Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday won the trust vote in the Karnataka assembly shortly after he moved the moved the motion of confidence.&nbsp;

117 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) voted in his favour enabling the JD(S)-Congress alliance to cross the simple majority mark of 112 seats.

Moving the trust vote, he&nbsp;thanked Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun M Kharge, who he said&nbsp;were the first to call him to join hands. He also said his father, former PM H D Deve Gowda, had said if I&nbsp;joined hands with the BJP, the entire family would disown him.

The BJP walked out of the Karnataka assembly ahead of the floor test after its leader BS Yeddyurappa said that the party will hold a state-wide bandh on May 28, if CM Kumaraswamy doesn’t waive off farmer loans.

In the recently concluded state assembly election, though the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats (only eight seats short of the simple majority mark of 112), the Congress party with 78 seats and JD(S) with 37 seats, along with two independent candidates, stitched up a post-poll alliance which has a total of 117 MLAs.

Even though the Karnataka Governor invited the BJP to form the government with a time period of 15 days to prove their majority on the floor of the house, the Supreme Court in an interim order directed the floor test to be held in just two days, even after Yeddyurappa had taken oath as the Chief Minister of the state.

What followed post the game-changing Karnata Polls verdict was the shifting of MLAs from one resort to another in order to prevent horse-trading.

However, unable to garner the required number of votes to form Government in the state, Yeddyurappa resigned as the Chief Minister prior to the top court-ordered floor test, but accused the Congress of hijacking the `People`s Mandate`.

On May 23,&nbsp;Kumaraswamy was sworn-in as the 24th chief minister of Karnataka, marking the beginning of the JD(S)-Congress alliance in the state.

Unhappy with the sequence of events, the BJP observed the day as `Anti-People`s Mandate Day` in the state on the same date.

Confident of his win in the floor test, HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday informed that he has called for a meeting of the Finance Ministry official after the floor test in the state assembly, to take a decision on the state budget.

In a press briefing, the chief minister said he will fulfil all the promises made by the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S) in their manifesto.

New Speaker

Earlier, Congress MLA&nbsp;K R Ramesh Kumar was unanimously elected the Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly, after BJP candidate S Suresh Kumar pulled out of the race, in a major victory for the JD(S)-Congress coalition before Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy faced the floor test.

Shortly before the start of the proceedings, Suresh Kumar said he was withdrawing his nomination following a direction from the BJP leadership.

"On the directions of our party, I had filed the nomination for the post of Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Now, after discussion in the party, it is felt that the Speaker has to be elected unanimously following the parliamentary traditions. I'm withdrawing my nomination," Suresh Kumar tweeted.

Suresh Kumar, a 5th term MLA from the city, had filed his papers yesterday, in an apparent indication by the BJP that it wanted to give the JD(S)-Congress coalition a run for its money in the race for speakership before Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy faced the floor test.

As the House met and pro-tem speaker K G Bopaiah took up the matter, BJP's Sunil Kumar stood up and said he was not moving the motion proposing Suresh Kumar for the Speaker's post. Suresh Kumar then said, "I accept it."

Ramesh Kumar's name was then proposed by the former chief minister and Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah and seconded by Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara.

The motion was unanimously adopted by the House.

Chief Minister Kumaraswamy and BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa escorted Ramesh Kumar to the chair.

117 lawmakers voted in his favour enabling the JD(S)-Congress alliance to cross the simple majority mark of 112 seats

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday won the trust vote in the Karnataka assembly shortly after he moved the moved the motion of confidence. 117 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) voted in his favour enabling the JD(S)-Congress alliance to cross the simple majority mark of 112 seats. Moving the trust vote, he thanked Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun M Kharge, who he said were the first to call him to join hands. He also said his father, former PM H D Deve Gowda, had said if I joined hands with the BJP, the entire family would disown him. The BJP walked out of the Karnataka assembly ahead of the floor test after its leader BS Yeddyurappa said that the party will hold a state-wide bandh on May 28, if CM Kumaraswamy doesn’t waive off farmer loans. In the recently concluded state assembly election, though the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats (only eight seats short of the simple majority mark of 112), the Congress party with 78 seats and JD(S) with 37 seats, along with two independent candidates, stitched up a post-poll alliance which has a total of 117 MLAs. Even though the Karnataka Governor invited the BJP to form the government with a time period of 15 days to prove their majority on the floor of the house, the Supreme Court in an interim order directed the floor test to be held in just two days, even after Yeddyurappa had taken oath as the Chief Minister of the state. What followed post the game-changing Karnata Polls verdict was the shifting of MLAs from one resort to another in order to prevent horse-trading. However, unable to garner the required number of votes to form Government in the state, Yeddyurappa resigned as the Chief Minister prior to the top court-ordered floor test, but accused the Congress of hijacking the `People`s Mandate`. On May 23, Kumaraswamy was sworn-in as the 24th chief minister of Karnataka, marking the beginning of the JD(S)-Congress alliance in the state. Unhappy with the sequence of events, the BJP observed the day as `Anti-People`s Mandate Day` in the state on the same date. Confident of his win in the floor test, HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday informed that he has called for a meeting of the Finance Ministry official after the floor test in the state assembly, to take a decision on the state budget. In a press briefing, the chief minister said he will fulfil all the promises made by the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S) in their manifesto. New Speaker Earlier, Congress MLA K R Ramesh Kumar was unanimously elected the Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly, after BJP candidate S Suresh Kumar pulled out of the race, in a major victory for the JD(S)-Congress coalition before Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy faced the floor test. Shortly before the start of the proceedings, Suresh Kumar said he was withdrawing his nomination following a direction from the BJP leadership. "On the directions of our party, I had filed the nomination for the post of Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Now, after discussion in the party, it is felt that the Speaker has to be elected unanimously following the parliamentary traditions. I'm withdrawing my nomination," Suresh Kumar tweeted. Suresh Kumar, a 5th term MLA from the city, had filed his papers yesterday, in an apparent indication by the BJP that it wanted to give the JD(S)-Congress coalition a run for its money in the race for speakership before Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy faced the floor test. As the House met and pro-tem speaker K G Bopaiah took up the matter, BJP's Sunil Kumar stood up and said he was not moving the motion proposing Suresh Kumar for the Speaker's post. Suresh Kumar then said, "I accept it." Ramesh Kumar's name was then proposed by the former chief minister and Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah and seconded by Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. The motion was unanimously adopted by the House. Chief Minister Kumaraswamy and BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa escorted Ramesh Kumar to the chair.

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy wins floor test in Karnataka Assembly

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Alongside Kumaraswamy, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G. Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. &nbsp;

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As many as 11 people have been reported dead in clashes between locals and the police in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. Chaos broke out as locals continued to protest Sterlite’s industrial plant for the 100th consecutive day on Tuesday.

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Campaign group Amnesty International said on Tuesday it had gathered evidence that insurgents from a Rohingya Muslim armed group killed scores of Hindu civilians in August last year, amid a surge in violence in western Myanmar.

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Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies as lengthy questions left the 34-year-old American little time to answer.

HD Kumaraswamy to be sworn in as Karnataka Chief Minister today, floor test tomorrow Alongside Kumaraswamy, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G. Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. Tamil Nadu: At least 11 killed in clashes with police over protests against Sterlite copper plant As many as 11 people have been reported dead in clashes between locals and the police in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. Chaos broke out as locals continued to protest Sterlite’s industrial plant for the 100th consecutive day on Tuesday. Rohingya militants killed Hindu villagers in Myanmar: Amnesty International Campaign group Amnesty International said on Tuesday it had gathered evidence that insurgents from a Rohingya Muslim armed group killed scores of Hindu civilians in August last year, amid a surge in violence in western Myanmar. Venezuela's Maduro expels US diplomats, rejects sanctions Venezuela ordered the expulsion of the top two US diplomats in the country Tuesday, charging it was the victim of a "political and financial lynching" after Washington tightened sanctions over Nicolas Maduro's re-election. Facebook face-off: EU gets little news from Zuckerberg about social network's data policies Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies as lengthy questions left the 34-year-old American little time to answer.

News brief: Big stories of the day

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South African cricketer AB de Villiers announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, on Wednesday.

&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hd-kumaraswamy-sworn-in-as-karnataka-cm-amid-opposition-show-of-unity-139226">HD Kumaraswamy sworn in as Karnataka CM amid opposition show of unity</a>

After swearing in, Kumaraswamy will have to prove majority on the floor of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on May 25.&nbsp 
&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-in-tns-thootukudi-where-11-died-police-allegedly-used-assault-rifles-to-shoot-at-protesters-139084">Video: In Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin where 11 died, police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters</a>

Thousands of people had hit the streets of Thootukudi (earlier called Tuticorin) Tuesday.

&nbsp

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Senior UN&nbspofficials have said the response amounted to ethnic cleansing and that Myanmar's security forces may have committed genocide.

&nbsp

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-heres-how-michael-jackson-managed-to-pull-off-the-famous-anti-gravity-tilt-139181">Here's how Michael Jackson managed to pull off the famous anti-gravity tilt</a>

According to scientists, the most accomplished dancers can also achieve a tilt of 25 to 3o degrees. So how did Jackson achieve the unachievable?&nbsp

&nbsp

Senior UN officials have said the response amounted to ethnic cleansing and that Myanmar's security forces may have committed genocide.

