I have no fear about the political developments, says Kumaraswamy
Bengaluru, July 8: In his first comments after 13 MLAs resigned and plunged the Congress-JDS coalition government into a crisis, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Monday asserted he has "no fear" about the "political developments" and was concentrating on fulfilling his responsibilities.
Kumaraswamy, who returned here from his 10-day long US trip Sunday night, was talking to reporters at the state secretariat after holding discussions with officials and farmers' representatives regarding revival of a sugar factory in Mandya.
"I have no fear about the political developments, I will not discuss about the political developments... I have nothing to do with what BJP people are doing and what others are doing," he said.
Kumaraswamy added: "In the current situation, I have the responsibility of governing the state, my attention is towards fulfilling that responsibility. I have not paid any attention to political developments, there is no such need for me."
The JDS leader evaded a direct answer to a question about the resignation of 13 MLAs of the ruling combine and merely said "Let's see".
The coalition government will be on the verge of losing its majority if the Assembly Speaker accepts the resignations of the MLAs as its strength will be reduced to 104 in the 224-member assembly, where the half-way mark is 113.
Resignation of Minister and Independent MLA H Nagesh on Monday and his withdrawal of support delivered another blow to the shaky government.
The JD(S)-Congress coalition's total strength after Nagesh withdrawing his support stood at 117 (Congress-78, JD(S)-37, BSP-1 and Independents-1), besides the speaker, who also has a vote.
With Nagesh, the BJP has a strength of 106.
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
