<p>The leaders of opposition parties are reportedly contemplating a meeting between May 19 (the last phase of polling) and May 23 (when the results will be announced). The meeting will be held to decide the Prime Ministerial candidate of the national-level alliance - 'Mahagathbandhan'.</p>

<p>On the other hand, there has been another significant development, wherein Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) revived his efforts to stitch a&nbsp;'third front'.</p>

<p>KCR met CPM leader and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss&nbsp;the&nbsp;'national political scenario'.<br />
<br />
Vijayan, after the meeting, said&nbsp;that neither Congress nor BJP will get absolute majority and regional parties will play a key role in the formation of government at the Centre.</p>

<p>However, it's unlikely that Vijayan will back the federal front as CPM is a foe of BJP.</p>

<p>Rao is also scheduled to meet DMK chief Stalin on May 13, though reports say Stalin has turned down his proposal owing to his campaign schedule for the May 19 by-polls.</p>

<p>It's to be noted that DMK has an alliance with the Congress in Tamil Nadu and Stalin has already extended his support to the 'Mahagathbandhan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He had also recommended Rahul Gandhi's name as the Mahagathbandhan's Prime Ministerial candidate.</p>

<p>Also, Congress has, time and again, accused KCR as the B-team of NDA. According to the party, KCR has been trying to forge a third front to help BJP, in case, the saffron party falls short of numbers.</p>

<p>Furthermore, there are reports which suggest KCR has reportedly asked JD(S) leader and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy to help him strike a deal with the Congress. The Karnataka chief minister appears as a facilitator here because JD(S) and Congress alliance is in power in Karnataka and the Mahagathbandhan too has Kumaraswamy's backing.</p>

<p>KCR has probably realised that any alliance without Congress party's participation won't work. Congress is the main opposition party and Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a credible and confident leader.<br />
<br />
It's worth noting here that in the Assembly elections, Congress pulled off stunning victories in the three Hindi heartland states under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi</p>

<p>It may be recalled that KCR's arch rival and Andhra Pradesh chief minister, Chandrababu Naidu, too has realised the importance of Congress party's presence in the Mahagathbandhan.<br />
<br />
Keeping aside three decades of rivalry, Naidu had reached out to Rahul Gandhi and both the leaders stressed the need to come together to 'save democracy'.</p>

<p>At the national level, most opposition parties have already extended their support to Mahagathbandhan to take on BJP. Congress too is likely to join this national-level alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, KCR had approached several party leaders not aligned with Congress and BJP, including Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy.</p>

<p>However, his effort had hit the speed bumps after most parties chose Mahagathbandhan over his federal front. So far, only YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has openly backed him.</p>

<p>Mahagathbandhan, an idea floated by Mamata Banerjee and promoted by Chandrababu Naidu, also has the support of seasoned political leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah.</p>

<p>KCR's idea of a non-Congress front is too weak to take on BJP. And the only way he can garner the support of all like-minded opposition parties, to keep&nbsp;the BJP-led NDA out of power, is by seeking Congress's cooperation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)<br />
&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The leaders of opposition parties are reportedly contemplating a meeting between May 19 (the last phase of polling) and May 23 (when the results will be announced).