AB de Villiers retires from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, says 'I am tired' South African cricketer AB de Villiers announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, on Wednesday. HD Kumaraswamy sworn in as Karnataka CM amid opposition show of unity After swearing in, Kumaraswamy will have to prove majority on the floor of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on May 25. Video: In Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin where 11 died, police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters Thousands of people had hit the streets of Thootukudi (earlier called Tuticorin) Tuesday. Rohingya militants killed Hindu villagers in Myanmar: Amnesty International Senior UN&nbspofficials have said the response amounted to ethnic cleansing and that Myanmar's security forces may have committed genocide. Here's how Michael Jackson managed to pull off the famous anti-gravity tilt According to scientists, the most accomplished dancers can also achieve a tilt of 25 to 3o degrees. So how did Jackson achieve the unachievable?

Pics: In a first, Akhilesh Yadav-Mayawati share stage at Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony

Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy is set to take oath as the 18th Chief Minister of Karnataka at the Vidhana Soudha, around 4:30 p.m. today.

Alongside Kumaraswamy, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G. Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. Governor Vajubhai Vala will administer an oath of office and oath of secrecy to the Chief Minister Designate. Minister designates to take oath as well.

On the much-awaited day, Kumaraswamy will be leaving for Mysore in the early hours to visit the Chamundi Temple and Chamundeshwari Temple. He will return to Bengaluru by noon for the swearing-in ceremony.

A day before, top leaders from Congress and JD(S) met to discuss the portfolio sharing between the allies, and decided that 22 out of 34 ministries would be helmed by the Congress and 12 ministries including the Chief Minister would go with the JD(S).

Congress` KR Ramesh Kumar will be the Speaker of Karnataka`s Vidhana Soudha, while the deputy speaker will be appointed from the JD(S).

The speaker will be elected on Friday, May 25, with the floor test expected to take place after that.&nbsp;

Rest of the ministry and portfolio allocation will be decided after the floor test which is due to be held on May 24.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-win-in-karnataka-encouraging-formation-of-federal-front-against-bjp-138306">Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of 'federal front' against BJP</a>

With opposition parties across the country extending their support to a non-BJP government in the state, the ceremony is being touted as a grand affair. Among the confirmed attendees are United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, and Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan.

The high-voltage Karnataka polls were seen as the election that sets the tone for the 2019 general elections, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which bagged the highest number of seats, dealt with a heavy blow after the Congress and JD(S) joined hands following the poll results. The BJP that dubbed the union of Congress and JD(S) as an "unholy alliance" has announced to observe May 23 as "Anti People`s Mandate Day".

"The Congress and JDS hijacked the people`s mandate and entered into an unholy alliance. On the day this unholy coalition government takes office, that is tomorrow, Wednesday, 23.5.2018, the BJP has decided to observe this day as "Anti People`s Mandate Day," an official release from the party stated.

The BJP functionaries will stage black flag demonstration throughout the state led by state party president BS Yeddyurappa at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bengaluru`s Ananda Rao Circle. Kumaraswamy was invited by Governor Vajubhai Vala on May 19, to form the government in the state, after B.S. Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly.

Kumaraswamy was earlier expected to take oath on May 21, but the ceremony later got pushed to May 23 due to the death anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The election result for 222 out of 224 assembly constituencies had resulted in a fractured mandate, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats, only nine seats short of the simple majority mark of 113.

On the other hand, Congress with 78 seats and JD(S) with 37 seats, along with two independent candidates, formed a post-poll alliance with a total of 117 MLAs.However, the Governor invited Yeddyurappa to form a government on May 16, and gave him 15 days to prove majority, amid huge uproar by the opposition.

On May 18, the Supreme Court, on the plea of the Congress and JD(S), shifted the floor test to May 19. Unable to garner the required number by the deadline, Yeddyurappa stepped down from the post of the chief minister before the floor test could be conducted, mere two days after he was sworn in. Kumaraswamy had earlier served as the chief minister of the state from February 2006 to October 2007.

In the recent elections, he won from both the constituencies he contested in - Channapatna and Ramanagara - by a comfortable margin. JD(S) ally, Congress bagged more seats out of the two, but its chief ministerial candidate Siddaramaiah lost the Chamundeshwari seat to G T Deve Gowda of JD(S) and won in Badami only by a little over 1,600 votes.

The hung assembly in Karnataka led to an unlikely alliance of the two rival parties, but both sides now maintain that they have set aside their differences in the people`s interest.&nbsp;

The Congress' G Parameshwara will take be sworn in as deputy chief minister. It was decided on Tuesday that 22 of Karnataka's 34 ministries will go to the Congress, and 12 to Kumaraswamy's JD(S)

Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy is set to take oath as the 18th Chief Minister of Karnataka at the Vidhana Soudha, around 4:30 p.m. today. Alongside Kumaraswamy, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G. Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. Governor Vajubhai Vala will administer an oath of office and oath of secrecy to the Chief Minister Designate. Minister designates to take oath as well. On the much-awaited day, Kumaraswamy will be leaving for Mysore in the early hours to visit the Chamundi Temple and Chamundeshwari Temple. He will return to Bengaluru by noon for the swearing-in ceremony. A day before, top leaders from Congress and JD(S) met to discuss the portfolio sharing between the allies, and decided that 22 out of 34 ministries would be helmed by the Congress and 12 ministries including the Chief Minister would go with the JD(S). Congress` KR Ramesh Kumar will be the Speaker of Karnataka`s Vidhana Soudha, while the deputy speaker will be appointed from the JD(S). The speaker will be elected on Friday, May 25, with the floor test expected to take place after that. Rest of the ministry and portfolio allocation will be decided after the floor test which is due to be held on May 24. Also read: Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of 'federal front' against BJP With opposition parties across the country extending their support to a non-BJP government in the state, the ceremony is being touted as a grand affair. Among the confirmed attendees are United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, and Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan. The high-voltage Karnataka polls were seen as the election that sets the tone for the 2019 general elections, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which bagged the highest number of seats, dealt with a heavy blow after the Congress and JD(S) joined hands following the poll results. The BJP that dubbed the union of Congress and JD(S) as an "unholy alliance" has announced to observe May 23 as "Anti People`s Mandate Day". "The Congress and JDS hijacked the people`s mandate and entered into an unholy alliance. On the day this unholy coalition government takes office, that is tomorrow, Wednesday, 23.5.2018, the BJP has decided to observe this day as "Anti People`s Mandate Day," an official release from the party stated. The BJP functionaries will stage black flag demonstration throughout the state led by state party president BS Yeddyurappa at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bengaluru`s Ananda Rao Circle. Kumaraswamy was invited by Governor Vajubhai Vala on May 19, to form the government in the state, after B.S. Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly. Kumaraswamy was earlier expected to take oath on May 21, but the ceremony later got pushed to May 23 due to the death anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The election result for 222 out of 224 assembly constituencies had resulted in a fractured mandate, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats, only nine seats short of the simple majority mark of 113. On the other hand, Congress with 78 seats and JD(S) with 37 seats, along with two independent candidates, formed a post-poll alliance with a total of 117 MLAs.However, the Governor invited Yeddyurappa to form a government on May 16, and gave him 15 days to prove majority, amid huge uproar by the opposition. On May 18, the Supreme Court, on the plea of the Congress and JD(S), shifted the floor test to May 19. Unable to garner the required number by the deadline, Yeddyurappa stepped down from the post of the chief minister before the floor test could be conducted, mere two days after he was sworn in. Kumaraswamy had earlier served as the chief minister of the state from February 2006 to October 2007. In the recent elections, he won from both the constituencies he contested in - Channapatna and Ramanagara - by a comfortable margin. JD(S) ally, Congress bagged more seats out of the two, but its chief ministerial candidate Siddaramaiah lost the Chamundeshwari seat to G T Deve Gowda of JD(S) and won in Badami only by a little over 1,600 votes. The hung assembly in Karnataka led to an unlikely alliance of the two rival parties, but both sides now maintain that they have set aside their differences in the people`s interest.

Kumaraswamy to be sworn in as Karnataka CM today, floor test expected on Friday

The final Congress-JD(S) deal is expected to be hammered out today in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy — who will be sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday — met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday in Delhi.&nbsp;

Rahul described the meeting as "cordial".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-win-in-karnataka-encouraging-formation-of-federal-front-against-bjp-138306">Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of 'federal front' against BJP</a>

But issues remain.&nbsp;

The Congress for one reportedly wants two deputy chief ministers. The Congress has 78 MLAs in Karnataka, the JD(S) has 37. (The latter won 38 seats but Kumaraswamy had contested, and won, from two seats.)&nbsp;

The Congress believes having two deputy CMs will even out the balance of power.&nbsp;

The JD(S) would rather have one.&nbsp;

The speaker's post, however, news reports said Tuesday, will go to the Congress.&nbsp;

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Speaker for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> Assembly will be from Congress. Name likely to be announced by evening by local leaders: Sources
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998815050180710400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress is also expected to get anywhere up to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kumaraswamy-to-meet-sonia-rahul-today-in-delhi-congress-may-get-20-seats-in-karnatakas-33-member-cabinet-138488">20 seats</a> in the 33-member Karnataka cabinet.&nbsp;

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I had a warm and cordial meeting this evening, in Delhi, with Shri H D Kumaraswamy ji. We discussed the political situation in Karnataka and other matters of mutual interest. I will be attending his swearing in as CM of Karnataka, on Wednesday, in Bengaluru. <a href="https://t.co/sZAwX8mQut">pic.twitter.com/sZAwX8mQut</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/998573614508249089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The reports added that the parties are also likely to set up a coordination committee and to draft a common minimum programme.

