<p>Targetting the Bhartiya Janata Party over forming a government in Karnataka after winning the highest number of seats in the state, the Congress has now decided to stake a claim&nbsp;in Goa.</p>

<p>13 Congress MLAs of the Congress party met with the Goa governor Mridula Sinha at Raj Bhavan today demanding an invitation from the governor for forming a government in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The MLAs handed over a memorandum to the governor saying Congress is the largest party in the state.</p>

<p>The Congress holds that as the BJP was invited to&nbsp;form the&nbsp;government&nbsp;in Karnataka&nbsp;by virtue of&nbsp;its majority seats, the Goa governor should invite them to form the government as they had won the majority&nbsp;of seats in the state during the legislative elections in 2017.</p>

<p>Congress spokesperson Yatish Naika had said yesterday,&nbsp;''In 2017, we won 17 seats and were the single largest party and continue to be but Governor chose to invite the BJP which had 13 seats. In Karnataka, Governor invited BJP as they are the single largest party. So, we appeal to Governor to invite us to form govt".</p>

<p>Congress spokesperson had also said that they were ready to prove their majority in the state.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Appointment with Goa Governor at noon. We are going to tell her that since her counterpart in Karnataka has called the single largest party, she should also call us now. We are single largest party, will prove majority on the floor of the House: Yatish Naik, Goa Congress spox <a href="https://t.co/YNeihTYQE2">pic.twitter.com/YNeihTYQE2</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997347178577367042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In February 2017 assembly poll, Congress had emerged as the single-largest party but had failed to form the government after the BJP, with 13 MLAs, swiftly bagged support of Goa Forward Party (GFP), Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and two Independents, to reach the magic figure of 21 in the 40-member house.</p>

<p>Following this, Manohar Parrikar, who was then serving as the defence minister was rushed back to Goa to return as the Chief Minister.</p>

<p>Goa Congress said that the state is without a leader for two months and added that state administration is in chaos. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Goa: 13 Congress MLAs reach Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Mridula Sinha <a href="https://t.co/UDPhn69vM0">pic.twitter.com/UDPhn69vM0</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Goa: 13 Congress MLAs at Raj Bhavan, hand over memorandum to Governor Mridula Sinha saying Congress is the single largest party in the state <a href="https://t.co/WCJ2DilCFN">pic.twitter.com/WCJ2DilCFN</a></p>
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The Congress holds that as the BJP was invited to form the government in Karnataka by virtue of its majority seats, the Goa governor should invite them to form the government as they had won the majority of seats in the state during the legislative elections in 2017

Targetting the Bhartiya Janata Party over forming a government in Karnataka after winning the highest number of seats in the state, the Congress has now decided to stake a claim in Goa. 13 Congress MLAs of the Congress party met with the Goa governor Mridula Sinha at Raj Bhavan today demanding an invitation from the governor for forming a government in the state. The MLAs handed over a memorandum to the governor saying Congress is the largest party in the state. The Congress holds that as the BJP was invited to form the government in Karnataka by virtue of its majority seats, the Goa governor should invite them to form the government as they had won the majority of seats in the state during the legislative elections in 2017. Congress spokesperson Yatish Naika had said yesterday, ''In 2017, we won 17 seats and were the single largest party and continue to be but Governor chose to invite the BJP which had 13 seats. In Karnataka, Governor invited BJP as they are the single largest party. So, we appeal to Governor to invite us to form govt". Congress spokesperson had also said that they were ready to prove their majority in the state. Appointment with Goa Governor at noon. We are going to tell her that since her counterpart in Karnataka has called the single largest party, she should also call us now. We are single largest party, will prove majority on the floor of the House: Yatish Naik, Goa Congress spox pic.twitter.com/YNeihTYQE2 — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018 × In February 2017 assembly poll, Congress had emerged as the single-largest party but had failed to form the government after the BJP, with 13 MLAs, swiftly bagged support of Goa Forward Party (GFP), Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and two Independents, to reach the magic figure of 21 in the 40-member house. Following this, Manohar Parrikar, who was then serving as the defence minister was rushed back to Goa to return as the Chief Minister. Goa Congress said that the state is without a leader for two months and added that state administration is in chaos. Goa: 13 Congress MLAs reach Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Mridula Sinha pic.twitter.com/UDPhn69vM0 — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018 × Goa: 13 Congress MLAs at Raj Bhavan, hand over memorandum to Governor Mridula Sinha saying Congress is the single largest party in the state pic.twitter.com/WCJ2DilCFN — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018 ×

Congress stakes claim over Goa, submits memorandum to governor

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi said today that the floor test ordered by the Supreme Court in the Karnataka assembly vindicated his party's stand that Governor Vajubhai Vala's invitation to BS Yeddyurappa to become chief minister was unconstitutional.</p>

<p>The Congress president wrote on Twitter that the top court had called the BJP government's bluff that it would form the government in the state even without the numbers. He also alleged that stopped legally, the BJP would now try "money and muscle to steal the mandate".</p>

<p>"Today’s Supreme Court order&nbspvindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally. The BJP’s bluff that it will form the government, even without the numbers, has been called out by the court. Stopped legally, they will now try money & muscle, to steal the mandate," tweeted Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court today asked the Yeddyurappa-led BJP government to conduct a floor test on Saturday to prove their majority in the Karnataka assembly.</p>

<p>The top court was hearing a petition challenging Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's invitation to BS Yeddyurappa to become chief minister.</p>

<p>In the May 12 polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JD(S) 37 and others three.</p>

<p>The BJP insists it should stake claim to form the government by virtue of being the single largest party while the Congress, which has struck a post-poll alliance with the JD(S), says they have more seats, four more than the half-way mark.&nbsp<br />
&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today’s Supreme Court order, vindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally.<br />
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The BJP’s bluff that it will form the Govt., even without the numbers, has been called out by the court.<br />
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Stopped legally, they will now try money & muscle, to steal the mandate.</p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/997369301198925824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress president wrote on Twitter that the top court had called the BJP government's bluff that it would form the government in the state even without the numbers

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said today that the floor test ordered by the Supreme Court in the Karnataka assembly vindicated his party's stand that Governor Vajubhai Vala's invitation to BS Yeddyurappa to become chief minister was unconstitutional. The Congress president wrote on Twitter that the top court had called the BJP government's bluff that it would form the government in the state even without the numbers. He also alleged that stopped legally, the BJP would now try "money and muscle to steal the mandate". "Today’s Supreme Court order&nbspvindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally. The BJP’s bluff that it will form the government, even without the numbers, has been called out by the court. Stopped legally, they will now try money & muscle, to steal the mandate," tweeted Rahul Gandhi. The Supreme Court today asked the Yeddyurappa-led BJP government to conduct a floor test on Saturday to prove their majority in the Karnataka assembly. The top court was hearing a petition challenging Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's invitation to BS Yeddyurappa to become chief minister. In the May 12 polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JD(S) 37 and others three. The BJP insists it should stake claim to form the government by virtue of being the single largest party while the Congress, which has struck a post-poll alliance with the JD(S), says they have more seats, four more than the half-way mark. Today’s Supreme Court order, vindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally. The BJP’s bluff that it will form the Govt., even without the numbers, has been called out by the court. Stopped legally, they will now try money & muscle, to steal the mandate. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 18, 2018 ×

Supreme Court order vindicates stand that Governor acted unconstitutionally: Rahul Gandhi

<p>The battle between the Bhartiya Janata Party and Congress-JD(S) alliance over the formation of government in Karnataka witnessed another historic move today after the Supreme court intervened and asked Yeddyurappa led BJP government to prove their majority in the state by tomorrow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Senior lawyer and BJP's counsel Mukul Rohatgi has opposed the apex courts decision for conducting&nbsp;the floor test tomorrow saying that the BJP "needs time".</p>

<p>Rohatgi asked the Supreme Court to fix floor test on Monday claiming that Congress and JD(S) MLAs were locked outside the state. He said, "they also have to come to vote. So give more time".</p>

<p>In his letter to the Supreme Court, Rohatgi had claimed&nbsp;that Yeddyurappa&nbsp;government had the&nbsp;required number of&nbsp;MLAs and was ready to prove its majority in the assembly.</p>

<p>He said," Yeddyurappa has been elected as leader of the largest party, BJP and he has the support of other necessary numbers of MLAs". &nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said&nbsp;that the Congress did not have written support of many MLAs.</p>

<p>He said, 'We have certain information that many MLAs from other parties have not given any kind of written support to Congress-JD(S).'</p>

<p>Earlier, talking to a press he had said, "We'll show CM's letter to Court, it shows he has support and support will be shown in the house. There is no issue of horse-trading, it is the other way, as MLAs have been taken to resorts".</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Rohatgi asked the Supreme Court to fix floor test on Monday claiming that Congress and JD(S) MLAs were locked outside the state. He said, 'they also have to come to vote. So give more time'

The battle between the Bhartiya Janata Party and Congress-JD(S) alliance over the formation of government in Karnataka witnessed another historic move today after the Supreme court intervened and asked Yeddyurappa led BJP government to prove their majority in the state by tomorrow. Senior lawyer and BJP's counsel Mukul Rohatgi has opposed the apex courts decision for conducting the floor test tomorrow saying that the BJP "needs time". Rohatgi asked the Supreme Court to fix floor test on Monday claiming that Congress and JD(S) MLAs were locked outside the state. He said, "they also have to come to vote. So give more time". In his letter to the Supreme Court, Rohatgi had claimed that Yeddyurappa government had the required number of MLAs and was ready to prove its majority in the assembly. He said," Yeddyurappa has been elected as leader of the largest party, BJP and he has the support of other necessary numbers of MLAs". He also said that the Congress did not have written support of many MLAs. He said, 'We have certain information that many MLAs from other parties have not given any kind of written support to Congress-JD(S).' Earlier, talking to a press he had said, "We'll show CM's letter to Court, it shows he has support and support will be shown in the house. There is no issue of horse-trading, it is the other way, as MLAs have been taken to resorts".

