Section 144 imposed in Bengaluru for 48 hours

Section 144 imposed in Bengaluru for 48 hours starting from 6 PM today, according to Prasar Bharati News Services. The section bars unlawful assembly of more than five persons, conducting processions, picking up weapons like clubs, swords, knives, and stones. The decision has come following the protests by Congress workers against rebel MLAs.

Breaking - Section 144 imposed in Bengaluru for 48 hours starting from 6 PM today.

— Prasar Bharati News Services (@PBNS_India) July 23, 2019

All pubs, wine shops will be closed till 25th and if anyone is found violating these rules, they will be punished, said Bengaluru Police Commissioner Alok Kumar.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Alok Kumar: Today and tomorrow we are imposing Section 144 across the city.All pubs, wine shops will be closed till 25th. If anyone is found violating these rules, they will be punished pic.twitter.com/3De7410mDe

— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2019

Earlier today there were protests by Congress workers outside an apartment in Bengaluru alleging that independent MLAs have been lodged here.

#WATCH Karnataka: Congress workers protest outside an apartment on Race Course road in Bengaluru alleging that independent MLAs have been lodged here. pic.twitter.com/sNyTnr6bZR

— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2019

The political crisis of 'rebel MLAs' in Karnataka began on July 1st, two Congress MLAs, resigned citing differences with the HD Kumaraswamy government. Then on July 6 12 MLAs from the coalition, nine of Congress and three of JD(S), submitted their resignation letters to the office. Minister D.K. Shivakumar attempted a last-minute negotiation without success. Following that, a series of subsequent events led to the political crisis.