The reports quoted Kumaraswamy as saying that Rahul had "cleared the modalities". And that AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka KC&nbsp;Venugopal would hammer out the final details today in Bengaluru.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy — who will be sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday — met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday in Delhi

The final Congress-JD(S) deal is expected to be hammered out today in Bengaluru. The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy — who will be sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday — met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday in Delhi. Rahul described the meeting as "cordial". Also read: Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of 'federal front' against BJP But issues remain. The Congress for one reportedly wants two deputy chief ministers. The Congress has 78 MLAs in Karnataka, the JD(S) has 37. (The latter won 38 seats but Kumaraswamy had contested, and won, from two seats.) The Congress believes having two deputy CMs will even out the balance of power. The JD(S) would rather have one. The speaker's post, however, news reports said Tuesday, will go to the Congress. Speaker for #Karnataka Assembly will be from Congress. Name likely to be announced by evening by local leaders: Sources — ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018 × The Congress is also expected to get anywhere up to 20 seats in the 33-member Karnataka cabinet. I had a warm and cordial meeting this evening, in Delhi, with Shri H D Kumaraswamy ji. We discussed the political situation in Karnataka and other matters of mutual interest. I will be attending his swearing in as CM of Karnataka, on Wednesday, in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/sZAwX8mQut — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2018 × The reports added that the parties are also likely to set up a coordination committee and to draft a common minimum programme. The reports quoted Kumaraswamy as saying that Rahul had "cleared the modalities". And that AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka KC Venugopal would hammer out the final details today in Bengaluru.

Karnataka: Final Congress-JD(S) deal to be hammered out today

Karnataka CM-designate and&nbspJDS' (Janata Dal (Secular) HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday said he will be meeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday, according to news agency ANI.

The JD(S) leader will also hold discussions on Cabinet expansion and how to establish a stable government in Karnataka with both, ANI added

''Tomorrow I will be going to Delhi, where I will meet Sonia ji and Rahul ji. We will decide about cabinet expansion. I will discuss everything with them on how to give a stable government for the next 5 years,'' Kumaraswamy said.&nbsp

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala on Saturday invited JD(S)&nbsplegislative party leader HD Kumaraswamy to form the next government in the state, following the resignation of BJP's BS Yeddyurappa ahead of his trust vote.

"The Governor has invited me to form the next government as the leader of the JD-S legislative party with the support of the Congress, which is our alliance partner," Kumaraswamy told reporters after meeting Vala at Raj Bhavan and staked claim to power after the three-day BJP government fell.

The Governor had given Kumaraswamy&nbsp15 days to prove majority in the 224-member legislative assembly, whose strength is currently 222.

Kumaraswamy who was earlier slated to take oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on May 21 between 12 noon and 1 pm-- will now swear-in on May 23.

Speaking to ANI, HD Kumaraswamy reasoned, "We are going to take oath on Wednesday, May 23, as Monday (May 21) is Rajiv Gandhi's death anniversary and so that is not a proper date."

The JD(S) leader will also hold discussions on Cabinet expansion and how to establish a stable government in Karnataka

Karnataka CM-designate and&nbspJDS' (Janata Dal (Secular) HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday said he will be meeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday, according to news agency ANI. The JD(S) leader will also hold discussions on Cabinet expansion and how to establish a stable government in Karnataka with both, ANI added ''Tomorrow I will be going to Delhi, where I will meet Sonia ji and Rahul ji. We will decide about cabinet expansion. I will discuss everything with them on how to give a stable government for the next 5 years,'' Kumaraswamy said. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala on Saturday invited JD(S)&nbsplegislative party leader HD Kumaraswamy to form the next government in the state, following the resignation of BJP's BS Yeddyurappa ahead of his trust vote. "The Governor has invited me to form the next government as the leader of the JD-S legislative party with the support of the Congress, which is our alliance partner," Kumaraswamy told reporters after meeting Vala at Raj Bhavan and staked claim to power after the three-day BJP government fell. The Governor had given Kumaraswamy&nbsp15 days to prove majority in the 224-member legislative assembly, whose strength is currently 222. Kumaraswamy who was earlier slated to take oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on May 21 between 12 noon and 1 pm-- will now swear-in on May 23. Speaking to ANI, HD Kumaraswamy reasoned, "We are going to take oath on Wednesday, May 23, as Monday (May 21) is Rajiv Gandhi's death anniversary and so that is not a proper date."

HD Kumaraswamy to meet Sonia, Rahul tomorrow in Delhi

Congress-JD(S) chief ministerial candidate HD Kumaraswamy on Friday accused the BJP of ''hijacking'' two of his MLAs. &nbsp;

Two JD(S) MLAs have disappeared from JD(S) camp just a day ahead of the floor test that would decide the fate of BS Yeddyurappa.&nbsp;

''Two MLAs have been hijacked by our BJP friends. But, I am certain that they will come back to us,'' said HD Kumaraswamy of JD (S) addressing a press conference.&nbsp;

''JD(S) & Congress have jointly given the list of 118 MLAs to Governor. We've sufficient strength to form the government in Karnataka. This morning Supreme Court has given judgement on Governor's decision. For past 2 days, BJP is trying to by the MLAs of the opposition,'' he added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah was elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party at a meeting of party MLAs held in Hyderabad.

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Two MLAs have been hijacked by our BJP friends. But, I am certain that they will come back to us: HD Kumaraswamy, JD (S) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KaranatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KaranatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/bWeKXehIf0">pic.twitter.com/bWeKXehIf0</a>
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JD(S) & Congress have jointly given list of 118 MLAs to Governor. We've sufficient strength to form Govt in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a>. This morning Supreme Court has given judgement on Governor's decision. For past 2 days, BJP is trying to by the MLAs of the opposition: HD Kumaraswamy, JD (S) <a href="https://t.co/pOyp1amXz3">pic.twitter.com/pOyp1amXz3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997504777159303168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Two JD(S) MLAs have disappeared from JD(S) camp just a day ahead of the floor test that would decide the fate of BS Yeddyurappa.

Congress-JD(S) chief ministerial candidate HD Kumaraswamy on Friday accused the BJP of ''hijacking'' two of his MLAs. Two JD(S) MLAs have disappeared from JD(S) camp just a day ahead of the floor test that would decide the fate of BS Yeddyurappa. ''Two MLAs have been hijacked by our BJP friends. But, I am certain that they will come back to us,'' said HD Kumaraswamy of JD (S) addressing a press conference. ''JD(S) & Congress have jointly given the list of 118 MLAs to Governor. We've sufficient strength to form the government in Karnataka. This morning Supreme Court has given judgement on Governor's decision. For past 2 days, BJP is trying to by the MLAs of the opposition,'' he added. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah was elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party at a meeting of party MLAs held in Hyderabad. Two MLAs have been hijacked by our BJP friends. But, I am certain that they will come back to us: HD Kumaraswamy, JD (S) #KaranatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/bWeKXehIf0 — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018 × JD(S) & Congress have jointly given list of 118 MLAs to Governor. We've sufficient strength to form Govt in #Karnataka. This morning Supreme Court has given judgement on Governor's decision. For past 2 days, BJP is trying to by the MLAs of the opposition: HD Kumaraswamy, JD (S) pic.twitter.com/pOyp1amXz3 — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018 ×

2 JD(S) MLAs 'hijacked' by our BJP friends, says HD Kumaraswamy

Senior Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader KS Eshwarappa on Wednesday said that their party is in touch with some Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) MLAs as they hope to stitch together a majority to form the government in the state.

"Many JD (S) and Congress MLAs are angry with Congress and JD(S) going together to form a government, they will come with BJP. We have the support of some Congress and JD(S) MLAs," Eshwarappa told reporters here.

He also asserted that BJP will form the government in the state.

Talking to ANI, Eshwarappa said, "There is no doubt we will form govt, 100 percent we'll do that. Wait and watch. Results came out only yesterday. It has been only a day. See what can happen in Karnataka in a day."

Eshwarappa bagged the Shivamogga seat with a tremendous margin in the Karnataka Assembly elections.

He secured 1,04,027 votes, defeating Congress' K.B. Prasanna Kumar by a margin of 46,107.

Meanwhile, BJP's Basavaraj Bommai said that the party wasn't approaching any individuals as of now, but added that politics is the art of possibility.

"Political scenario will unfold in next 2-3 days. It depends on development in political parties. As of now, we aren't approaching any individuals but politics is an art of possibility," Bommai told reporters.

The BJP, which managed to gain a hold on 104 seats, has emerged as the single largest party but has failed to cross the half-way mark of 112 in the 224-member assembly.

On the other hand, Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S), with 78 and 38 seats respectively, are staking claim to form a government in the state.

On Tuesday, outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah even said JD (S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, son of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, will be the next chief minister.

Further, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa said he is going to meet the state's governor to request him to allow his party to form the government.