BJP has required number of MLAs, but 'need time': Mukul Rohatgi to Supreme Court

<p>The BJP today alleged that the Congress has forged the signatures of many of its legislators while submitting the party's list of MLAs to the Governor claiming it had the numbers to form the government.</p>

<p>Addressing reporters here, Union Human Resources Minister Prakash Javadekar said one was at a loss to understand how Congress could collect the signatures of all the MLAs even before they arrived in Bengaluru and attended the Congress Legislature Party meeting.</p>

<p>He said forging signatures and other documents were not something new to the Congress.</p>

<p>When the polls in Manipur threw up a hung Assembly, Congress submitted a forged letter of support of the Manipur People's Party. However, it was found that the grand old party had forged it, he said.</p>

<p>In Karnataka also, the Congress had resorted to their age-old practice, Javadekar said, adding the party has become synonymous with the word forgery.</p>

<p>Defending Governor Vajubhai Vala's action in inviting BJP to form the government, Javadekar said he had only followed the rulebook as there was no pre-poll alliance in Karnataka and Congress and JDS were bitter foes before the poll, where the parties' leaders called each other names.</p>

<p>"During his election campaign in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi had termed JDS as the 'B' team of BJP. He had said that JD(S) means nothing but Janata Dal Sangh Parivar. Now they are trying to cobble together an alliance, which is nothing but a sheer opportunistic move," he said.</p>

<p>TheGovernor did the right thing by inviting the single largest party tt&nbspform the government and prove the majority on the floor of theHouse, he added.</p>

<p>Javadekar said it was sad that Congress has held its MLAs captive in 'isolated resorts', severing contacts with their families and not even being allowed to watch newschannels.</p>

<p>Referring to Congress President Rahul Gandhi's remark at Raipur today that the judiciary had been suppressed, Javadekar reminded him of the dark days ofthe Emergency in 1975.</p>

<p>"The grand old party had not only overturned the judicial system but also suppressed the freedom of the press. Instead of seeking pardon for their sins, the Congress leader is tryingto create a false perception," he said.</p>

<p>Against the backdrop of the developments in Karnataka, Gandhi asserted at an event in Raipur that the Constitution is under 'severe attack', even as he said the judiciary and the press were under "fear" that usually happens in Pakistan under "dictatorship" and some African countries ruled by Generals.</p>

<p>He alleged there was an atmosphere of fear in the country with even institutions such as the judiciary and the press being suppressed and threatened.</p>


When the polls in Manipur threw up a hung Assembly, Congress submitted a forged letter of support of the Manipur People's Party. However, it was found that the grand old party had forged it, he said.

The BJP today alleged that the Congress has forged the signatures of many of its legislators while submitting the party's list of MLAs to the Governor claiming it had the numbers to form the government. Addressing reporters here, Union Human Resources Minister Prakash Javadekar said one was at a loss to understand how Congress could collect the signatures of all the MLAs even before they arrived in Bengaluru and attended the Congress Legislature Party meeting. He said forging signatures and other documents were not something new to the Congress. When the polls in Manipur threw up a hung Assembly, Congress submitted a forged letter of support of the Manipur People's Party. However, it was found that the grand old party had forged it, he said. In Karnataka also, the Congress had resorted to their age-old practice, Javadekar said, adding the party has become synonymous with the word forgery. Defending Governor Vajubhai Vala's action in inviting BJP to form the government, Javadekar said he had only followed the rulebook as there was no pre-poll alliance in Karnataka and Congress and JDS were bitter foes before the poll, where the parties' leaders called each other names. "During his election campaign in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi had termed JDS as the 'B' team of BJP. He had said that JD(S) means nothing but Janata Dal Sangh Parivar. Now they are trying to cobble together an alliance, which is nothing but a sheer opportunistic move," he said. TheGovernor did the right thing by inviting the single largest party tt&nbspform the government and prove the majority on the floor of theHouse, he added. Javadekar said it was sad that Congress has held its MLAs captive in 'isolated resorts', severing contacts with their families and not even being allowed to watch newschannels. Referring to Congress President Rahul Gandhi's remark at Raipur today that the judiciary had been suppressed, Javadekar reminded him of the dark days ofthe Emergency in 1975. "The grand old party had not only overturned the judicial system but also suppressed the freedom of the press. Instead of seeking pardon for their sins, the Congress leader is tryingto create a false perception," he said. Against the backdrop of the developments in Karnataka, Gandhi asserted at an event in Raipur that the Constitution is under 'severe attack', even as he said the judiciary and the press were under "fear" that usually happens in Pakistan under "dictatorship" and some African countries ruled by Generals. He alleged there was an atmosphere of fear in the country with even institutions such as the judiciary and the press being suppressed and threatened.

'Signatures of several Congress MLAs in letter to Governor forged'

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-stay-yeddyurappas-swearing-in-ceremony-137537">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-stay-yeddyurappas-swearing-in-ceremony-137537">late-night</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-stay-yeddyurappas-swearing-in-ceremony-137537"> hearing, Supreme Court refuses to stay Yeddyurappa's swearing-in ceremony</a></p>

<p>The Supreme Court today refused to stay BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa's swearing-in as Karnataka Chief Minister after a rare pre-dawn hearing which saw the Congress-JD (S) combine making a last-ditch attempt to stall the saffron party's surge in the southern state.</p>

<p>The top court, which commenced the hearing at 2.11 am and ended at 5.28 am, however made it clear that the swearing-in and the government formation in the state would be subject to the final outcome of the case before it.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-natak-in-karnataka-continues-both-sides-to-meet-governor-mlas-report-poaching-attempts-137278">Live: Yeddyurappa&nbsp;sworn in as Karnataka Chief Minister&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>The BJP's BS Yeddyurappa was sworn in as Karnataka Chief Minister today</p>

<p>Yeddyurappa took oath as the 23rd chief minister of Karnataka after the Supreme Court early today morning decided not to put a stay on the swearing-in while conducting a post-midnight hearing.</p>

<p>Yeddyurappa, who succeeds Siddaramaiah, took oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka at 9.00 am at the Raj Bhavan.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-discloses-payment-to-attorney-who-paid-off-stormy-daniels-137545">Trump discloses payment to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-discloses-payment-to-attorney-who-paid-off-stormy-daniels-137545">attorney</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-discloses-payment-to-attorney-who-paid-off-stormy-daniels-137545"> who paid off </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-discloses-payment-to-attorney-who-paid-off-stormy-daniels-137545">porn</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-discloses-payment-to-attorney-who-paid-off-stormy-daniels-137545"> star</a></p>

<p>President Donald Trump has formally disclosed that he reimbursed his personal attorney more than $100,000 last year, apparently in connection with the payment of hush money to a porn star, government records show.</p>

<p>The disclosure caps a series of contradictory statements from Trump and his representatives on the scandal swirling around lawyer Michael Cohen -- which has widened to ensnare major corporations and a Russian oligarch.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/north-korea-pledges-not-to-create-security-concerns-for-india-137548">North Korea pledges not to create security concerns for India</a></p>

<p>Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs General VK Singh (retired) became the first Indian minister to visit North Korea in 20 years as the latter pledged not to ever create concerns for India's security.</p>

<p>The MoS highlighted the threat posed to India from nuclear proliferation. In response to that, North Korea emphasised that being a friendly country, it will never allow any actions that would create concerns for India's security.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/collegium-again-defers-decision-on-justice-josephs-elevation-to-supreme-court-137556">Collegium again defers </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/collegium-again-defers-decision-on-justice-josephs-elevation-to-supreme-court-137556">decision</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/collegium-again-defers-decision-on-justice-josephs-elevation-to-supreme-court-137556"> on Justice Joseph's elevation to Supreme Court</a></p>

<p>The Supreme Court Collegium Wednesday again deferred its decision on the issue of recommending Uttarakhand Chief Justice KM Joseph for elevation to the top court after it was returned by the Centre. An apex court official said that no decision has been taken as to when the recommendation will be sent to the Centre.</p>

<p>The Collegium comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and four senior-most judges — justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph — deliberated for more than an hour.</p>

<p>Official details on the outcome of the meeting were awaited. This was the Collegium's second meeting in five days.</p>


In late-night hearing, Supreme Court refuses to stay Yeddyurappa's swearing-in ceremony The Supreme Court today refused to stay BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa's swearing-in as Karnataka Chief Minister after a rare pre-dawn hearing which saw the Congress-JD (S) combine making a last-ditch attempt to stall the saffron party's surge in the southern state. The top court, which commenced the hearing at 2.11 am and ended at 5.28 am, however made it clear that the swearing-in and the government formation in the state would be subject to the final outcome of the case before it. Live: Yeddyurappa sworn in as Karnataka Chief Minister The BJP's BS Yeddyurappa was sworn in as Karnataka Chief Minister today Yeddyurappa took oath as the 23rd chief minister of Karnataka after the Supreme Court early today morning decided not to put a stay on the swearing-in while conducting a post-midnight hearing. Yeddyurappa, who succeeds Siddaramaiah, took oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka at 9.00 am at the Raj Bhavan. Trump discloses payment to attorney who paid off porn star President Donald Trump has formally disclosed that he reimbursed his personal attorney more than $100,000 last year, apparently in connection with the payment of hush money to a porn star, government records show. The disclosure caps a series of contradictory statements from Trump and his representatives on the scandal swirling around lawyer Michael Cohen -- which has widened to ensnare major corporations and a Russian oligarch. North Korea pledges not to create security concerns for India Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs General VK Singh (retired) became the first Indian minister to visit North Korea in 20 years as the latter pledged not to ever create concerns for India's security. The MoS highlighted the threat posed to India from nuclear proliferation. In response to that, North Korea emphasised that being a friendly country, it will never allow any actions that would create concerns for India's security. Collegium again defers decision on Justice Joseph's elevation to Supreme Court The Supreme Court Collegium Wednesday again deferred its decision on the issue of recommending Uttarakhand Chief Justice KM Joseph for elevation to the top court after it was returned by the Centre. An apex court official said that no decision has been taken as to when the recommendation will be sent to the Centre. The Collegium comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and four senior-most judges — justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph — deliberated for more than an hour. Official details on the outcome of the meeting were awaited. This was the Collegium's second meeting in five days.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap said on Wednesday that the decision of the Karnataka Governor to invite the BJP to form the government in the state cannot be challenged.</p>