The leaders of opposition parties are reportedly contemplating a meeting between May 19 (the last phase of polling) and May 23 (when the results will be announced). The meeting will be held to decide the Prime Ministerial candidate of the national-level alliance - 'Mahagathbandhan'. On the other hand, there has been another significant development, wherein Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) revived his efforts to stitch a 'third front'. KCR met CPM leader and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss the 'national political scenario'. Vijayan, after the meeting, said that neither Congress nor BJP will get absolute majority and regional parties will play a key role in the formation of government at the Centre. However, it's unlikely that Vijayan will back the federal front as CPM is a foe of BJP. Rao is also scheduled to meet DMK chief Stalin on May 13, though reports say Stalin has turned down his proposal owing to his campaign schedule for the May 19 by-polls. It's to be noted that DMK has an alliance with the Congress in Tamil Nadu and Stalin has already extended his support to the 'Mahagathbandhan. He had also recommended Rahul Gandhi's name as the Mahagathbandhan's Prime Ministerial candidate. Also, Congress has, time and again, accused KCR as the B-team of NDA. According to the party, KCR has been trying to forge a third front to help BJP, in case, the saffron party falls short of numbers. Furthermore, there are reports which suggest KCR has reportedly asked JD(S) leader and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy to help him strike a deal with the Congress. The Karnataka chief minister appears as a facilitator here because JD(S) and Congress alliance is in power in Karnataka and the Mahagathbandhan too has Kumaraswamy's backing. KCR has probably realised that any alliance without Congress party's participation won't work. Congress is the main opposition party and Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a credible and confident leader. It's worth noting here that in the Assembly elections, Congress pulled off stunning victories in the three Hindi heartland states under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi It may be recalled that KCR's arch rival and Andhra Pradesh chief minister, Chandrababu Naidu, too has realised the importance of Congress party's presence in the Mahagathbandhan. Keeping aside three decades of rivalry, Naidu had reached out to Rahul Gandhi and both the leaders stressed the need to come together to 'save democracy'. At the national level, most opposition parties have already extended their support to Mahagathbandhan to take on BJP. Congress too is likely to join this national-level alliance. Last year, KCR had approached several party leaders not aligned with Congress and BJP, including Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy. However, his effort had hit the speed bumps after most parties chose Mahagathbandhan over his federal front. So far, only YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has openly backed him. Mahagathbandhan, an idea floated by Mamata Banerjee and promoted by Chandrababu Naidu, also has the support of seasoned political leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah. KCR's idea of a non-Congress front is too weak to take on BJP. And the only way he can garner the support of all like-minded opposition parties, to keep the BJP-led NDA out of power, is by seeking Congress's cooperation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

No takers for federal front: Has KCR realised his idea of a non-Congress front is too weak to take on BJP?

<p>Continuing his efforts to forge a non-BJP, non-Congress front ahead of the coming Lok Sabha polls, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Chief K Chandrasekhar Rao has decided to hold talks with YSR Congress to try and rope it into the proposed coalition.</p>

<p>Rao deputed the party's working president and his son K T Rama Rao and other senior leaders to hold parleys with the leader of the opposition in Andhra Pradesh, Y S Jaganmohan Reddy Wednesday, a release from the ruling TRS said.</p>

<p>"TRS president and the Chief Minister decided to hold talks with YSR Congress party on the issue of joining hands for the federal front.</p>

<p>"TRS party's working president KT Rama Rao, senior leader and MP Vinod Kumar and general secretaries Palla Rajeshwar Reddy and Sravan Kumar Reddy were asked to hold discussions with Jaganmohan Reddy.</p>

<p>Accordingly, KT Rama Rao and his team will hold talks with Jagan tomorrow (January 16)," it said Tuesday.</p>

<p>KCR, as he is popularly known, had met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on January 10 as part of his efforts towards forging a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' federal front of regional parties.</p>

<p>Rao had also met Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJP) chief Naveen Patnaik, seeking to drum up support for the federal front.</p>

<p>The TRS returned to power in the December 7, 2018 assembly elections, winning 88 seats in the 119-member Telangana Assembly, pushing the Congress to a distant second position with 19 seats.</p>

<p>The BJP won in only one segment.&nbsp;</p>


Continuing his efforts to forge a non-BJP, non-Congress front ahead of the coming Lok Sabha polls, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Chief K Chandrasekhar Rao has decided to hold talks with YSR Congress to try and rope it into the proposed coalition.