All eyes are now set on Karnataka's Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala.&nbsp;

As per the constitutional provision, the single-largest party is invited to form the government in the case of a fractured mandate.&nbsp;

KS Eshwarappa bagged the Shivamogga seat with a tremendous margin in the Karnataka Assembly elections

Senior Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader KS Eshwarappa on Wednesday said that their party is in touch with some Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) MLAs as they hope to stitch together a majority to form the government in the state. "Many JD (S) and Congress MLAs are angry with Congress and JD(S) going together to form a government, they will come with BJP. We have the support of some Congress and JD(S) MLAs," Eshwarappa told reporters here. He also asserted that BJP will form the government in the state. Talking to ANI, Eshwarappa said, "There is no doubt we will form govt, 100 percent we'll do that. Wait and watch. Results came out only yesterday. It has been only a day. See what can happen in Karnataka in a day." Eshwarappa bagged the Shivamogga seat with a tremendous margin in the Karnataka Assembly elections. He secured 1,04,027 votes, defeating Congress' K.B. Prasanna Kumar by a margin of 46,107. Meanwhile, BJP's Basavaraj Bommai said that the party wasn't approaching any individuals as of now, but added that politics is the art of possibility. "Political scenario will unfold in next 2-3 days. It depends on development in political parties. As of now, we aren't approaching any individuals but politics is an art of possibility," Bommai told reporters. The BJP, which managed to gain a hold on 104 seats, has emerged as the single largest party but has failed to cross the half-way mark of 112 in the 224-member assembly. On the other hand, Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S), with 78 and 38 seats respectively, are staking claim to form a government in the state. On Tuesday, outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah even said JD (S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, son of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, will be the next chief minister. Further, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa said he is going to meet the state's governor to request him to allow his party to form the government. All eyes are now set on Karnataka's Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala. As per the constitutional provision, the single-largest party is invited to form the government in the case of a fractured mandate.

BJP's KS Eshwarappa: We have support of some Congress and JD(S) MLAs

The drama in Karnataka will continue on Wednesday with both the JD(S)-Congress combine and the BJP meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala today to stake their claims to forming a government.&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy had met Governor Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah.&nbsp;

The Congress told Vala that it was giving the JD(S) its "unconditional support".&nbsp;

But the BJP's chief ministerial candidate got to Vala before Kumaraswamy, and he too staked his claim to forming the government.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-does-a-goa-in-karnataka-137130">Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa</a>

The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party.&nbsp;

The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, and Others 2.&nbsp;

Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp;

The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats.&nbsp;

But Yeddyurappa told Governor Vala yesterday that he should be the one invited to try and form a government since the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party in Karnataka.&nbsp;

Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah meanwhile quoted the Supreme Court as saying after the Goa election that "group having more seats than required are invited".&nbsp;

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Have called for a meeting tomorrow. Newly elected Congress & JD(S) MLAs will be there. We are supporting JD(S) to form govt & have sent this resolution to the Governor. SC said after Goa election that group having more seats than reqd. are invited, we have 117 seats: Siddarmaiah <a href="https://t.co/YT5IEaHO9H">pic.twitter.com/YT5IEaHO9H</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996468249381429248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Remember, in Goa and Manipur, which went to the polls last year, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers.&nbsp;

All eyes, in Karnataka and the country, then are on Governor Vala and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jdss-kumaraswamy-bjps-yeddyurappa-stake-claim-to-form-karnataka-govt-all-eyes-now-on-governor-137164">what he does next</a>.&nbsp;

Constitutional experts have said the decision is his but that he will have to be guided by the principle of inviting the combine/ party that he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. &nbsp;

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HD Deve Gowda reaches Ashoka Hotel for meeting with senior Congress leaders in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/GIDbPgSPpZ">pic.twitter.com/GIDbPgSPpZ</a>
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JD(S)' HD Deve Gowda & HD Kumaraswamy are in meeting with Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM">https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM</a>
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Tomorrow at 10:30 am in BJP legislative party meeting, I am going to be elected as party leader. After that all MLAs are going to meet the Governor to request him to allow BJP to form govt. Now the ball is in the court of the Governor. We will do as he decides: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://t.co/6QbhizTr6z">pic.twitter.com/6QbhizTr6z</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996422285945749505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The JD(S) meanwhile has said they will be sticking with the Congress, but that the BJP has been trying to get in touch with them.&nbsp;

"We have already decided to go with Congress. That's the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision," the JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy told ANI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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I don't know what they (BJP) are offering but they are trying to call our people, but they are not responding. We are all together, no one can touch our party. Our party MLAs are loyal to the party: Saravana, JD(S) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/3q0OAehwWq">pic.twitter.com/3q0OAehwWq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996604732855803904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we'll give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister: Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur, Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/BIJYZHV7P7">pic.twitter.com/BIJYZHV7P7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996593046014734336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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JD(S) & Congress have the numbers. I hope, the governor will discharge his constitutional duties & invite HD Kumaraswamy to talk. If BJP puts pressure on the governor, it will be the death of Democracy: Danish Ali, JD(S). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/vNV3EBRAME">pic.twitter.com/vNV3EBRAME</a>
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&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s Kumaraswamy and the BJP's Yeddyurappa had both met Governor Vajubhai Vala on Tuesday. Both staked their claims to forming a government in Karnataka

The drama in Karnataka will continue on Wednesday with both the JD(S)-Congress combine and the BJP meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala today to stake their claims to forming a government. The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy had met Governor Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state. Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress told Vala that it was giving the JD(S) its "unconditional support". But the BJP's chief ministerial candidate got to Vala before Kumaraswamy, and he too staked his claim to forming the government. Also read: Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, and Others 2. Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority. The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats. But Yeddyurappa told Governor Vala yesterday that he should be the one invited to try and form a government since the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party in Karnataka. Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah meanwhile quoted the Supreme Court as saying after the Goa election that "group having more seats than required are invited". Have called for a meeting tomorrow. Newly elected Congress & JD(S) MLAs will be there. We are supporting JD(S) to form govt & have sent this resolution to the Governor. SC said after Goa election that group having more seats than reqd. are invited, we have 117 seats: Siddarmaiah pic.twitter.com/YT5IEaHO9H — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Remember, in Goa and Manipur, which went to the polls last year, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers. All eyes, in Karnataka and the country, then are on Governor Vala and what he does next. Constitutional experts have said the decision is his but that he will have to be guided by the principle of inviting the combine/ party that he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. HD Deve Gowda reaches Ashoka Hotel for meeting with senior Congress leaders in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/GIDbPgSPpZ — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × JD(S)' HD Deve Gowda & HD Kumaraswamy are in meeting with Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Tomorrow at 10:30 am in BJP legislative party meeting, I am going to be elected as party leader. After that all MLAs are going to meet the Governor to request him to allow BJP to form govt. Now the ball is in the court of the Governor. We will do as he decides: BS Yeddyurappa pic.twitter.com/6QbhizTr6z — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × The JD(S) meanwhile has said they will be sticking with the Congress, but that the BJP has been trying to get in touch with them. "We have already decided to go with Congress. That's the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision," the JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy told ANI. I don't know what they (BJP) are offering but they are trying to call our people, but they are not responding. We are all together, no one can touch our party. Our party MLAs are loyal to the party: Saravana, JD(S) #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/3q0OAehwWq — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we'll give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister: Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/BIJYZHV7P7 — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × JD(S) & Congress have the numbers. I hope, the governor will discharge his constitutional duties & invite HD Kumaraswamy to talk. If BJP puts pressure on the governor, it will be the death of Democracy: Danish Ali, JD(S). #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/vNV3EBRAME — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 ×

Natak in Karnataka continues: JD(S)-Congress combine, and BJP to meet Governor again today

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy alleged Wednesday that his MLAs are being offered Rs 100 crore each to switch sides.&nbsp

He added that he was not making his claim "loosely".&nbsp

"JD(S) MLAs are being offered Rs 100 crore each. Where is this black money coming from? They are supposedly the servers of poor people and they are offering money today. Where are the income tax officials?" Kumaraswamy said.&nbsp

Also read: BJP trying to poach MLAs, claim Karnataka Congress frontrunners

Karnataka, and the rest of the country, is at the moment in the grip of fevered speculation over who will form the next government there.&nbsp

The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party.&nbsp

The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, while 2 seats were won by Others.&nbsp

Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. (Polling was postponed in two seats.) The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp

The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats.&nbsp

Right after Kumaraswamy made his allegation, he added: "If you try to poach one from ours, we'll do the same and take double from you."&nbsp

"Forget 'Operation Kamal' being successful, there are people who are ready to leave BJP and come with us. If you try to poach one from ours, we'll do the same and take double from you. I'm also telling the Governor to not take any decision which encourages horse-trading," he added.&nbsp

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I have been offered from both sides. I am not saying this loosely. There's a black spot on my father's career because of my decision to go with the BJP in 2004 & 2005. So God has given me opportunity to remove this black spot. So I am going with Congress: HD Kuamaraswamy, JD(S) <a href="https://t.co/4yFGlNEioZ">pic.twitter.com/4yFGlNEioZ</a>
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The BJP's Yeddyurappa met Governor Vajubhai Vala Wednesday morning, and urged Vala to invite him to form a government.&nbsp

Kumaraswamy meanwhile said Wednesday that he too will be meeting the governor soon.&nbsp

Both of them had met the governor yesterday as well.&nbsp

Everybody of course is now watching and waiting to see what the governor does next, and whom he invites to form the government.&nbsp

&nbsp

&nbsp

He added that he was not making his claim 'loosely'. A JD(S)-Congress combine is hoping to form the next government in Karanataka, as is the BJP

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy alleged Wednesday that his MLAs are being offered Rs 100 crore each to switch sides. He added that he was not making his claim "loosely". "JD(S) MLAs are being offered Rs 100 crore each. Where is this black money coming from? They are supposedly the servers of poor people and they are offering money today. Where are the income tax officials?" Kumaraswamy said. Also read: BJP trying to poach MLAs, claim Karnataka Congress frontrunners Karnataka, and the rest of the country, is at the moment in the grip of fevered speculation over who will form the next government there. The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, while 2 seats were won by Others. Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. (Polling was postponed in two seats.) The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority. The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats. Right after Kumaraswamy made his allegation, he added: "If you try to poach one from ours, we'll do the same and take double from you." "Forget 'Operation Kamal' being successful, there are people who are ready to leave BJP and come with us. If you try to poach one from ours, we'll do the same and take double from you. I'm also telling the Governor to not take any decision which encourages horse-trading," he added. I have been offered from both sides. I am not saying this loosely. There's a black spot on my father's career because of my decision to go with the BJP in 2004 & 2005. So God has given me opportunity to remove this black spot. So I am going with Congress: HD Kuamaraswamy, JD(S) pic.twitter.com/4yFGlNEioZ — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × The BJP's Yeddyurappa met Governor Vajubhai Vala Wednesday morning, and urged Vala to invite him to form a government. Kumaraswamy meanwhile said Wednesday that he too will be meeting the governor soon. Both of them had met the governor yesterday as well. Everybody of course is now watching and waiting to see what the governor does next, and whom he invites to form the government.