<p>Subhash Kashyap said that as far as the question of which party had the majority was concerned,&nbsp;"it can be proven only on the floor of the house, not at the Raj Bhavan (Governor's House) or by submitting any list."</p>

<p>The constitutional expert further said that while the constitution provided the Governor complete power to appoint anyone the chief minister, the Governor was expected to choose a person who in his judgement is expected to gain a majority in the assembly.</p>

<p>Subhash Kashyap's statements come even as the Supreme Court, in an overnight hearing, refused to stay BS Yeddyurappa's swearing-in ceremony after the Governor invited him to form the government in Karnataka, giving him 15 days to prove his majority in the house.</p>

<p>The top court, however, made it clear that the swearing-in and the government formation in the state would be subject to the final outcome of the case before it.</p>

<p>In the elections held on May 12, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members.The Congress secured 78 seats, the JD(S) 37 and others three.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It depends on Governor's discretion. Constitution provides them complete power to appoint anyone the CM, but Guv is expected to choose the person, who in their judgement, is in a situation to gain majority in the assembly:Subhash Kashyap, Constitutional expert <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/BSRIhE381b">pic.twitter.com/BSRIhE381b</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996825530392440832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap says, "Governor's decision can't be challenged. As far as the question of which party has the majority is concerned, it can be proven only on the floor of the house, not at the Raj Bhavan or by submitting any list" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/lw87hvGSBG">pic.twitter.com/lw87hvGSBG</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Subhash Kashyap said that as far as the question of which party had the majority was concerned, 'it can be proven only on the floor of the house, not at the Raj Bhavan or by submitting any list'

Constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap said on Wednesday that the decision of the Karnataka Governor to invite the BJP to form the government in the state cannot be challenged. Subhash Kashyap said that as far as the question of which party had the majority was concerned, "it can be proven only on the floor of the house, not at the Raj Bhavan (Governor's House) or by submitting any list." The constitutional expert further said that while the constitution provided the Governor complete power to appoint anyone the chief minister, the Governor was expected to choose a person who in his judgement is expected to gain a majority in the assembly. Subhash Kashyap's statements come even as the Supreme Court, in an overnight hearing, refused to stay BS Yeddyurappa's swearing-in ceremony after the Governor invited him to form the government in Karnataka, giving him 15 days to prove his majority in the house. The top court, however, made it clear that the swearing-in and the government formation in the state would be subject to the final outcome of the case before it. In the elections held on May 12, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members.The Congress secured 78 seats, the JD(S) 37 and others three. It depends on Governor's discretion. Constitution provides them complete power to appoint anyone the CM, but Guv is expected to choose the person, who in their judgement, is in a situation to gain majority in the assembly:Subhash Kashyap, Constitutional expert #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/BSRIhE381b — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × #WATCH Constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap says, "Governor's decision can't be challenged. As far as the question of which party has the majority is concerned, it can be proven only on the floor of the house, not at the Raj Bhavan or by submitting any list" #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/lw87hvGSBG — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 ×

Governor's decision cannot be challenged: Constitutional expert on Karnataka crisis

<p>Karnataka Governor&nbsp;Vajubhai Vala on Wednesday invited B S&nbsp;Yeddyurappa to take oath as next chief minister of the state. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Karnataka Governor's letter inviting BJP's BS Yeddyurappa to form government. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElectionResults2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElectionResults2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/EafBULC7nr">pic.twitter.com/EafBULC7nr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996783864394801153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Yeddyurappa will take the oath Thursday at 9 am.</p>

<p>The Governor has given Yeddyurappa 15 days to prove his majority on the floor of the house.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Governor has invited BS Yeddyurappa to form govt, official communication has been received, Guv gave 15 days to prove majority, oath to take place at 9 am tomorrow: Basavaraj Bommai, BJP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElectionResults2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElectionResults2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/y3IewUswpt">pic.twitter.com/y3IewUswpt</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996783156777930753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reacting to the news, Congress leader&nbsp;P Chidambaram has tweeted ''Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days. Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111.''</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days.<br />
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Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111.</p>
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/996785499653062656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tomorrow BS Yeddyurappa will be taking oath (as CM of Karnataka) alone, after proving majority cabinet will be sworn in: Murlidhar Rao, BJP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElectionResults2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElectionResults2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/WZIiA8DcdB">pic.twitter.com/WZIiA8DcdB</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996786797991596033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier addressing a press conference, Congress leaders said Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala should not resort to a "perilous path" by not inviting the JD(S)-Congress coalition, which has clear majority, to form the government in the state.</p>

<p>The remarks by Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Kapil Sibal came amid reports that the Governor is inviting the BJP to take a shot at power and the swearing-in of its chief ministerial nominee B S Yeddyurappa will take place tomorrow.</p>

<p>"Our majority is established... The Governor should not act illegally. The Congress-JD(S) combine must be invited to form the government," said Sibal.</p>

<p>Both the BJP and JDS-Congress combine with 104 and 115 seats have respectively staked claim to form the government in the state after it delivered a fractured verdict.&nbsp;</p>


Yeddyurappa will take the oath tomorrow morning at 9:30

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala on Wednesday invited B S Yeddyurappa to take oath as next chief minister of the state. Karnataka Governor's letter inviting BJP's BS Yeddyurappa to form government. #KarnatakaElectionResults2018 pic.twitter.com/EafBULC7nr — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × Yeddyurappa will take the oath Thursday at 9 am. The Governor has given Yeddyurappa 15 days to prove his majority on the floor of the house. Governor has invited BS Yeddyurappa to form govt, official communication has been received, Guv gave 15 days to prove majority, oath to take place at 9 am tomorrow: Basavaraj Bommai, BJP #KarnatakaElectionResults2018 pic.twitter.com/y3IewUswpt — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × Reacting to the news, Congress leader P Chidambaram has tweeted ''Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days. Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111.'' Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days. Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 16, 2018 × Tomorrow BS Yeddyurappa will be taking oath (as CM of Karnataka) alone, after proving majority cabinet will be sworn in: Murlidhar Rao, BJP #KarnatakaElectionResults2018 pic.twitter.com/WZIiA8DcdB — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × Earlier addressing a press conference, Congress leaders said Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala should not resort to a "perilous path" by not inviting the JD(S)-Congress coalition, which has clear majority, to form the government in the state. The remarks by Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Kapil Sibal came amid reports that the Governor is inviting the BJP to take a shot at power and the swearing-in of its chief ministerial nominee B S Yeddyurappa will take place tomorrow. "Our majority is established... The Governor should not act illegally. The Congress-JD(S) combine must be invited to form the government," said Sibal. Both the BJP and JDS-Congress combine with 104 and 115 seats have respectively staked claim to form the government in the state after it delivered a fractured verdict.

Governor Vajubhai Vala invites BJP's Yeddyurappa to take oath as Karnataka CM

<p>The Congress on Wednesday lambasted Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala for inviting BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa to form the government in the state, accusing him of acting like a "BJP puppet" and allowing the saffron party to "manufacture" a majority in 15 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress leader P Chidambaram also alleged that the Governor has given Yeddyurappa 15 days time to "convert" the number of 104 legislators to 111.</p>

<p>"Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111," he tweeted.</p>

<p>Party general secretary Ashok Gehlot said that the decision was a "murder of democracy" and has been taken "under pressure from the BJP leadership".</p>

<p>"It is a murder of democracy in the country and it is a black day in India's history...The decision has been taken under pressure of BJP leaders," Gehlot told PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gehlot expressed concerns over the development and said people of the country are "worried" over the direction in which the country was moving.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a communique, Vala invited Yeddyurappa to form the government and take oath as chief minister tomorrow. He also asked Yeddyurappa to seek a vote of confidence within 15 days of assuming office.</p>

<p>The BJP has emerged as the single largest party in the southern state winning 104 seats, but is short of a simple majority. On the other hand, the Congress and JD(S), which have already announced post-poll tie-up, have won 78 and 37 seats respectively and claimed before Vala to have numbers to form government in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also hit out at Vala, accusing him of denigrating the Governor's office, trampling upon Constitution and abusing law and acting like a "BJP puppet".</p>

<p>Vala, Surjewala charged, chose to serve "his masters in the BJP" than serving the Constitution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Vajubhai Vala denigrates the Governor's office,tramples upon Constitution,abuses the law & acts as a BJP puppet.</p>

<p>"He chooses to serve his Master's in BJP rather then serve the Constitution.</p>

<p>As @BJPKarnataka informed in advance, orders come from BJP HQ then the sanctity of office," he said on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>


Congress leader P Chidambaram also alleged that the Governor has given Yeddyurappa 15 days time to "convert" the number of 104 legislators to 111.

The Congress on Wednesday lambasted Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala for inviting BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa to form the government in the state, accusing him of acting like a "BJP puppet" and allowing the saffron party to "manufacture" a majority in 15 days. Congress leader P Chidambaram also alleged that the Governor has given Yeddyurappa 15 days time to "convert" the number of 104 legislators to 111. "Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days. "Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111," he tweeted. Party general secretary Ashok Gehlot said that the decision was a "murder of democracy" and has been taken "under pressure from the BJP leadership". "It is a murder of democracy in the country and it is a black day in India's history...The decision has been taken under pressure of BJP leaders," Gehlot told PTI. Gehlot expressed concerns over the development and said people of the country are "worried" over the direction in which the country was moving. In a communique, Vala invited Yeddyurappa to form the government and take oath as chief minister tomorrow. He also asked Yeddyurappa to seek a vote of confidence within 15 days of assuming office. The BJP has emerged as the single largest party in the southern state winning 104 seats, but is short of a simple majority. On the other hand, the Congress and JD(S), which have already announced post-poll tie-up, have won 78 and 37 seats respectively and claimed before Vala to have numbers to form government in the state. Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also hit out at Vala, accusing him of denigrating the Governor's office, trampling upon Constitution and abusing law and acting like a "BJP puppet". Vala, Surjewala charged, chose to serve "his masters in the BJP" than serving the Constitution. "Vajubhai Vala denigrates the Governor's office,tramples upon Constitution,abuses the law & acts as a BJP puppet. "He chooses to serve his Master's in BJP rather then serve the Constitution. As @BJPKarnataka informed in advance, orders come from BJP HQ then the sanctity of office," he said on Twitter.