Continuing his efforts to forge a non-BJP, non-Congress front ahead of the coming Lok Sabha polls, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Chief K Chandrasekhar Rao has decided to hold talks with YSR Congress to try and rope it into the proposed coalition. Rao deputed the party's working president and his son K T Rama Rao and other senior leaders to hold parleys with the leader of the opposition in Andhra Pradesh, Y S Jaganmohan Reddy Wednesday, a release from the ruling TRS said. "TRS president and the Chief Minister decided to hold talks with YSR Congress party on the issue of joining hands for the federal front. "TRS party's working president KT Rama Rao, senior leader and MP Vinod Kumar and general secretaries Palla Rajeshwar Reddy and Sravan Kumar Reddy were asked to hold discussions with Jaganmohan Reddy. Accordingly, KT Rama Rao and his team will hold talks with Jagan tomorrow (January 16)," it said Tuesday. KCR, as he is popularly known, had met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on January 10 as part of his efforts towards forging a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' federal front of regional parties. Rao had also met Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJP) chief Naveen Patnaik, seeking to drum up support for the federal front. The TRS returned to power in the December 7, 2018 assembly elections, winning 88 seats in the 119-member Telangana Assembly, pushing the Congress to a distant second position with 19 seats. The BJP won in only one segment.

TRS to hold talks with YSR Congress on federal front

<p>After sweeping the Assembly elections in Telangana, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has revived his efforts for a non-Congress and non-BJP Federal Front.</p>

<p>Rao, who was instrumental in the formation of the Telangana state, has asserted that his party will play a crucial role in national politics. KCR &nbsp;has said that he intends to give a new definition to the national scenario - just like Telangana which stands a non-Congress and non-BJP state.</p>

<p>KCR's victory in the state Assembly polls was no less than a historic one, bagging 88 seats in the 119-member House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, KCR met Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. However, both Patnaik and Mamata have not committed their participation in the Federal Front yet. Hiding his visible disappointment, Rao said their dialogue will continue for an alternative front to the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliances.</p>

<p>Carrying on with his mission of creating a non-Congress Federal Front, KCR will now meet Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
On the other hand, KCR's arch-rival and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu is also running pillar to post to unite all the like-minded Opposition parties to take on the BJP in 2019 elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a significant move, Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and approached party president Rahul Gandhi to garner his support for the Grand Alliance. Putting aside over three decades of rivalry, both the leaders even addressed public meetings together as part of their campaign for just-concluded Telangana Assembly polls.</p>

<p>Mamata Banerjee, a key interlocutor among Opposition parties, too has been trying to bring anti-BJP parties under one umbrella. Naidu and Mamata have been in sync with each other to achieve their common goal - demolishing BJP. Therefore, it's unlikely that Mamata will support KCR's Federal Front (Regional Federation) over the national-level Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan).</p>

<p>Furthermore, seasoned leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah have authorised Chandrababu Naidu to speak to Opposition leaders to devise the future strategy for United Opposition. DMK chief Stalin has already proposed the Congress president's name as United Opposition's PM candidate. Naidu also has the support of Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.</p>

<p>Here is another reason which might hold back political parties from supporting KCR - the Telangana chief minister is accused of acting as team B of BJP-led NDA and trying to weaken the proposed Mahagathbandhan.</p>

<p>Moreover, after Congress's triumph in the recently held Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a confident and formidable leader. It is nearly impossible for Opposition leaders to ignore the Gandhi scion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KCR has indeed proved his mettle by leading the struggle for Telangana and forming government in the state for the second time, however, only seasoned politicians coming together on one platform - Mahagathbandhan, can put up a strong candidature against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has done some unparalleled work in the last four and a half years.<br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


After sweeping the Assembly elections in Telangana, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has revived his efforts for a non-Congress and non-BJP Federal Front.