'JD(S) MLAs being offered Rs 100 crore each,' alleges Kumaraswamy

JD (S) chief ministerial candidate HD Kumaraswamy offered prayers at Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Nagamangala ahead of counting of votes for Karnataka Assembly elections, according to news agency ANI.

Kumaraswamy is contesting from Ramanagara and Channapatna constituencies.&nbsp;

Similarly, BJP's B Sriramalu also offered prayers in Bellary ahead of counting of votes. He is contesting against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from Badami constituency, the report added.

Meanwhile, Congress workers performed 'Havan' outside AICC office in Delhi.&nbsp;

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JDS's HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers at Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Nagamangala ahead of counting of votes for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> . Kumaraswamy is contesting from Ramanagara and Channapatna constituencies <a href="https://t.co/3usqTFsRch">pic.twitter.com/3usqTFsRch</a>
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&nbsp;

BJP's B Sriramalu also offered prayers in Bellary ahead of counting of votes. He is contesting against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from Badami constituency.

JD (S) chief ministerial candidate HD Kumaraswamy offered prayers at Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Nagamangala ahead of counting of votes for Karnataka Assembly elections, according to news agency ANI. Kumaraswamy is contesting from Ramanagara and Channapatna constituencies. Similarly, BJP's B Sriramalu also offered prayers in Bellary ahead of counting of votes. He is contesting against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from Badami constituency, the report added. Meanwhile, Congress workers performed 'Havan' outside AICC office in Delhi. JDS's HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers at Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Nagamangala ahead of counting of votes for #KarnatakaElections2018 . Kumaraswamy is contesting from Ramanagara and Channapatna constituencies pic.twitter.com/3usqTFsRch — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 ×

Karnataka result: HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers ahead of counting

A lot may be at stake for the two national political parties - Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress – in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls, but for the Janata Dal (Secular), the battle is all about winning and not losing much. Party state chief and former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy recently conceded that the assembly polls are a "battle for survival" for the JD(S) as the party has been out of power for nearly a decade.

Believe it or not, Kumaraswamy is set to play a crucial role in the Karnataka Assembly polls due this week. While his party struggles to shake off the image of the one that can at best only catapult a national party to power with its support, Kumaraswamy has been more than vocal about his confidence of rising as a king, rather than a kingmaker.

Kumaraswamy, popularly known as Kumaranna, was born on December 16, 1959, to former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and his wife Chennamma in Haradanahalli, Mysore State, India. During his early years, Kumaraswamy was known to have an inclination towards the world of cinema and produced Kannada super hits like Chandra Chakori (2003) and Jaguar (2016), among others.

Kumaraswamy's political debut in the year 1996 was marked by his winning score in that year's Lok Sabha elections he contested from Kanakapura. Kumaraswamy continued to taste defeat until 2004 when the assembly elections resulted in a hung assembly and the JD(S) joined hands with the Congress to form a government. After JD(S)' pullout from the coalition, Kumaraswamy was invited to form a government, he assumed office as the 18th Chief Minister of Karnataka in 2006 and stepped down in October 2007 owing to what he called a 'power-sharing pact' with the BJP. BS Yeddyurappa succeeded him in November 2007.

Janata Dal (Secular) managed to secure just 28 seats in the 2008 assembly elections, 12 more in the year 2013 where Congress registered a landslide victory with a whopping 122 seats. This time around, opinion polls predict a hung assembly - a scenario which will again put the ball in JD(S)' court.

Meanwhile, the Congress and the BJP have left no stone unturned to accuse each other of secretly forming a nexus with the JD(S). Karnataka's incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, last month, ruled out all possibilities of an alliance with Kumaraswamy. He also hinted at a nexus between the BJP and the JD(S) adding that Yeddyurappa, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi and Kumaraswamy have an internal understanding to overthrow his government. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi recently called JD(S) as "BJP's B-team".

On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at an election rally in Karnataka's Tumakuru, alleged that Kumaraswamy and the JD(S) have been secretly working to save the Congress in the upcoming assembly polls. During his address, PM Modi also alluded to the Congress-JD(S) "tacit" alliance during last year's Bengaluru mayoral elections.

All in all, Kumaraswamy is known to have tasted both the sides - his party once sided with the Congress to form a coalition and later handed over the baton to BJP's Yeddyurappa in the year 2007. In over a decade, former prime minister's son seems to have realised the importance of rekindling and igniting the dream of assuming power rather than facilitating the same for other political parties.

Although Kumaraswamy is likely to emerge as a 'facilitator' again, this time around he has branded the electoral fight as a "battle for survival" and JD(S)'s win a complete necessity. Kumaraswamy has rubbished all speculations of a post-poll alliance with the BJP in case of a hung assembly. He recently noted that PM Modi's words of praise for his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda doesn't leave any doors open for the BJP for a post-poll tie-up.

Karnataka's Mysore region is believed to have a considerable bent for the Gowda clan, former PM and Kumaraswamy's father Deve Gowda hails from the region. Kumaraswamy, like always, will try to bet heavy on the region to swing at least 30 assembly seats in his favour. The region also includes both the constituencies from where he will be contesting this year - Ramanagar and Channapatna - as well as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's constituency Chamundeshwari.

While Kumaraswamy's resolve to lead his party to power seems firm and resolute, the possibility of a political minority to assume power, that too single-handedly, in a highly divided and polarised election looks far-fetched from reality. The political power-play in Karnataka will come to an end this Saturday and JD(S)' destiny will be sealed. Will Kumaraswamy become the kingmaker? Or will his decision give rise to a unique scenario in the political framework of Karnataka?&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy's political debut in the year 1996 was marked by his winning score in that year's Lok Sabha elections.

A lot may be at stake for the two national political parties - Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress – in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls, but for the Janata Dal (Secular), the battle is all about winning and not losing much. Party state chief and former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy recently conceded that the assembly polls are a "battle for survival" for the JD(S) as the party has been out of power for nearly a decade. Believe it or not, Kumaraswamy is set to play a crucial role in the Karnataka Assembly polls due this week. While his party struggles to shake off the image of the one that can at best only catapult a national party to power with its support, Kumaraswamy has been more than vocal about his confidence of rising as a king, rather than a kingmaker. Kumaraswamy, popularly known as Kumaranna, was born on December 16, 1959, to former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and his wife Chennamma in Haradanahalli, Mysore State, India. During his early years, Kumaraswamy was known to have an inclination towards the world of cinema and produced Kannada super hits like Chandra Chakori (2003) and Jaguar (2016), among others. Kumaraswamy's political debut in the year 1996 was marked by his winning score in that year's Lok Sabha elections he contested from Kanakapura. Kumaraswamy continued to taste defeat until 2004 when the assembly elections resulted in a hung assembly and the JD(S) joined hands with the Congress to form a government. After JD(S)' pullout from the coalition, Kumaraswamy was invited to form a government, he assumed office as the 18th Chief Minister of Karnataka in 2006 and stepped down in October 2007 owing to what he called a 'power-sharing pact' with the BJP. BS Yeddyurappa succeeded him in November 2007. Janata Dal (Secular) managed to secure just 28 seats in the 2008 assembly elections, 12 more in the year 2013 where Congress registered a landslide victory with a whopping 122 seats. This time around, opinion polls predict a hung assembly - a scenario which will again put the ball in JD(S)' court. Meanwhile, the Congress and the BJP have left no stone unturned to accuse each other of secretly forming a nexus with the JD(S). Karnataka's incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, last month, ruled out all possibilities of an alliance with Kumaraswamy. He also hinted at a nexus between the BJP and the JD(S) adding that Yeddyurappa, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi and Kumaraswamy have an internal understanding to overthrow his government. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi recently called JD(S) as "BJP's B-team". On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at an election rally in Karnataka's Tumakuru, alleged that Kumaraswamy and the JD(S) have been secretly working to save the Congress in the upcoming assembly polls. During his address, PM Modi also alluded to the Congress-JD(S) "tacit" alliance during last year's Bengaluru mayoral elections. All in all, Kumaraswamy is known to have tasted both the sides - his party once sided with the Congress to form a coalition and later handed over the baton to BJP's Yeddyurappa in the year 2007. In over a decade, former prime minister's son seems to have realised the importance of rekindling and igniting the dream of assuming power rather than facilitating the same for other political parties. Although Kumaraswamy is likely to emerge as a 'facilitator' again, this time around he has branded the electoral fight as a "battle for survival" and JD(S)'s win a complete necessity. Kumaraswamy has rubbished all speculations of a post-poll alliance with the BJP in case of a hung assembly. He recently noted that PM Modi's words of praise for his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda doesn't leave any doors open for the BJP for a post-poll tie-up. Karnataka's Mysore region is believed to have a considerable bent for the Gowda clan, former PM and Kumaraswamy's father Deve Gowda hails from the region. Kumaraswamy, like always, will try to bet heavy on the region to swing at least 30 assembly seats in his favour. The region also includes both the constituencies from where he will be contesting this year - Ramanagar and Channapatna - as well as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's constituency Chamundeshwari. While Kumaraswamy's resolve to lead his party to power seems firm and resolute, the possibility of a political minority to assume power, that too single-handedly, in a highly divided and polarised election looks far-fetched from reality. The political power-play in Karnataka will come to an end this Saturday and JD(S)' destiny will be sealed. Will Kumaraswamy become the kingmaker? Or will his decision give rise to a unique scenario in the political framework of Karnataka?