Angry Congress dubs Karnataka Governor 'BJP puppet'

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692">Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692"> after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP</a></p>

<p>Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state. Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/atmosphere-of-fear-in-country-situation-similar-to-pakistan-rahul-gandhi-137744">Atmosphere of fear in country, situation similar to Pakistan: Rahul Gandhi</a></p>

<p>Against the backdrop of political developments in Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today claimed the situation in the country was similar to that in Pakistan under "dictatorship".</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jud-chief-hafiz-saeed-setting-up-offices-in-all-pakistan-districts-reveal-intelligence-sources-137682">JuD chief Hafiz Saeed setting up offices in all Pakistan districts, reveal intelligence sources</a></p>

<p>Jamat ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed who India alleges is the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks is planning to setup JuD offices in all districts of Pakistan with different names to collect funds, India's intelligence sources have revealed.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-says-un-has-collapsed-in-the-face-of-gaza-violence-137688">Turkey's Erdogan says UN has 'collapsed' in the face of Gaza violence</a></p>

<p>Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the United Nations had "collapsed" in the face of events in Gaza where Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinian protesters on Monday as the United States relocated its Israel embassy to Jerusalem.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/after-messi-isis-threatens-to-behead-ronaldo-ahead-of-russia-world-cup--137746">After Messi, ISIS threatens to 'behead' Ronaldo ahead of Russia World Cup</a></p>

<p>A pro-Islamic State(IS) organisation which earlier targeted football star Lionel Messi, has now threatened to kill and behead, Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.&nbsp;</p>


Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form government after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state. Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government. Atmosphere of fear in country, situation similar to Pakistan: Rahul Gandhi Against the backdrop of political developments in Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today claimed the situation in the country was similar to that in Pakistan under "dictatorship". JuD chief Hafiz Saeed setting up offices in all Pakistan districts, reveal intelligence sources Jamat ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed who India alleges is the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks is planning to setup JuD offices in all districts of Pakistan with different names to collect funds, India's intelligence sources have revealed. Turkey's Erdogan says UN has 'collapsed' in the face of Gaza violence Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the United Nations had "collapsed" in the face of events in Gaza where Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinian protesters on Monday as the United States relocated its Israel embassy to Jerusalem. After Messi, ISIS threatens to 'behead' Ronaldo ahead of Russia World Cup A pro-Islamic State(IS) organisation which earlier targeted football star Lionel Messi, has now threatened to kill and behead, Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

<p>The big churn has begun. After the Karnataka verdict, a message seems to have gone down loud and clear in the Congress that barring few states where they are directly pitched against BJP, Congress will have to ally with regional parties.</p>

<p>Sources in the Congress say that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is working on a 'one constituency one candidate' plan. The idea is to have a single candidate from the opposition against BJP. The urgency stems from the fact that Congress feels that if BJP is not stopped in 2019, it may not find itself in a fighting position later.</p>

<p>However, many regional parties want Congress to play a subservient role. So, implementing this plan will be tough for the Rahul Gandhi-led party in many states like Uttar Pradesh where it is not a player or is in a weak position. Nonetheless, Congress will cooperate with regional partners and ensure that there is a united front. But the idea has Sonia Gandhi convinced and she has taken charge of this inter-party initiative. It, however, will also mean that Congress will have to deal with Mayawati who tied up with Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) in Karnataka and has declared support for Chautalas for Haryana assembly elections.</p>

<p>The challenge for the Congress would be to retain primal position within the opposition which is being challenged by the Trinamool Congress. Sources in Congress said that it seems that regional parties like KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) are playing the role of B-team of BJP but Congress has decided not to publicly trade so not to affect opposition unity.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Many senior leaders have also suggested drastic changes in the model of the Congress party. Sources said that many of them have said that Congress will have to turn into a cadre-based party tuned towards booth management where it can convert votes into seats. Many understand that the earlier tradition of parceling out of the party to individual leaders cannot function against Modi-Shah combine. It has been seen that when the leaders defect, they take the workers along leaving the party in a lurch. A senior source said that party has an ideology but it needs to transform itself at the booth level. This idea comes in the wake of phenomenal success of <em>panna pramukh</em> scheme of BJP with ensures that all committed voters of the party come out to vote.</p>

<p>Many insiders feel that in modern era there cannot be any sense of entitlement and many things need to be changed. Sources said that party needs to take decision faster and to be extremely aggressive about countering the BJP. The lack of quick decision-making undid Goa and Manipur mandate for the Congress. As of now Congress is giving charge to younger leadership in the state and ensuring that a state incharge should only focus on one state rather than two or three which was the case in the past.</p>

<p>Despite being in strong position in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the Congress cannot discount the might of Modi and Shah combine which have firmly positioned the guns on Gandhis.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Many senior leaders have also suggested drastic changes in the model of the Congress party.

The big churn has begun. After the Karnataka verdict, a message seems to have gone down loud and clear in the Congress that barring few states where they are directly pitched against BJP, Congress will have to ally with regional parties. Sources in the Congress say that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is working on a 'one constituency one candidate' plan. The idea is to have a single candidate from the opposition against BJP. The urgency stems from the fact that Congress feels that if BJP is not stopped in 2019, it may not find itself in a fighting position later. However, many regional parties want Congress to play a subservient role. So, implementing this plan will be tough for the Rahul Gandhi-led party in many states like Uttar Pradesh where it is not a player or is in a weak position. Nonetheless, Congress will cooperate with regional partners and ensure that there is a united front. But the idea has Sonia Gandhi convinced and she has taken charge of this inter-party initiative. It, however, will also mean that Congress will have to deal with Mayawati who tied up with Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) in Karnataka and has declared support for Chautalas for Haryana assembly elections. The challenge for the Congress would be to retain primal position within the opposition which is being challenged by the Trinamool Congress. Sources in Congress said that it seems that regional parties like KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) are playing the role of B-team of BJP but Congress has decided not to publicly trade so not to affect opposition unity. Many senior leaders have also suggested drastic changes in the model of the Congress party. Sources said that many of them have said that Congress will have to turn into a cadre-based party tuned towards booth management where it can convert votes into seats. Many understand that the earlier tradition of parceling out of the party to individual leaders cannot function against Modi-Shah combine. It has been seen that when the leaders defect, they take the workers along leaving the party in a lurch. A senior source said that party has an ideology but it needs to transform itself at the booth level. This idea comes in the wake of phenomenal success of panna pramukh scheme of BJP with ensures that all committed voters of the party come out to vote. Many insiders feel that in modern era there cannot be any sense of entitlement and many things need to be changed. Sources said that party needs to take decision faster and to be extremely aggressive about countering the BJP. The lack of quick decision-making undid Goa and Manipur mandate for the Congress. As of now Congress is giving charge to younger leadership in the state and ensuring that a state incharge should only focus on one state rather than two or three which was the case in the past. Despite being in strong position in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the Congress cannot discount the might of Modi and Shah combine which have firmly positioned the guns on Gandhis.

After Karnataka verdict, churn begins in Congress

<p>Senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani on Thursday approached the Supreme Court in his personal capacity against Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala`s decision of inviting BJP leader BS&nbspYeddyurappa to form a new government in the state despite being eight short of a simple majority in the assembly.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani speaks on Karnataka politics, says, 'What has BJP said to Guv, that he did such a stupid action? Order of Guv is open invitation to do corruption.' Jethmalani has approached SC against Karnataka Guv's invitation to Yeddyurappa for forming govt. <a href="https://t.co/uLa0oXcPQZ">pic.twitter.com/uLa0oXcPQZ</a></p>
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<p>A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM&nbspKhanwilkar and Justice DY&nbspChandrachud asked Jethmalani to mention his plea on Friday before the bench concerned.</p>

<p>Jethmalani, who had taken retirement from law practice, told the bench that the Karnataka Governor`s order is a "gross abuse of Constitutional power".</p>

<p>The apex court early on Thursday after a midnight hearing refused to stall the swearing-in of Yeddyurappa as Karnataka`s new Chief Minister.</p>

<p>Yeddyurappa took the oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Raj Bhavan amid tight security.</p>

<p>The court, however, sought the communications which Yeddyurappa had written to Karnataka Governor informing him his election as BJP legislature party.</p>

<p>The apex court said that the swearing-in is subject to the final outcome of the matter before it.</p>

<p>The bench headed by Justice A.K. Sikri, while seeking Yeddyurappa`s response on the petition by Congress and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) seeking to stall his swearing-in, has directed further hearing of the matter at 10.30 a.m. on Friday.</p>


A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud asked Jethmalani to mention his plea on Friday before the bench concerned.

Senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani on Thursday approached the Supreme Court in his personal capacity against Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala`s decision of inviting BJP leader BS&nbspYeddyurappa to form a new government in the state despite being eight short of a simple majority in the assembly. #WATCH Senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani speaks on Karnataka politics, says, 'What has BJP said to Guv, that he did such a stupid action? Order of Guv is open invitation to do corruption.' Jethmalani has approached SC against Karnataka Guv's invitation to Yeddyurappa for forming govt. pic.twitter.com/uLa0oXcPQZ — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM&nbspKhanwilkar and Justice DY&nbspChandrachud asked Jethmalani to mention his plea on Friday before the bench concerned. Jethmalani, who had taken retirement from law practice, told the bench that the Karnataka Governor`s order is a "gross abuse of Constitutional power". The apex court early on Thursday after a midnight hearing refused to stall the swearing-in of Yeddyurappa as Karnataka`s new Chief Minister. Yeddyurappa took the oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Raj Bhavan amid tight security. The court, however, sought the communications which Yeddyurappa had written to Karnataka Governor informing him his election as BJP legislature party. The apex court said that the swearing-in is subject to the final outcome of the matter before it. The bench headed by Justice A.K. Sikri, while seeking Yeddyurappa`s response on the petition by Congress and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) seeking to stall his swearing-in, has directed further hearing of the matter at 10.30 a.m. on Friday.

Ram Jethmalani moves SC against Karnataka Governor''s decision

<p>Democracy was murdered the moment "desperate" Congress made an "opportunist" offer to the JD(S) to form the government in Karnataka for "petty political gains", BJP President Amit Shah said today while hitting back at the Congress over its "murder of democracy" accusation.</p>

<p>The Congress on Wednesday termed Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision to invite BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa to form the government as "murder of democracy and trampling of Constitution".</p>

<p>Responding to the accusation, Shah, in a tweet, said, "The 'Murder of Democracy' happens the minute a desperate Congress made an 'opportunist' offer to the JD(S), not for Karnataka's welfare but for their petty political gains. Shameful!" He also cited the fall in Congress tally from 122 in 2013 to 78 seats this time and said his party's number stood at 104 seats, suggesting that the BJP has the mandate to form the government.</p>

<p>"Who has the people's mandate in Karnataka? The BJP, which has won 104 seats.Or Congress which dropped to 78 seats, whose own CM and Ministers lost by big margins.</p>

<p>JD(S) who won only 37 seats and lost their deposits on several others. People are wise to realise," he said in another tweet.</p>

<p>BJP legislature party leader B S Yeddyurappa was today sworn in as the chief minister of Karnataka for a second time, after an overnight high-voltage legal battle in the Supreme Court which refused to stay his swearing-in.</p>

<p>Yeddyurappa has 15 days to prove his majority in the Assembly.</p>

<p>The BJP has 104 MLAs in the House, eight short of the magic figure of 112. On the other hand, the Congress and JD(S), which have already announced post-poll tie-up, have won 78 and 37 seats respectively.</p>

<p>Launching a fusillade against Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala after he invited the BJP to form the government in the state, the Congress had yesterday dubbed him a "stooge" of the NDA major and termed his decision as "murder of democracy and trampling of Constitution".&nbsp</p>


Democracy was murdered the moment 'desperate Congress' made an 'opportunist' offer to the JD(S) to form the government in Karnataka for 'petty political gains', BJP President Amit Shah said today while hitting back at the Congress over its 'murder of democracy' accusation

Democracy was murdered the moment "desperate" Congress made an "opportunist" offer to the JD(S) to form the government in Karnataka for "petty political gains", BJP President Amit Shah said today while hitting back at the Congress over its "murder of democracy" accusation. The Congress on Wednesday termed Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision to invite BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa to form the government as "murder of democracy and trampling of Constitution". Responding to the accusation, Shah, in a tweet, said, "The 'Murder of Democracy' happens the minute a desperate Congress made an 'opportunist' offer to the JD(S), not for Karnataka's welfare but for their petty political gains. Shameful!" He also cited the fall in Congress tally from 122 in 2013 to 78 seats this time and said his party's number stood at 104 seats, suggesting that the BJP has the mandate to form the government. "Who has the people's mandate in Karnataka? The BJP, which has won 104 seats.Or Congress which dropped to 78 seats, whose own CM and Ministers lost by big margins. JD(S) who won only 37 seats and lost their deposits on several others. People are wise to realise," he said in another tweet. BJP legislature party leader B S Yeddyurappa was today sworn in as the chief minister of Karnataka for a second time, after an overnight high-voltage legal battle in the Supreme Court which refused to stay his swearing-in. Yeddyurappa has 15 days to prove his majority in the Assembly. The BJP has 104 MLAs in the House, eight short of the magic figure of 112. On the other hand, the Congress and JD(S), which have already announced post-poll tie-up, have won 78 and 37 seats respectively. Launching a fusillade against Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala after he invited the BJP to form the government in the state, the Congress had yesterday dubbed him a "stooge" of the NDA major and termed his decision as "murder of democracy and trampling of Constitution".

'Murder of Democracy' was by 'desperate Congress': Amit Shah responds to Rahul jibe

<p>PM Modi and his deputy Amit Shah ran a spirited campaign to annex Karnataka but came up short, in the end, giving a chance to Congress & JD(U) to stitch a last moment coalition to stop the BJP in its tracks.</p>

<p>Did the BJP's magic duo get it wrong in the end, maybe.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-why-pm-modi-adityanath-will-lose--karnataka-will-win-136688">Also Read: Why PM Modi, Adityanath will lose & Karnataka will win</a></p>

<p>Firstly, the BJP was nowhere close to Congress's 2013 tally of 122, finishing with 104. The failure to clinch the magic number 112 helped the Opposition to seize the initiative.</p>

<p>Even though the BJP won more seats than the Congress but the party failed to pick as much vote share than Rahul's party and to top it all it failed to put down the Congress and JD(U) even though Modi's BJP&nbsp;fared much better than the last elections.</p>

<p>The failure could largely be attributed to lack of local support and leaders at the grassroots even though Yeddyurappa's appeal helped the BJP to consolidate votes. A party which is by nature focussed on getting the numbers game right could not blunt the Opposition this time.</p>

<p>Even though the Vokkaligas and Lingayats voted in large numbers for the JD(S) and BJP and the Dalits split with Congress, still the saffron surge could not come about at a crucial time.</p>

<p>Congress finished with 78 seats a creditable show given the fact that there was an obvious anti-incumbency wave in the state. The villain in the show for the Congress was former chief minister Siddaramaiah who with his announcement of turning Lingayat into a religious minority wasn't able to convince the voters with his last-minute antics. The numbers game backfired on the Congress too.</p>

<p>Politics maybe a ruthless numbers game but it has several different parameters - it cannot be applied in a singular way in all elections.</p>

<p>In the end, both the BJP and Congress did not give enough credit to the voters who made up their own mind. In this the JD(U) played the game according to its limitation, retaining the Vokkaliga votebank in the south and mopping up enough numbers to force the Congress to allow it have a free hand and "unconditional" support.</p>

<p>The JD(S) retained its vote share, dipping marginally from 20.2 to 18.3, but it was enough to propel Deve Gowda & Sons to force the Congress into submission.</p>

<p>Now the drama moves to Raj Bhawan and all eyes are on Governor Vala, an old BJP hand, the question is will he or won't he invite the JD(S)-Congress combine to form the next government or will he first invite the BJP, the single largest party to prove its majority?</p>

<p>Amit Shah could yet spring a surprise and cobble up the numbers - 12 in all - needed in the last over, and emerge victorious&nbsp;but in this last dash to reach the target the BJP could well stumble again and expose its flanks which could mean its gateway to the south would again be a bridge too far.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZM7QOcp2Bw0" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The JD(S) retained its voteshare, dipping marginally from 20.2 to 18.3, but it was enough to propel Deve Gowda & Sons to force the Congress into submission.

PM Modi and his deputy Amit Shah ran a spirited campaign to annex Karnataka but came up short, in the end, giving a chance to Congress & JD(U) to stitch a last moment coalition to stop the BJP in its tracks. Did the BJP's magic duo get it wrong in the end, maybe. Also Read: Why PM Modi, Adityanath will lose & Karnataka will win Firstly, the BJP was nowhere close to Congress's 2013 tally of 122, finishing with 104. The failure to clinch the magic number 112 helped the Opposition to seize the initiative. Even though the BJP won more seats than the Congress but the party failed to pick as much vote share than Rahul's party and to top it all it failed to put down the Congress and JD(U) even though Modi's BJP fared much better than the last elections. The failure could largely be attributed to lack of local support and leaders at the grassroots even though Yeddyurappa's appeal helped the BJP to consolidate votes. A party which is by nature focussed on getting the numbers game right could not blunt the Opposition this time. Even though the Vokkaligas and Lingayats voted in large numbers for the JD(S) and BJP and the Dalits split with Congress, still the saffron surge could not come about at a crucial time. Congress finished with 78 seats a creditable show given the fact that there was an obvious anti-incumbency wave in the state. The villain in the show for the Congress was former chief minister Siddaramaiah who with his announcement of turning Lingayat into a religious minority wasn't able to convince the voters with his last-minute antics. The numbers game backfired on the Congress too. Politics maybe a ruthless numbers game but it has several different parameters - it cannot be applied in a singular way in all elections. In the end, both the BJP and Congress did not give enough credit to the voters who made up their own mind. In this the JD(U) played the game according to its limitation, retaining the Vokkaliga votebank in the south and mopping up enough numbers to force the Congress to allow it have a free hand and "unconditional" support. The JD(S) retained its vote share, dipping marginally from 20.2 to 18.3, but it was enough to propel Deve Gowda & Sons to force the Congress into submission. Now the drama moves to Raj Bhawan and all eyes are on Governor Vala, an old BJP hand, the question is will he or won't he invite the JD(S)-Congress combine to form the next government or will he first invite the BJP, the single largest party to prove its majority? Amit Shah could yet spring a surprise and cobble up the numbers - 12 in all - needed in the last over, and emerge victorious but in this last dash to reach the target the BJP could well stumble again and expose its flanks which could mean its gateway to the south would again be a bridge too far. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: How 'ruthless' PM Modi, Amit Shah lost the numbers game in Karnataka

<p>After Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala on Wednesday invited BJP legislative party leader BS Yeddyurappa to form the new government in the state, the Congress approached Supreme Court Chief Justice Dipak Misra for an urgent hearing on the matter.</p>

<p>Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi is the leading his party`s challenge.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vajubhai Vala denigrates the Governor’s office,tramples upon Constitution,abuses the law & acts as a BJP puppet.<br />
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He chooses to serve his Master’s in BJP rather then serve the Constitution.<br />
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As <a href="https://twitter.com/BJPKarnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJPKarnataka</a> informed in advance, orders come from BJP HQ then the sanctity of office</p>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/996788135416729600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to television reports, the Congress wants an urgent hearing in the matter tonight. Congress is seeking a stay on Yeddyurappa's swearing-in. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress said the Governor denigrated his office, trampled the Constitution and acted as a BJP puppet.</p>

<p>Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala has invited Yeddyurappa to take oath as Chief Minister on Thursday morning at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Once more an occupant of a Raj Bhavan allows himself to be used as a rubber stamp. BJP announces (& then deletes) the details of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yeddyurappa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yeddyurappa</a> swearing in slated for tomorrow before it can be officially communicated.</p>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/996790212469690369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi is the leading his party`s challenge.

After Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala on Wednesday invited BJP legislative party leader BS Yeddyurappa to form the new government in the state, the Congress approached Supreme Court Chief Justice Dipak Misra for an urgent hearing on the matter. Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi is the leading his party`s challenge. Vajubhai Vala denigrates the Governor’s office,tramples upon Constitution,abuses the law & acts as a BJP puppet. He chooses to serve his Master’s in BJP rather then serve the Constitution. As @BJPKarnataka informed in advance, orders come from BJP HQ then the sanctity of office — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 16, 2018 × According to television reports, the Congress wants an urgent hearing in the matter tonight. Congress is seeking a stay on Yeddyurappa's swearing-in. The Congress said the Governor denigrated his office, trampled the Constitution and acted as a BJP puppet. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala has invited Yeddyurappa to take oath as Chief Minister on Thursday morning at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. Once more an occupant of a Raj Bhavan allows himself to be used as a rubber stamp. BJP announces (& then deletes) the details of #Yeddyurappa swearing in slated for tomorrow before it can be officially communicated. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 16, 2018 ×

Congress moves SC against Karnataka Governor's decision to invite Yeddyurappa to form government

<p>'<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/natak-in-karnataka-continues-jds-congress-combine-and-bjp-to-meet-governor-again-today-137223">Natak'&nbsp;in Karnataka continues: JD(S)-Congress combine, and BJP to meet Governor again today</a></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/varanasi-flyover-collapse-15-dead-11-critically-injured-probe-committee-to-file-report-in-48-hours-137212">Varanasi flyover collapse: 15 dead, 11 critically injured committee to file probe report in 48 hours</a></p>

<p>15 people have been feared dead and 11 injured after an under-construction bridge in Varanasi collapsed on Tuesday. After being held responsible for the incident, chief project manager HC Tiwari, project manager KR Sudan, assistant engineer Rajesh Singh and engineer Lal Chand have been suspended with immediate effect.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-suspends-talks-with-south-over-military-exercises-warns-on-trump-kim-summit-137211">North Korea calls off talks with South, says may do same with Trump-Kim summit</a></p>

<p>A cloud has gathered over the upcoming North Korea-United States summit in the wake of recent military drills between South Korea and the US. After calling off Wednesday a scheduled Korean summit, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, according to media reports, has also hinted at calling off the United States summit which is scheduled to take place on June 12 in Singapore.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-department-of-justice-fbi-begin-investigating-cambridge-analytica-following-shutdown-137214">US Department of Justice, FBI begin investigating Cambridge Analytica following </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-department-of-justice-fbi-begin-investigating-cambridge-analytica-following-shutdown-137214">shutdown</a></p>

<p>The Department of Justice and the FBI have started investigating the data mining firm Cambridge Analytica which had announced its shut down last month due to the Facebook scandal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/meghan-markles-father-pulls-out-of-royal-wedding-due-to-hearth-procedure-137216">Meghan Markle's father says he is having </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/meghan-markles-father-pulls-out-of-royal-wedding-due-to-hearth-procedure-137216">heart</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/meghan-markles-father-pulls-out-of-royal-wedding-due-to-hearth-procedure-137216"> procedure, so not coming to wedding</a></p>

<p>After news of Actress Meghan Markle's father decided to pull out of the Royal wedding which is set to take place on Saturday, reports on Tuesday said that the reason behind his absence is because he needed a heart procedure.&nbsp;</p>


Read the top five stories of the day here

'Natak' in Karnataka continues: JD(S)-Congress combine, and BJP to meet Governor again today 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. Varanasi flyover collapse: 15 dead, 11 critically injured committee to file probe report in 48 hours 15 people have been feared dead and 11 injured after an under-construction bridge in Varanasi collapsed on Tuesday. After being held responsible for the incident, chief project manager HC Tiwari, project manager KR Sudan, assistant engineer Rajesh Singh and engineer Lal Chand have been suspended with immediate effect. North Korea calls off talks with South, says may do same with Trump-Kim summit A cloud has gathered over the upcoming North Korea-United States summit in the wake of recent military drills between South Korea and the US. After calling off Wednesday a scheduled Korean summit, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, according to media reports, has also hinted at calling off the United States summit which is scheduled to take place on June 12 in Singapore. US Department of Justice, FBI begin investigating Cambridge Analytica following shutdown The Department of Justice and the FBI have started investigating the data mining firm Cambridge Analytica which had announced its shut down last month due to the Facebook scandal. Meghan Markle's father says he is having heart procedure, so not coming to wedding After news of Actress Meghan Markle's father decided to pull out of the Royal wedding which is set to take place on Saturday, reports on Tuesday said that the reason behind his absence is because he needed a heart procedure.

News brief: Five big stories of the day

The BJP is leading currently in Tiptur, Hosakote, Chitradurga and Chikmagalur assembly constituencies.

PM Modi may have joined the Karnataka polls in the last 10 days but he has had lasting effect on the polls. Also See: Live Karnataka election leads: Congress: 57 | BJP: 121 | JD(S)+: 42 The BJP is currently ahead in 11 constituencies of the 19 assembly seats in which PM Modi campaigned. Interestingly, the Congress is leading in Bidar, Raichur, Gadag, Mangalore and Chamarajanagar with the JD(S) ahead in Bangarpet which saw Modi running a high-voltage campaign. Rahul Gandhi has campaigned in 16 constituencies across Karnataka in the last two months with the Congress leading in just 6 seats so far. In the majority of the seats, the JD(S) is leading. The BJP is leading currently in Tiptur, Hosakote, Chitradurga and Chikmagalur assembly constituencies. Modi Rally Lead Bidar INC Gulbarga Uttar BJP Bijapur City BJP Jamkhandi BJP Chikkodi-Sadalga Raichur INC Koppal BJP Gadag INC Hubli-Dharwad East BJP Bellary City BJP Chitradurga BJP Shimoga BJP Udupi BJP Mangalore INC Chickamagalur BJP Tumkur Rural BJP Bangalore South Bangarpet JD(S) Chamarajanagar INC Rahul Rally Lead Aurad BJP Bhalki INC Chincholi INC Humnabad INC Gadag INC Pavagada JD(S) Chikkaballapur INC Devanahalli JD(S) Hassan JD(S) tiptur BJP Mangalore INC Hosakote BJP Kolar JD(S) Chitradurga BJP Chikmagalur BJP Sringeri INC

BJP leads in most constituencies Modi campaigned, Rahul effect fades for Congress

<p>Now that it is clear that the Congress will fall short of majority in Karnataka, the BJP has already taken to streets in full rigor while celebrating its&nbsp;win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The counting of votes began on Tuesday morning for the recently concluded Karnataka elections and as per latest official trend, BJP leads in 113 constituencies while Congress in 67. JD(S) ahead in 40 seats.</p>

<p>Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was on Tuesday trailing in both the constituencies where he contested, officials said.</p>

<p>The Congress leader, who had contested successfully from Chamundeshwari constituency in the 2013 Assembly elections, was way behind G.T Deve Gowda of the Janata Dal-Secular by over 13,000 votes, Election Commission officials said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While BJP chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa leads in Shikaripura by over 9,000 votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, party leader Mallikarjun Kharge said on Tuesday that an alliance with the&nbsp;Janata Dal-Secular&nbsp;or JDS was possible.&nbsp;He said he will discuss the possibility of an alliance with HD Deve Gowda's party with the high command.</p>

<p><strong><em><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-karnataka-election-results-counting-underway-as-bjp-congress-wait-for-results-136866">Watch the live election&nbsp;updates here</a></em></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP workers celebrate outside party office in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> as trends show the party is set to win <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElectionResults2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElectionResults2018</a>. <a href="https://t.co/uOznAJ6A7E">pic.twitter.com/uOznAJ6A7E</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996266790547214336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Several party leaders and ministers took to Twitter to congratulate and express their views on the Karnataka election results while some conveyed delight others took no chance to lash out.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to the winners of the Karnataka elections. For those who lost, fight back. If Congress had gone into an alliance with the JD(S), the result would have been different. Very different</p>
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/996265476094279680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi did his best, but it is we who have lost the elections. We, the local leadership, should have en-cashed it in a proper way & because of which we lost it: DK Shivkumar, Karnataka Minister on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/mTUCbrfO0V">pic.twitter.com/mTUCbrfO0V</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996269026455076864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">People of Karnataka want good governance, that is why they have chosen BJP. This is a big victory for the party. Congress is losing state after state & we are winning state after state: Prakash Javadekar, BJP Karnataka in-charge <a href="https://t.co/ifgr278QRe">pic.twitter.com/ifgr278QRe</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996271826039857152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am saying it from day 1, there is no political party in India which has not raised questions on EVMs, even BJP has done it in the past. Now when all parties are doubting EVMs then what problem does BJP have in conducting polls through ballot?: Mohan Prakash,Congress <a href="https://t.co/t70xtsaHoX">pic.twitter.com/t70xtsaHoX</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996265295797891072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">People have rejected Siddaramaiah. He lost because of his attitude, because of attacking everyone & because of his loose talk: GT Devegowda, JD(S) candidate who is leading over Siddaramaiah in Chamundeshwari by 17000 votes. <a href="https://t.co/6Sw82tiBgs">pic.twitter.com/6Sw82tiBgs</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996263538153865216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is a historic win for BJP. I want to thank all the people of Karnataka for voting for us. Ab desh mein Congress khojo abhiyan chalega, kahaan rahegi pata nahi: Raman Singh, CM of Chhattisgarh. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fc9tao6paN">pic.twitter.com/Fc9tao6paN</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996259820465405953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The counting of votes began on Tuesday morning for the recently concluded Karnataka elections and as per latest official trend, BJP leads in 113 constituencies while Congress in 67. JD(S) ahead in 40 seats

