Bangalore/New Delhi: The JD(S)-BJP coalition ministry in Karnataka, headed by H D Kumaraswamy, has won the vote of confidence in the state Assembly in a debate that went on well past last midnight.
138 members voted in favour of the motion and 66 voted against it. The number is well above the magic figure of 113 required for a simple majority in the 224-member house.
Kumaraswamy proved his majority two days before the eight-day deadline set by Governor T N Chaturvedi.
The voting showed that the new coalition has received more votes than the combined strength of the BJP and the JD(S) group supporting Kumaraswamy.
BJP's B S Yediyurappa is the new Deputy Chief Minister. After winning, Chief Minister Kumaraswamy said he would expand his cabinet in a week’s time.
Governor T N Chaturvedi will address a joint session on February 20.
The support mustered by the Kumaraswamy ministry went beyond the projected combined strength of 126, comprising BJP 79, JD(S) 37, JD(U) and independents at five each.
The upbeat Deputy Chief Minister Yediyurappa stated, "Those portfolios that were with the JD(S) in the previous Government will be taken by us, and those that were with the Congress will go to the BJP."
He added that the PWD Ministry will be taken by the JD(S) while Irrigation, major and minor would with the BJP.
He said that all points had been cleared between the two parties.
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