HD Kumaraswamy: Karnataka's weary kingmaker who yearns to taste power

The JD(S) and the Congress have agreed on HD Kumaraswamy as the next chief minister should they form the government in Karnataka, news reports said Tuesday.&nbsp;

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The Congress had earlier offered outside support to the JD(S).&nbsp;

News reports had said earlier that former Congress President Sonia Gandhi had spoken with Ghulam Nabi Azad, who then spoke with JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;

Azad said he had told Gowda and Kumaraswamy that the picking of a chief minister would be left to them.&nbsp;

The reports now say Kumaraswamy has picked the chief minister's chair for himself.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-case-of-hung-verdict-both-siddaramaiah--yeddyurappa-may-have-to-give-up-karnataka-cm-ambitions-136655">If verdict hung, both Siddaramaiah & Yeddyurappa may have to give up Karnataka CM ambitions</a>

Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.)

The halfway mark then is 112 seats.&nbsp;

Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;

That would give the JD(S)-Congress a total of 115 seats.&nbsp;

The Congress had told the JD(S), when it had offered it outside support, that the picking of a chief minister would be left to them.

The JD(S) and the Congress have agreed on HD Kumaraswamy as the next chief minister should they form the government in Karnataka, news reports said Tuesday. × The Congress had earlier offered outside support to the JD(S). News reports had said earlier that former Congress President Sonia Gandhi had spoken with Ghulam Nabi Azad, who then spoke with JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy. Azad said he had told Gowda and Kumaraswamy that the picking of a chief minister would be left to them. The reports now say Kumaraswamy has picked the chief minister's chair for himself. Also read: If verdict hung, both Siddaramaiah & Yeddyurappa may have to give up Karnataka CM ambitions Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.) The halfway mark then is 112 seats. Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3. That would give the JD(S)-Congress a total of 115 seats.

JD(S), Congress agree on HD Kumaraswamy as Karnataka Chief Minister

The Congress and the JD(S), in a unanimous decision, have decided to name HD Kumaraswamy as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. The political powerplay in Karnataka took an interesting turn today when the BJP, despite, winning the most seats couldn't rise to power and Rahul Gandhi-led Congress didn't bat an eye in extending support to HD Deve Gowda's Janata Dal (Secular).&nbsp;

According to reports, Former Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi had a telephonic conversation with the JD(S) chief Deve Gowda to form an alliance. The Congress also offered the JD(S) to choose the Chief Ministerial of their choice, HD Kumaraswamy was handed over the baton.

JD(S) state chief and former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had previously conceded that the assembly polls are a "battle for survival" for the JD(S) the party had been out of power for nearly a decade.

Kumaraswamy's political journey began in the year 1996. He started by winning that year's Lok Sabha elections from Kanakapura seat. Kumaraswamy rose to power in 2004 when the state elections resulted in a hung assembly and the JD(S) joined hands with the Congress to form a government he later called off the alliance, formed a government and assumed office as the 18th Chief Minister of Karnataka in 2006.&nbsp;

In October 2007, Kumaraswamy stepped down in what the party described as a 'power-sharing pact' with the BJP. BS Yeddyurappa succeeded him in November 2007.

This time around, opinion polls predicted a hung assembly, but the scenario was slightly different. JD(S) could have been sidelined as a customary kingmaker again, instead, the Congress politely placed the ball in Deve Gowda's hand who crowned his prince Karnataka's king.

Away from the limelight, that always shone brightly on BJP's Yeddyurappa and Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy wearily worked towards pulling his party out of the role of a mere kingmaker.&nbsp;

While campaigning for assembly polls this year, Kumaraswamy looked defiant and confident of emerging as a king. He is known to have tasted both the sides - when his party sided with the Congress to form a coalition and also when he gave it all away to the BJP in 2007.&nbsp;

But, having missed the taste of power for over a decade, former prime minister's son realised the importance of assuming power the tough way.

He was done with facilitating the political dreams of others and decided to steer his party on road to power.

Having missed the taste of power for over a decade, former prime minister's son realised the importance of assuming power the tough way

The Congress and the JD(S), in a unanimous decision, have decided to name HD Kumaraswamy as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. The political powerplay in Karnataka took an interesting turn today when the BJP, despite, winning the most seats couldn't rise to power and Rahul Gandhi-led Congress didn't bat an eye in extending support to HD Deve Gowda's Janata Dal (Secular). According to reports, Former Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi had a telephonic conversation with the JD(S) chief Deve Gowda to form an alliance. The Congress also offered the JD(S) to choose the Chief Ministerial of their choice, HD Kumaraswamy was handed over the baton. JD(S) state chief and former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had previously conceded that the assembly polls are a "battle for survival" for the JD(S) the party had been out of power for nearly a decade. Kumaraswamy's political journey began in the year 1996. He started by winning that year's Lok Sabha elections from Kanakapura seat. Kumaraswamy rose to power in 2004 when the state elections resulted in a hung assembly and the JD(S) joined hands with the Congress to form a government he later called off the alliance, formed a government and assumed office as the 18th Chief Minister of Karnataka in 2006. In October 2007, Kumaraswamy stepped down in what the party described as a 'power-sharing pact' with the BJP. BS Yeddyurappa succeeded him in November 2007. This time around, opinion polls predicted a hung assembly, but the scenario was slightly different. JD(S) could have been sidelined as a customary kingmaker again, instead, the Congress politely placed the ball in Deve Gowda's hand who crowned his prince Karnataka's king. Away from the limelight, that always shone brightly on BJP's Yeddyurappa and Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy wearily worked towards pulling his party out of the role of a mere kingmaker. While campaigning for assembly polls this year, Kumaraswamy looked defiant and confident of emerging as a king. He is known to have tasted both the sides - when his party sided with the Congress to form a coalition and also when he gave it all away to the BJP in 2007. But, having missed the taste of power for over a decade, former prime minister's son realised the importance of assuming power the tough way. He was done with facilitating the political dreams of others and decided to steer his party on road to power.

Kingmaker assumes power: HD Kumaraswamy holds seat as Karnataka's Chief Minister

BADAMI CONSTITUENCY:&nbsp;Siddaramaiah vs B Sriramulu

SIDDARAMAIAH – Congress leader and present chief minister of Karnataka. He has been the leader of opposition in the 224-member state assembly. A political heavyweight, Siddaramaiah comes from the Kuruba (shepherd) community and champions the cause of all the backward castes in the state.

B SRIRAMULU – The challenger from BJP who is a Scheduled Tribes leader and Lok Sabha member from Ballari. B Sriramulu is second only to BS Yeddyurappa in Karnataka BJP. He is a young leader and has immense support from the tribal community. Apart from Badami, Srisamulu is also contesting from Molakalmuru.

CHAMUNDESWARI CONSTITUENCY: Siddaramaiah vs GT Deve Gowda

SIDDARAMAIAH – This is the second constituency Siddaramaiah is contesting this election from. He has made development as the main plank of his campaign for these elections. Siddaramaiah was victorious in five of his seven election outings in Chamundeshwari until he switched to neighbouring Varuna constituency in 2008.

GT DEVE GOWDA – He is challenging Siddaramaiah from Chamundeswari. He is prominent Vokkaliga leader. He has represented Chamundeshwari constituency as a JD(S) nominee in the past. Gowda is known for his active involvement in the cooperative movement.

KORATAGERE CONSTITUENCY: G Parameshwara vs PR Sudhakar Lal

G PARAMESHWARA - The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president is the longest-serving head of the KPCC and a strong contender for the chief minister’s post. He was defeated by Sudhakar Lal in 2013, but is expected to garner many votes this time because even after the defeat, he has been actively involved in infrastructure development, installation of drinking water units and construction of Indira Canteens in this backward and reserved constituency. All his work is deeply acknowledged by the people of Koratagere.

PR SUDHAKAR LAL - He was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in the year 2013, defeating G Parameshwara. He is from Janata Dal (Secular).

SHIMOGA CONSTITUENCY: KS Eshwarappa vs KB Prasanna Kumar

KS ESHWARAPPA - Eshwarappa is a prominent BJP leader who is currently the leader of opposition in the Legislative Council. The former Karnataka deputy chief Minister won five times from Shimoga but was defeated in the last assembly election in 2013. But this time, he is widely believed to emerge victorious.

