The drama surrounding the political rebellion in Karnataka peaked on Wednesday, when Congress leader and troubleshooter DK Shivakumar and JD(S) MLA Shivalinge Gowda reached the Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai. It is in this hotel that 10 rebel MLAs have been staying for the last two days. 

As the two leaders reached the hotel, protests awaited them. Kannada channels reported that the protests were by supporters of the BJP. The duo were not allowed to enter the hotel by the sloganeering supporters and the police. Police were present in large numbers as the MLAs had sought protection citing threat from DK Shivakumar and HD Kumaraswamy. 

Unable to meet the MLAs, DK Shivakumar said, "I don't have weapons. I only have a heart. Those are my brothers inside, members of my family. There is an issue going on in the family, but we can't immediately divorce," he said. 

DK Shivakumar also said that he had reserved a room in the hotel and no one had the rights to stop him. "Is this a BJP hotel? Anyone can come to the hotel. I have booked a room here, I have a card here. I am not a threat. I am here to talk to them," he said.

Shivalinge Gowda questioned why they were denied entry. "This is a hotel, not a private space," he said. 

On Tuesday, Mirror Now channel had telecast visuals of Mumbai BJP leader Jatin Desai chaperoning the MLAs in the hotel. BJP leader from Karnataka, R Ashok is also reportedly at the Mumbai hotel.

These developments come after DK Shivakumar in another bid to save the coalition government had travelled to Mumbai to pacify the rebel MLAs and take them back to the Congress fold.

The resignation of these MLAs, has not been accepted by the Speaker on grounds of technicalities.