After sweeping the Assembly elections in Telangana, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has revived his efforts for a non-Congress and non-BJP Federal Front. Rao, who was instrumental in the formation of the Telangana state, has asserted that his party will play a crucial role in national politics. KCR has said that he intends to give a new definition to the national scenario - just like Telangana which stands a non-Congress and non-BJP state. KCR's victory in the state Assembly polls was no less than a historic one, bagging 88 seats in the 119-member House. On Monday, KCR met Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. However, both Patnaik and Mamata have not committed their participation in the Federal Front yet. Hiding his visible disappointment, Rao said their dialogue will continue for an alternative front to the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliances. Carrying on with his mission of creating a non-Congress Federal Front, KCR will now meet Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati. On the other hand, KCR's arch-rival and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu is also running pillar to post to unite all the like-minded Opposition parties to take on the BJP in 2019 elections. In a significant move, Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and approached party president Rahul Gandhi to garner his support for the Grand Alliance. Putting aside over three decades of rivalry, both the leaders even addressed public meetings together as part of their campaign for just-concluded Telangana Assembly polls. Mamata Banerjee, a key interlocutor among Opposition parties, too has been trying to bring anti-BJP parties under one umbrella. Naidu and Mamata have been in sync with each other to achieve their common goal - demolishing BJP. Therefore, it's unlikely that Mamata will support KCR's Federal Front (Regional Federation) over the national-level Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan). Furthermore, seasoned leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah have authorised Chandrababu Naidu to speak to Opposition leaders to devise the future strategy for United Opposition. DMK chief Stalin has already proposed the Congress president's name as United Opposition's PM candidate. Naidu also has the support of Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Here is another reason which might hold back political parties from supporting KCR - the Telangana chief minister is accused of acting as team B of BJP-led NDA and trying to weaken the proposed Mahagathbandhan. Moreover, after Congress's triumph in the recently held Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a confident and formidable leader. It is nearly impossible for Opposition leaders to ignore the Gandhi scion. KCR has indeed proved his mettle by leading the struggle for Telangana and forming government in the state for the second time, however, only seasoned politicians coming together on one platform - Mahagathbandhan, can put up a strong candidature against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has done some unparalleled work in the last four and a half years. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

KCR is trying hard, but is a non-Congress Federal Front possible?

<p>The JD(S)-Congress win&nbsp;in Karnataka is encouraging the formation of a "federal front" against the BJP, news reports said Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A number of regional leaders — including Mamata Banerjee,&nbsp;N Chandrababu Naidu, Arvind Kejriwal, Mayawati, Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav, MK Stalin, and Tejashwi Yadav — have spoken out in support of the JD(S)-Congress win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Democracy wins. Congratulations Karnataka. Congratulations DeveGowda Ji, Kumaraswamy Ji, Congress and others. Victory of the 'regional' front," tweeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Entire nation is happy with the current turn of events," tweeted Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"BJP’s attempts to subvert democracy have miserably failed in Karnataka," said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>HD Kumaraswamy's swearing in on May 23 is expected to be a show of strength of this possible federal front&nbsp;with the Congress and the JD(S) inviting a number of leaders. All of the leaders mentioned above are expected to attend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I just spoke with Kumaraswamy Ji and congratulated him. He invited me for the oath taking ceremony," tweeted Mamata.</p>