KB PRASANNA KUMAR - &nbsp;He defeated Eshwarappa from Shimoga in 2013 to enter Karnataka Assembly as MLA.&nbsp;

CHANNAPATNA CONSTITUENCY: HD Kumaraswamy vs CP Yogeshwar

HD KUMARASWAMY - JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy is the former Karnataka chief minister and the son of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda. Holding a strong base in southern Karnataka, Kumaraswamy is confident that his party will do well in the northern side of the state as well. He is representing the Channapatna district constituency.

CP YOGESHWAR - Yogeshwar is contesting from Channapatna for the third time. He has won every election that he has contested from the constituency in the last 10 years. He has a huge support of Dalit people.

&nbsp;

As Karnataka gears up for the assembly elections focus will be on some of the key contests between heavyweights

BADAMI CONSTITUENCY: Siddaramaiah vs B Sriramulu SIDDARAMAIAH – Congress leader and present chief minister of Karnataka. He has been the leader of opposition in the 224-member state assembly. A political heavyweight, Siddaramaiah comes from the Kuruba (shepherd) community and champions the cause of all the backward castes in the state. B SRIRAMULU – The challenger from BJP who is a Scheduled Tribes leader and Lok Sabha member from Ballari. B Sriramulu is second only to BS Yeddyurappa in Karnataka BJP. He is a young leader and has immense support from the tribal community. Apart from Badami, Srisamulu is also contesting from Molakalmuru. CHAMUNDESWARI CONSTITUENCY: Siddaramaiah vs GT Deve Gowda SIDDARAMAIAH – This is the second constituency Siddaramaiah is contesting this election from. He has made development as the main plank of his campaign for these elections. Siddaramaiah was victorious in five of his seven election outings in Chamundeshwari until he switched to neighbouring Varuna constituency in 2008. GT DEVE GOWDA – He is challenging Siddaramaiah from Chamundeswari. He is prominent Vokkaliga leader. He has represented Chamundeshwari constituency as a JD(S) nominee in the past. Gowda is known for his active involvement in the cooperative movement. KORATAGERE CONSTITUENCY: G Parameshwara vs PR Sudhakar Lal G PARAMESHWARA - The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president is the longest-serving head of the KPCC and a strong contender for the chief minister’s post. He was defeated by Sudhakar Lal in 2013, but is expected to garner many votes this time because even after the defeat, he has been actively involved in infrastructure development, installation of drinking water units and construction of Indira Canteens in this backward and reserved constituency. All his work is deeply acknowledged by the people of Koratagere. PR SUDHAKAR LAL - He was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in the year 2013, defeating G Parameshwara. He is from Janata Dal (Secular). SHIMOGA CONSTITUENCY: KS Eshwarappa vs KB Prasanna Kumar KS ESHWARAPPA - Eshwarappa is a prominent BJP leader who is currently the leader of opposition in the Legislative Council. The former Karnataka deputy chief Minister won five times from Shimoga but was defeated in the last assembly election in 2013. But this time, he is widely believed to emerge victorious. KB PRASANNA KUMAR - He defeated Eshwarappa from Shimoga in 2013 to enter Karnataka Assembly as MLA. CHANNAPATNA CONSTITUENCY: HD Kumaraswamy vs CP Yogeshwar HD KUMARASWAMY - JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy is the former Karnataka chief minister and the son of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda. Holding a strong base in southern Karnataka, Kumaraswamy is confident that his party will do well in the northern side of the state as well. He is representing the Channapatna district constituency. CP YOGESHWAR - Yogeshwar is contesting from Channapatna for the third time. He has won every election that he has contested from the constituency in the last 10 years. He has a huge support of Dalit people.

Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018: 5 key contests in Karnataka

With the Karnataka elections just around the corner, chief minister Siddaramaiah is locked in a tight triangular contest with the BJP and the JD-S.

Siddaramaiah says the Congress will come to power in Karnataka, paving the way for his party’s revival in the rest of the country.

He spoke to WION on a plethora of issue ranging from the Lingayats to a separate state flag for Karnataka to Bengaluru's dying lakes. Siddaramaiah's entire interview to WION follows:&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Q: What makes you so confident that Congress can buck the trend of Karnataka not giving a repeat term to any government?

A: We have given good governance. Law and order is much better than previous governments. Lot of investments have come to Karnataka which is far better than other states. So, we have done well on many fronts.

Q: How have schemes like Indira Canteen and Anna Bhagya done?

A: Four crore people of Karnataka have benefitted from Anna Bhagya scheme. Seven kg of rice per head is being given free of cost. We are the only government distributing rice free of cost. We are also giving five rupees subsidy per litre to milk farmers. We are giving loans to farmers without interest up to three lakh. Certain categories of loans have been waived. We are giving milk to 1.2 crore schoolgoing children. We have taken up a number of welfare schemes to help poor. Similar support is also being extended in the education sector. We have also provided laptops. This budget, I announced that girl students will be given free education and also free bus pass to students coming to schools.

Q: What have you done in the agriculture sector and secondly, there was a lot of acrimony between you and the Centre over the issue of fund allocation?

A: Centre provided us money under norms. We were facing unprecedented drought but still they gave us funds according to the norms. Centre did not provide us additional funds. I even requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked him to waive the loans but prime minister did not agree.

Q: Are you saying that Karnataka was discriminated against?

A: &nbsp;As per the NDRF funds are concerned, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu got more funds than us. Karnataka is getting less funds. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-mos-to-wion-ruling-party-not-facing-anti-incumbency-for-first-time-in-30-years-130659">It is discrimination</a>. I requested the Prime Minister to set aside the injustice being done to Karnataka.

Q: You had strong issues pertaining to the 15th Finance Commission?

A: Population cannot be a criteria for fund. UP and Bihar have not implemented family programme and they are getting more money. We have implemented it and we are ending up getting less money. It is not fair.

Q: Why did you shift your seat?

A: Two years back, my son was looking after the constituency and I had announced that I’m not going to fight the elections. My son passed away last year and my second son started looking after the constituency. Now people want him to contest. Chamundeshwari was my old constituency. I have successfully contested elections from the seat. I have been in touch with the people. It is a neighbouring constituency.

Q: The BJP and JD-S are happy as they feel they can tie the chief minister down to a single seat?

A: They are living in an illusion. They cannot tie me down to a seat. They are trying to defeat me. BJP and JD-S were together in a coalition. I contested as an independent when Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister and Yeddyurappa was the deputy CM. Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy sat there for days. Even then, I got elected.

Q: Are you worried about the infighting which has erupted post ticket distribution in the Congress?

A: Only <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-struggles-to-contain-dissent-in-karnataka-congress-after-ticket-distribution-130902">four or five constituencies are affected</a>. But we are trying to tackle the issue.

Q: Do you feel that the southern perspective of a strong cultural identity of a state does not match with the northern experience of a Union?

A: The states were recognised on the basis of languages and it should remain supreme in each state. We are in federal structure and we want our language to be respected. Regional languages should reign supreme. Likewise, Lingayat religious issue was not created by us.

It was established by Basvanna in 12th century. The community wants a separate tag. All the representatives of the community met me two years ago. They said that Veerashaivas and Lingayats are separate. I referred the matter to the state Minority Commission. &nbsp;The Minority Commission, in turn, constituted an expert committee under a high court judge whose recommendation was accepted by us and which we forwarded to the Centre.

Q: The BJP says this is divide and rule...

A: This proposal also existed during BJP’s regime. We did not initiate it. In this context, they had met both Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi.

Q: What about the flag?

A: Is there a provision that states should not have own flag? In the United States, every state has its own flag so why not Karnataka. The national flag is flying above the state flag. We can have a state flag.

Q: Has Siddaramaiah become a symbol of regional pride?

A: I’m proud to say that I’m a Kannadiga and am proud to be a symbol of Kannadiga pride.

Q: Congress is organisationally weak and Modi, on the other hand, has the capacity to turn around an election? Can Modi do a Gujarat in Karnataka?&nbsp;

A: Karnataka cannot be compared with Gujarat. BJP was in power in Gujarat. Our party structure was not strong in Gujarat. Compared to previous elections, our performance was good in Gujarat. BJP cannot play a communal card in the state. People like secularism here and they will not tolerate communal card.

Q: Is Karnataka going to be an antidote to the BJP’s cultural nationalism?

A: Karnataka is being looked at by the entire country. Congress will come to power and will prove to be a stepping stone for the national politics. Modi’s government has failed. They have not fulfilled a single promise to the people of Karnataka. Look what Andhra Pradesh CM Chandra Babu Nadu is saying. Modi could not even keep the promise to the people of Andhra Pradesh.

Q: Is the Third Front a good idea for the Congress?

A: Congress and all like-minded parties should come together and fight communal elements and Congress must take a leading role.

Q: Is this election about Siddaramaiah vs Modi or Siddaramaiah vs Yeddyurappa?

A: This election is about me and Yeddyurappa. This election is about the people of Karnataka. People have to choose between me and Yeddyurappa and not Modi.

Q: I think you forgot about the JD-S. Surveys have shown strong Vokaligga consolidation for the JD-S?

A: JD-S is a regional party confined to six to seven districts in southern Karnataka. Their presence is meagre in the northern part of the state. They cannot win more than 20 to 25 seats.

Q: There was a time when Kumaraswamy went on to become the chief minister?

