 and BSP 1) in the 224-member House.