Now that it is clear that the Congress will fall short of majority in Karnataka, the BJP has already taken to streets in full rigor while celebrating its win. The counting of votes began on Tuesday morning for the recently concluded Karnataka elections and as per latest official trend, BJP leads in 113 constituencies while Congress in 67. JD(S) ahead in 40 seats. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was on Tuesday trailing in both the constituencies where he contested, officials said. The Congress leader, who had contested successfully from Chamundeshwari constituency in the 2013 Assembly elections, was way behind G.T Deve Gowda of the Janata Dal-Secular by over 13,000 votes, Election Commission officials said. While BJP chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa leads in Shikaripura by over 9,000 votes. Also, party leader Mallikarjun Kharge said on Tuesday that an alliance with the Janata Dal-Secular or JDS was possible. He said he will discuss the possibility of an alliance with HD Deve Gowda's party with the high command. Watch the live election updates here BJP workers celebrate outside party office in #Delhi as trends show the party is set to win #KarnatakaElectionResults2018. pic.twitter.com/uOznAJ6A7E — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Several party leaders and ministers took to Twitter to congratulate and express their views on the Karnataka election results while some conveyed delight others took no chance to lash out. Congratulations to the winners of the Karnataka elections. For those who lost, fight back. If Congress had gone into an alliance with the JD(S), the result would have been different. Very different — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 15, 2018 × Rahul Gandhi did his best, but it is we who have lost the elections. We, the local leadership, should have en-cashed it in a proper way & because of which we lost it: DK Shivkumar, Karnataka Minister on #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/mTUCbrfO0V — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × People of Karnataka want good governance, that is why they have chosen BJP. This is a big victory for the party. Congress is losing state after state & we are winning state after state: Prakash Javadekar, BJP Karnataka in-charge pic.twitter.com/ifgr278QRe — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × I am saying it from day 1, there is no political party in India which has not raised questions on EVMs, even BJP has done it in the past. Now when all parties are doubting EVMs then what problem does BJP have in conducting polls through ballot?: Mohan Prakash,Congress pic.twitter.com/t70xtsaHoX — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × People have rejected Siddaramaiah. He lost because of his attitude, because of attacking everyone & because of his loose talk: GT Devegowda, JD(S) candidate who is leading over Siddaramaiah in Chamundeshwari by 17000 votes. pic.twitter.com/6Sw82tiBgs — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × This is a historic win for BJP. I want to thank all the people of Karnataka for voting for us. Ab desh mein Congress khojo abhiyan chalega, kahaan rahegi pata nahi: Raman Singh, CM of Chhattisgarh. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/Fc9tao6paN — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 ×

Watch: BJP leaders hail victory, Congress disappointed in Karnataka election

<p>The petrol and diesel prices continue to increase for the second consecutive day on Tuesday by 15 paise a litre and diesel by 23 paise a litre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That marked a second increase in petrol and diesel rates this month. On May 14, the prices were raised after a 19-day hiatus, a day before Karnataka election results.</p>

<p>With the increased prices on Tuesday, petrol price in Delhi is at a fresh 56-month peak and the price of diesel has registered a new all-time high.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As on 6:00 am on May 15, petrol retailed at Rs. 74.95 per litre in Delhi, Rs. 77.65 per litre in Kolkata, Rs. 82.79 per litre in Mumbai and Rs. 77.77 per litre in Chennai, according to Indian Oil Corporation. Diesel prices were at Rs. 66.36 per litre, Rs. 68.9 per litre, Rs. 70.66 per litre and Rs. 70.02 per litre respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a 19-day pre-Karnataka poll hiatus, petrol price was today hiked by 17 paise a litre and diesel by 21 paise as PSU oil firms began passing on the spike witnessed in international rates to consumers.</p>

<p>Petrol price in Delhi was hiked to Rs 74.80 per litre from Rs 74.63 while diesel rates were increased to Rs 66.14 a litre from Rs 65.93, according to a price notification issued by state-owned oil marketing companies.</p>

<p>Oil PSUs, who had kept rates unchanged for nearly three weeks before Karnataka went to polls despite input cost spiking, reverted to daily revision in prices no sooner had the state voted to elect a new government on Saturday.</p>

<p>State-owned oil marketing companies are estimated to have lost about Rs 500 crore as they absorbed higher cost resulting from the spike in international oil rates and fall in rupee against the US dollar.</p>


That marked a second increase in petrol and diesel rates this month. On May 14, the prices were raised after a 19-day hiatus, a day before Karnataka election results

The petrol and diesel prices continue to increase for the second consecutive day on Tuesday by 15 paise a litre and diesel by 23 paise a litre. That marked a second increase in petrol and diesel rates this month. On May 14, the prices were raised after a 19-day hiatus, a day before Karnataka election results. With the increased prices on Tuesday, petrol price in Delhi is at a fresh 56-month peak and the price of diesel has registered a new all-time high. As on 6:00 am on May 15, petrol retailed at Rs. 74.95 per litre in Delhi, Rs. 77.65 per litre in Kolkata, Rs. 82.79 per litre in Mumbai and Rs. 77.77 per litre in Chennai, according to Indian Oil Corporation. Diesel prices were at Rs. 66.36 per litre, Rs. 68.9 per litre, Rs. 70.66 per litre and Rs. 70.02 per litre respectively. After a 19-day pre-Karnataka poll hiatus, petrol price was today hiked by 17 paise a litre and diesel by 21 paise as PSU oil firms began passing on the spike witnessed in international rates to consumers. Petrol price in Delhi was hiked to Rs 74.80 per litre from Rs 74.63 while diesel rates were increased to Rs 66.14 a litre from Rs 65.93, according to a price notification issued by state-owned oil marketing companies. Oil PSUs, who had kept rates unchanged for nearly three weeks before Karnataka went to polls despite input cost spiking, reverted to daily revision in prices no sooner had the state voted to elect a new government on Saturday. State-owned oil marketing companies are estimated to have lost about Rs 500 crore as they absorbed higher cost resulting from the spike in international oil rates and fall in rupee against the US dollar.

On Karnataka results day, government hikes petrol, diesel prices again

<p>Chief minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-trails-by-over-11000-votes-in-chamundeshwari--136911"> Siddaramaiah fortunes took a </a>U-turn on Tuesday morning as he trails by over 13,000 votes in Chamundeshwari and by over 400 votes in Badami.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-karnataka-election-results-counting-underway-as-bjp-congress-wait-for-results-136866">Also See: Live Karnataka election leads: Congress: 57 | BJP: 121 | JD(S)+: 42</a></p>

<p>The chief minister who was widely expected to retain at least one seat is now struggling to keep both his constituencies with him. Siddaramaiah's fortunes mirrors the Congress which has failed to keep up with the BJP, ahead in just 59 seats.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is a historic win for BJP. I want to thank all the people of Karnataka for voting for us. Ab desh mein Congress khojo abhiyan chalega, kahaan rahegi pata nahi: Raman Singh, CM of Chhattisgarh. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fc9tao6paN">pic.twitter.com/Fc9tao6paN</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996259820465405953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress has managed to garner Dalit votes but failed to appeal to larger voters of the state despite being in power for the last five years.</p>

<p>JD(S) on the other hand has played to its strength ahead in 40 seats currently leading in southern Karnataka.</p>

<p><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BZKCtcMT-NA" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>BJP has got the arithmetic right yet again winning in rural seats including in coastal belt wining over Lingayat seats.</p>

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JD(S) on the other hand has played to its strength ahead in 40 seats currently leading in southern Karnataka.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah fortunes took a U-turn on Tuesday morning as he trails by over 13,000 votes in Chamundeshwari and by over 400 votes in Badami. Also See: Live Karnataka election leads: Congress: 57 | BJP: 121 | JD(S)+: 42 The chief minister who was widely expected to retain at least one seat is now struggling to keep both his constituencies with him. Siddaramaiah's fortunes mirrors the Congress which has failed to keep up with the BJP, ahead in just 59 seats. This is a historic win for BJP. I want to thank all the people of Karnataka for voting for us. Ab desh mein Congress khojo abhiyan chalega, kahaan rahegi pata nahi: Raman Singh, CM of Chhattisgarh. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/Fc9tao6paN — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Congress has managed to garner Dalit votes but failed to appeal to larger voters of the state despite being in power for the last five years. JD(S) on the other hand has played to its strength ahead in 40 seats currently leading in southern Karnataka. BJP has got the arithmetic right yet again winning in rural seats including in coastal belt wining over Lingayat seats.