A: Kumaraswamy is an illusion. He is thinking of a hung assembly where he thinks that he will get to play the role of a kingmaker. This situation will not arise at all. Congress party is going to form the government in Karnataka.

Q: Don’t you think that the JD-S has been able to use the Cauvery issue?

A: How will it help JD-S? There was a tribunal order and the Karnataka government went in for appeal against it to the Supreme Court. The judgement of the tribunal was modified. 14.75 TMC of water was additionally allotted to us. JD-S cannot take advantage of this issue. People of Karnataka were happy with the Cauvery judgement.

Q: So the JD-S is not a player in the state?

A: They are not our main rival. In the&nbsp;north, we fight BJP and in south Karnataka, JD-S.

Q: What has your administration done to curb the violence rocking coastal Karnataka?

A: BJP is trying to mislead people. Law and Order situation is good in the coastal areas. They claim that 24 BJP workers have been killed by SDPI. It is not correct. Yes, 12 BJP workers have died and rest belong to other groups. It is claimed that all of them are BJP workers which is not true. Some of them were not even communal clashes.

Q: Rationalists have been targeted in your state? What have you done to protect them?

A: It is not only in Karnataka. People were also targeted in Maharashtra. The investigation is going on. They are organised criminals. In Gauri Lankesh’s case, there is considerable progress. Kalburgi’s case has already been referred to the CBI.

Q: The dying lakes of Bengaluru get a lot of global attention. What have you done to save them and what do you intend to do?

A: We have to provide world-class infrastructure to Bengaluru. All the lakes have to be developed and beautified. We need to tackle the garbage problem including congestion. These are the urgent urban issues which we intend to solve if we come to power again. 
&nbsp; 
Q: What should the Congress do to revive itself nationally? What is your advice to Rahul Gandhi?

A: Electoral victory in Karnataka will revive the Congress Party nationally. We will capture power in the Centre. Modi’s popularity is declining quickly. They will not win 2019 elections. BJP will not make it to the Centre again. Like-minded parties must come together to defeat BJP for Lok Sabha elections.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ds0X_SE6u8k" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah added that like-minded parties must come together to defeat the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections

With the Karnataka elections just around the corner, chief minister Siddaramaiah is locked in a tight triangular contest with the BJP and the JD-S. Siddaramaiah says the Congress will come to power in Karnataka, paving the way for his party’s revival in the rest of the country. He spoke to WION on a plethora of issue ranging from the Lingayats to a separate state flag for Karnataka to Bengaluru's dying lakes. Siddaramaiah's entire interview to WION follows: Q: What makes you so confident that Congress can buck the trend of Karnataka not giving a repeat term to any government? A: We have given good governance. Law and order is much better than previous governments. Lot of investments have come to Karnataka which is far better than other states. So, we have done well on many fronts. Q: How have schemes like Indira Canteen and Anna Bhagya done? A: Four crore people of Karnataka have benefitted from Anna Bhagya scheme. Seven kg of rice per head is being given free of cost. We are the only government distributing rice free of cost. We are also giving five rupees subsidy per litre to milk farmers. We are giving loans to farmers without interest up to three lakh. Certain categories of loans have been waived. We are giving milk to 1.2 crore schoolgoing children. We have taken up a number of welfare schemes to help poor. Similar support is also being extended in the education sector. We have also provided laptops. This budget, I announced that girl students will be given free education and also free bus pass to students coming to schools. Q: What have you done in the agriculture sector and secondly, there was a lot of acrimony between you and the Centre over the issue of fund allocation? A: Centre provided us money under norms. We were facing unprecedented drought but still they gave us funds according to the norms. Centre did not provide us additional funds. I even requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked him to waive the loans but prime minister did not agree. Q: Are you saying that Karnataka was discriminated against? A: As per the NDRF funds are concerned, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu got more funds than us. Karnataka is getting less funds. It is discrimination. I requested the Prime Minister to set aside the injustice being done to Karnataka. Q: You had strong issues pertaining to the 15th Finance Commission? A: Population cannot be a criteria for fund. UP and Bihar have not implemented family programme and they are getting more money. We have implemented it and we are ending up getting less money. It is not fair. Q: Why did you shift your seat? A: Two years back, my son was looking after the constituency and I had announced that I’m not going to fight the elections. My son passed away last year and my second son started looking after the constituency. Now people want him to contest. Chamundeshwari was my old constituency. I have successfully contested elections from the seat. I have been in touch with the people. It is a neighbouring constituency. Q: The BJP and JD-S are happy as they feel they can tie the chief minister down to a single seat? A: They are living in an illusion. They cannot tie me down to a seat. They are trying to defeat me. BJP and JD-S were together in a coalition. I contested as an independent when Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister and Yeddyurappa was the deputy CM. Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy sat there for days. Even then, I got elected. Q: Are you worried about the infighting which has erupted post ticket distribution in the Congress? A: Only four or five constituencies are affected. But we are trying to tackle the issue. Q: Do you feel that the southern perspective of a strong cultural identity of a state does not match with the northern experience of a Union? A: The states were recognised on the basis of languages and it should remain supreme in each state. We are in federal structure and we want our language to be respected. Regional languages should reign supreme. Likewise, Lingayat religious issue was not created by us. It was established by Basvanna in 12th century. The community wants a separate tag. All the representatives of the community met me two years ago. They said that Veerashaivas and Lingayats are separate. I referred the matter to the state Minority Commission. The Minority Commission, in turn, constituted an expert committee under a high court judge whose recommendation was accepted by us and which we forwarded to the Centre. Q: The BJP says this is divide and rule... A: This proposal also existed during BJP’s regime. We did not initiate it. In this context, they had met both Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi. Q: What about the flag? A: Is there a provision that states should not have own flag? In the United States, every state has its own flag so why not Karnataka. The national flag is flying above the state flag. We can have a state flag. Q: Has Siddaramaiah become a symbol of regional pride? A: I’m proud to say that I’m a Kannadiga and am proud to be a symbol of Kannadiga pride. Q: Congress is organisationally weak and Modi, on the other hand, has the capacity to turn around an election? Can Modi do a Gujarat in Karnataka? A: Karnataka cannot be compared with Gujarat. BJP was in power in Gujarat. Our party structure was not strong in Gujarat. Compared to previous elections, our performance was good in Gujarat. BJP cannot play a communal card in the state. People like secularism here and they will not tolerate communal card. Q: Is Karnataka going to be an antidote to the BJP’s cultural nationalism? A: Karnataka is being looked at by the entire country. Congress will come to power and will prove to be a stepping stone for the national politics. Modi’s government has failed. They have not fulfilled a single promise to the people of Karnataka. Look what Andhra Pradesh CM Chandra Babu Nadu is saying. Modi could not even keep the promise to the people of Andhra Pradesh. Q: Is the Third Front a good idea for the Congress? A: Congress and all like-minded parties should come together and fight communal elements and Congress must take a leading role. Q: Is this election about Siddaramaiah vs Modi or Siddaramaiah vs Yeddyurappa? A: This election is about me and Yeddyurappa. This election is about the people of Karnataka. People have to choose between me and Yeddyurappa and not Modi. Q: I think you forgot about the JD-S. Surveys have shown strong Vokaligga consolidation for the JD-S? A: JD-S is a regional party confined to six to seven districts in southern Karnataka. Their presence is meagre in the northern part of the state. They cannot win more than 20 to 25 seats. Q: There was a time when Kumaraswamy went on to become the chief minister? A: Kumaraswamy is an illusion. He is thinking of a hung assembly where he thinks that he will get to play the role of a kingmaker. This situation will not arise at all. Congress party is going to form the government in Karnataka. Q: Don’t you think that the JD-S has been able to use the Cauvery issue? A: How will it help JD-S? There was a tribunal order and the Karnataka government went in for appeal against it to the Supreme Court. The judgement of the tribunal was modified. 14.75 TMC of water was additionally allotted to us. JD-S cannot take advantage of this issue. People of Karnataka were happy with the Cauvery judgement. Q: So the JD-S is not a player in the state? A: They are not our main rival. In the north, we fight BJP and in south Karnataka, JD-S. Q: What has your administration done to curb the violence rocking coastal Karnataka? A: BJP is trying to mislead people. Law and Order situation is good in the coastal areas. They claim that 24 BJP workers have been killed by SDPI. It is not correct. Yes, 12 BJP workers have died and rest belong to other groups. It is claimed that all of them are BJP workers which is not true. Some of them were not even communal clashes. Q: Rationalists have been targeted in your state? What have you done to protect them? A: It is not only in Karnataka. People were also targeted in Maharashtra. The investigation is going on. They are organised criminals. In Gauri Lankesh’s case, there is considerable progress. Kalburgi’s case has already been referred to the CBI. Q: The dying lakes of Bengaluru get a lot of global attention. What have you done to save them and what do you intend to do? A: We have to provide world-class infrastructure to Bengaluru. All the lakes have to be developed and beautified. We need to tackle the garbage problem including congestion. These are the urgent urban issues which we intend to solve if we come to power again. Q: What should the Congress do to revive itself nationally? What is your advice to Rahul Gandhi? A: Electoral victory in Karnataka will revive the Congress Party nationally. We will capture power in the Centre. Modi’s popularity is declining quickly. They will not win 2019 elections. BJP will not make it to the Centre again. Like-minded parties must come together to defeat BJP for Lok Sabha elections.

Lingayat religious issue not created by us: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to WION

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