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi too hinted at the formation of an alliance to take on the BJP in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am proud that opposition stood together and defeated the BJP and we will continue to do so," Rahul said to the media after BS Yeddyurappa's resignation as chief minister of Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunday's news reports however added that the developments in Karnataka have made the Congress realise that it cannot be the leader of this possible federal front to take on the BJP in 2019, but only a part of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Democracy wins. Congratulations Karnataka. Congratulations DeveGowda Ji, Kumaraswamy Ji, Congress and others. Victory of the 'regional' front</p>
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/997789228347133952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP’s attempts to subvert democracy have miserably failed in Karnataka. BJP's lust for power through foul means stands completely exposed. Will BJP learn any lesson now ?<br />
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India's judiciary has risen to the occasion and has safeguarded our democracy.</p>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/997800430250942464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Truth can never be defeated! Truth will always defeat a lie or liar! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KaranatakaFloorTest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KaranatakaFloorTest</a></p>
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/997790392081960960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">आज का दिन भारतीय राजनीति में धनबल की जगह जनमत की जीत का दिन है. सबको खरीद लेने का दावा करने वालों को आज ये सबक मिल गया है कि अभी भी भारत की राजनीति में ऐसे लोग बाकी हैं, जो उनकी तरह राजनीति को कारोबार नहीं मानते हैं. नैतिक रूप से तो केंद्र की सरकार को भी इस्तीफ़ा दे देना चाहिए.</p>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/997805429060071424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="mr">कर्नाटक विधानसभेतील बहुमतात असलेल्या सदस्यांचे अभिनंदन! प्रचंड दबाव-प्रलोभने असतानाही त्याला बळी न पडता आपल्या पक्षांच्या भूमिकेशी ते ठाम राहिले.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaFloorTest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaFloorTest</a></p>
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/PawarSpeaks/status/997849010751799300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Resignation of BS Yeddyurappa as Karnataka's CM is a true victory for democracy. Entire nation is happy with the current turn of events. As a Chief Minister and a firm believer of democracy, I am expressing my happiness.</p>
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn/status/997817333866348545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The systematic abuse of Governor's office and wanton misuse of Speaker's powers by the BJP in other states, including TamilNadu, stand exposed from recent events in Karnataka. Hope this setback helps the BJP realise its mistake of propping up an illegitimate govt in TamilNadu.</p>
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/997816945889046528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The BJP won 104 seats in the recent Karnataka elections. The Congress won 78, the JD(S) 37, and its pre-poll ally the BSP 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Karnataka assembly has a total of 224 seats, but voting to two seats was postponed. 112 seats then were needed for a simple majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP was short by 8 seats. The Congress and the JD(S) together were able to make the numbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress' Rahul Gandhi had attacked the JD(S) on the campaign trail, calling it the "B-team of the BJP" but the Congress quickly offered the JD(S) an alliance and the chief ministership once the election results were out.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The developments in Karnataka however have made the Congress realise that it cannot be the leader of a possible federal front to take on the BJP in 2019, but only a part of it

The JD(S)-Congress win in Karnataka is encouraging the formation of a "federal front" against the BJP, news reports said Sunday. A number of regional leaders — including Mamata Banerjee, N Chandrababu Naidu, Arvind Kejriwal, Mayawati, Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav, MK Stalin, and Tejashwi Yadav — have spoken out in support of the JD(S)-Congress win. "Democracy wins. Congratulations Karnataka. Congratulations DeveGowda Ji, Kumaraswamy Ji, Congress and others. Victory of the 'regional' front," tweeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "Entire nation is happy with the current turn of events," tweeted Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. "BJP’s attempts to subvert democracy have miserably failed in Karnataka," said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. HD Kumaraswamy's swearing in on May 23 is expected to be a show of strength of this possible federal front with the Congress and the JD(S) inviting a number of leaders. All of the leaders mentioned above are expected to attend. "I just spoke with Kumaraswamy Ji and congratulated him. He invited me for the oath taking ceremony," tweeted Mamata. Congress President Rahul Gandhi too hinted at the formation of an alliance to take on the BJP in 2019. "I am proud that opposition stood together and defeated the BJP and we will continue to do so," Rahul said to the media after BS Yeddyurappa's resignation as chief minister of Karnataka. Sunday's news reports however added that the developments in Karnataka have made the Congress realise that it cannot be the leader of this possible federal front to take on the BJP in 2019, but only a part of it. Democracy wins. Congratulations Karnataka. Congratulations DeveGowda Ji, Kumaraswamy Ji, Congress and others. Victory of the 'regional' front — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 19, 2018 × BJP’s attempts to subvert democracy have miserably failed in Karnataka. BJP's lust for power through foul means stands completely exposed. Will BJP learn any lesson now ? India's judiciary has risen to the occasion and has safeguarded our democracy. — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 19, 2018 × Truth can never be defeated! Truth will always defeat a lie or liar! #KaranatakaFloorTest — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 19, 2018 × आज का दिन भारतीय राजनीति में धनबल की जगह जनमत की जीत का दिन है. सबको खरीद लेने का दावा करने वालों को आज ये सबक मिल गया है कि अभी भी भारत की राजनीति में ऐसे लोग बाकी हैं, जो उनकी तरह राजनीति को कारोबार नहीं मानते हैं. नैतिक रूप से तो केंद्र की सरकार को भी इस्तीफ़ा दे देना चाहिए. — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 19, 2018 × कर्नाटक विधानसभेतील बहुमतात असलेल्या सदस्यांचे अभिनंदन! प्रचंड दबाव-प्रलोभने असतानाही त्याला बळी न पडता आपल्या पक्षांच्या भूमिकेशी ते ठाम राहिले.#KarnatakaFloorTest — Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) May 19, 2018 × Resignation of BS Yeddyurappa as Karnataka's CM is a true victory for democracy. Entire nation is happy with the current turn of events. As a Chief Minister and a firm believer of democracy, I am expressing my happiness. — N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) May 19, 2018 × The systematic abuse of Governor's office and wanton misuse of Speaker's powers by the BJP in other states, including TamilNadu, stand exposed from recent events in Karnataka. Hope this setback helps the BJP realise its mistake of propping up an illegitimate govt in TamilNadu. — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) May 19, 2018 × The BJP won 104 seats in the recent Karnataka elections. The Congress won 78, the JD(S) 37, and its pre-poll ally the BSP 1. The Karnataka assembly has a total of 224 seats, but voting to two seats was postponed. 112 seats then were needed for a simple majority. The BJP was short by 8 seats. The Congress and the JD(S) together were able to make the numbers. The Congress' Rahul Gandhi had attacked the JD(S) on the campaign trail, calling it the "B-team of the BJP" but the Congress quickly offered the JD(S) an alliance and the chief ministership once the election results were out.

Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of 'federal front' against BJP

<p>Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will meet Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday at Pragathi Bhavan in Telangana.</p>

<p>The meeting is seen as a move towards the federal front formation ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-an-attempt-to-stitch-coalition-kcr-meets-karunanidhi-mk-stalin-rings-mamata-banerjee-too-133649">KCR had earlier met with the DMK president M Karunanidhi</a> at his residence on Sunday. He also dined with MK Stalin, the working president of the party.&nbspThe leaders also had a telephonic conversation with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.</p>

<p>Later while addressing a joint press conference KCR discussed " federal front" and secularism.</p>

<p>He said he would have a discussion with "certain parties" from Tamil Nadu who have aligned with him.</p>

<p>KCR had also warned the Congress and the Bhartiya Janata Party of the Federal Front saying the front would replace the two parties.</p>

<p>He said, " We would break the foundation laid by Congress and BJP to rule the country".</p>

<p>He also warned the parties that the country would see a new ruling in the coming months.</p>

<p>Reports also state that the Telangana chief minister would also meet Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik this week.</p>


KCR had earlier met with the DMK president M Karunanidhi at his residence on Sunday. He also dined with MK Stalin, the working president of the party. The leaders also had a telephonic conversation with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will meet Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday at Pragathi Bhavan in Telangana. The meeting is seen as a move towards the federal front formation ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. KCR had earlier met with the DMK president M Karunanidhi at his residence on Sunday. He also dined with MK Stalin, the working president of the party.&nbspThe leaders also had a telephonic conversation with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. Later while addressing a joint press conference KCR discussed " federal front" and secularism. He said he would have a discussion with "certain parties" from Tamil Nadu who have aligned with him. KCR had also warned the Congress and the Bhartiya Janata Party of the Federal Front saying the front would replace the two parties. He said, " We would break the foundation laid by Congress and BJP to rule the country". He also warned the parties that the country would see a new ruling in the coming months. Reports also state that the Telangana chief minister would also meet Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik this week.

Akhilesh Yadav to meet KCR today to discuss Federal Front

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