Karnataka elections: Siddaramaiah slides as BJP marches ahead; JD(S) dominates south

<p>Expressing his concern over the results of the Karnataka election, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that the results have brought down the Muslim representation in the assembly.</p>

<p>He said,&nbsp;"&nbsp;Karnataka assembly results have brought down Muslim representation in the Assembly and this should be the cause of concern for every political party which believes&nbsp;in diversity and pluralism".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also extended wishes to JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy for his party's victory. He said, "&nbsp;Kumaraswamy will discharge his constitutional responsibility in a better way as compared to his predecessors".</p>

<p>The JD(S) has won fewer seats than both the Congress and BJP but the Congress offered it its support to the party. The Congress also offered&nbsp;the JD(S) the option to pick a chief minister of its choice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two parties can form a coalition government in the state after the Governor's approval.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The results of the Karnataka assembly election were announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)&nbsp;in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I spoke Mr <a href="https://twitter.com/hd_kumaraswamy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hd_kumaraswamy</a> & congratulated him for his party’s victory & Alliance I am sure as CM Kumaraswamy will discharge his constitutional responsibility in a better way as compared to other predecessors & inshallah Karnataka will progress under his leadership</p>
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) <a href="https://twitter.com/asadowaisi/status/996412816973217793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He also extended wishes to JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy for his party's victory. He said, 'Kumaraswamy will discharge his constitutional responsibility in a better way as compared to his predecessors'

Expressing his concern over the results of the Karnataka election, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that the results have brought down the Muslim representation in the assembly. He said, " Karnataka assembly results have brought down Muslim representation in the Assembly and this should be the cause of concern for every political party which believes in diversity and pluralism". He also extended wishes to JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy for his party's victory. He said, " Kumaraswamy will discharge his constitutional responsibility in a better way as compared to his predecessors". The JD(S) has won fewer seats than both the Congress and BJP but the Congress offered it its support to the party. The Congress also offered the JD(S) the option to pick a chief minister of its choice. The two parties can form a coalition government in the state after the Governor's approval. The results of the Karnataka assembly election were announced on Tuesday. 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. I spoke Mr @hd_kumaraswamy & congratulated him for his party’s victory & Alliance I am sure as CM Kumaraswamy will discharge his constitutional responsibility in a better way as compared to other predecessors & inshallah Karnataka will progress under his leadership — Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) May 15, 2018 ×

'Karnataka results have brought Muslim representation down in the state': AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi

<p>After a fractured mandate, political parties must strive to build coalitions and form a government. Elections are a costly affair and should not be held in close succession. But we must all be careful what we wish for. An undecided Karnataka threw up no single party that has a majority. Perhaps the people of the state were not too enamoured by the choices that they had, or it could be a simple case of poll arithmetic. But all said and done, to have chief minister from a party that finished third at the hustings both in terms of seats and vote percentages seems ‘undemocratic’.</p>

<p>When HD Kumaraswamy speaks about staking a claim or Siddaramaiah says his Congress party will extend unconditional support to Kumaraswamy’s JD(S), it isn’t about the numbers that they help on, it is as much about the spirit of democracy and upholding the mandate that has been given.</p>

<p>The precedent that’s been set by the Supreme Court is that the Governor invites the largest pre-poll alliance, then the single-largest parties. In 2015, hearing a public interest litigation, the then Chief Justice HL Dattu and Justice Amitava Roy had expressed their inability to step-in an act against two political parties that chose to form a post-poll alliance. Justice Roy observed that a promise made by a political party was not a promise enforceable by law.</p>

<p>Apart from the options stated above, there are two other options that were enumerated in the Sarkaria Commission recommendations, which were affirmed by a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in Rameshwar Prasad v Union of India in 2005. These are that the governor can invite a post-electoral coalition of parties, with all the partners in the coalition joining the government or that can invite a post-electoral alliance of parties, with some of the parties in the alliance forming a government and the remaining parties, including independents, supporting the government from outside.</p>

<p>The Congress has been harping on what happened in Goa last year where the Governor didn’t consult them even though they were the single largest party and went ahead after the BJP with the support of two other local parties staked claim. Post poll alliances aren’t new to the Indian context — but rarely has the experiment been in interests of the populace if the party that won the most seats or the party that finished second doesn’t manage to lead the government. Remember Madhu Koda anyone — the independent who became Jharkhand chief minister for almost 2 years in 2006. That experiment didn’t augur too well for the people of Jharkhand, did it? He allegedly made 4000-crore rupees in a mining scam, for which he was convicted in 2017 to three years in jail.</p>

<p>We clearly live in interesting times where phone connections are pre-paid and political alliances are post-poll, where consumers have number portability and the parties port ideologies. Politics makes strange bedfellows, no permanent foes or friends and certainly no untouchables. In the land of Mahatma Gandhi where the journey is more important than the destination, we seem to be surrounded by Machiavellian princes for whom the end justifies the means. The only question that then remains is what justifies the end?</p>


The precedent that’s been set by the Supreme Court is that the Governor invites the largest pre-poll alliance

After a fractured mandate, political parties must strive to build coalitions and form a government. Elections are a costly affair and should not be held in close succession. But we must all be careful what we wish for. An undecided Karnataka threw up no single party that has a majority. Perhaps the people of the state were not too enamoured by the choices that they had, or it could be a simple case of poll arithmetic. But all said and done, to have chief minister from a party that finished third at the hustings both in terms of seats and vote percentages seems ‘undemocratic’. When HD Kumaraswamy speaks about staking a claim or Siddaramaiah says his Congress party will extend unconditional support to Kumaraswamy’s JD(S), it isn’t about the numbers that they help on, it is as much about the spirit of democracy and upholding the mandate that has been given. The precedent that’s been set by the Supreme Court is that the Governor invites the largest pre-poll alliance, then the single-largest parties. In 2015, hearing a public interest litigation, the then Chief Justice HL Dattu and Justice Amitava Roy had expressed their inability to step-in an act against two political parties that chose to form a post-poll alliance. Justice Roy observed that a promise made by a political party was not a promise enforceable by law. Apart from the options stated above, there are two other options that were enumerated in the Sarkaria Commission recommendations, which were affirmed by a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in Rameshwar Prasad v Union of India in 2005. These are that the governor can invite a post-electoral coalition of parties, with all the partners in the coalition joining the government or that can invite a post-electoral alliance of parties, with some of the parties in the alliance forming a government and the remaining parties, including independents, supporting the government from outside. The Congress has been harping on what happened in Goa last year where the Governor didn’t consult them even though they were the single largest party and went ahead after the BJP with the support of two other local parties staked claim. Post poll alliances aren’t new to the Indian context — but rarely has the experiment been in interests of the populace if the party that won the most seats or the party that finished second doesn’t manage to lead the government. Remember Madhu Koda anyone — the independent who became Jharkhand chief minister for almost 2 years in 2006. That experiment didn’t augur too well for the people of Jharkhand, did it? He allegedly made 4000-crore rupees in a mining scam, for which he was convicted in 2017 to three years in jail. We clearly live in interesting times where phone connections are pre-paid and political alliances are post-poll, where consumers have number portability and the parties port ideologies. Politics makes strange bedfellows, no permanent foes or friends and certainly no untouchables. In the land of Mahatma Gandhi where the journey is more important than the destination, we seem to be surrounded by Machiavellian princes for whom the end justifies the means. The only question that then remains is what justifies the end?

Opinion: Congress-JD(S) deal done, are post-poll alliances undemocratic?

<p>He was thrown out of the JD(S) in 2005 for anti-party activities following his sharp differences with its leadership over HD Kumaraswamy's growing clout in the party.</p>

<p>Twelve years down the line, Siddaramaiah, the 69-year-old leader from the backward Kuruba community, today offered Karnataka's chief ministership to his political foe Kumaraswamy whose party finished a poor third with barely 37 seats in its kitty.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah suffered a humiliating defeat in Chamundeshwari where he lost to GT Deve Gowda of the JD(S) by over 36,000 votes, but managed to win Badami by a slender margin of 1,696 votes against BJP's B Sreeramulu, a sitting saffron party MP and close aide of the controversial Reddy brothers.</p>

<p>Despite being considered an "outsider" by a section of the Karnataka Congress for his socialist roots, Siddaramaiah became the first chief minister since Devraj Urs (1972-77) to complete a full five-year term in office.</p>

<p>Born into a poor farming family in Siddaramanahundi village in 1948, Siddaramaiah, the second of five siblings, did not have formal education initially, and joined school in the 5th grade.</p>

<p>Overcoming adversity, he did his BSc and obtained a degree in law. He practised law and even taught it for a while in Mysuru.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah, who goes by the single name, joined politics under the influence of Nanjunda Swamy, a farmer leader who campaigned against agricultural patenting by multinational corporations.</p>

<p>He made his debut in the Assembly in 1983 from Chamundeshwari constituency on a Lok Dal ticket. He later joined the Janata Dal.</p>

<p>Admired for his canny political sense and his rustic, down to earth characteristics, Siddaramaiah climbed up the ladder in the Janata Dal, and served as minister in the party's governments. He also served as deputy chief minister twice.</p>

<p>A 7-term legislator, Siddaramaiah followed his mentor H D Deve Gowda after the Janata Dal split and the former prime minister formed the JD(S).</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah later floated his own party-- All India Progressive Janata Dal--following his expulsion from the JD (S). He had irreconcilable differences with Deve Gowda over the growing influence of his son H D Kumaraswamy in the party.</p>

<p>The expulsion came when Siddaramaiah started actively particiating in the AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) movement. Castes and communities constituting the AHINDA were considered the bedrock of the Congress's support base in Karnataka.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah later merged his party with the Congress.</p>

<p>In the 2006 Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah contested from Chamundeshwari on Congress ticket and won by a wafer thin margin of 257 votes against the JD(S) candidate. However, he had exacted a sweet revenge.</p>

<p>He was appointed chairman of the publicity committee of the Congress in the 2008 Assembly polls, which the BJP won. He was then appointed the Leader of the Opposition, a reflection of his growing clout in the Congress.</p>

<p>The BJP's stint in power was marred by intra-party feuds and allegations of corruption.</p>

<p>When the BJP lost the 2013 polls, Siddaramaiah was appointed the chief minister.</p>

<p>Known for taking bold decisions, Siddaramaiah decided to celebrate 'Tipu Jayanti', a move denounced by the BJP as "appeasement politics". His government also took the controversial decision of recommending religious minority status for the influential Lingayat community in the run up to the polls.<br />
He launched a plethora of populist schemes like the Annabhagya for free distribution of rice, Ksheeradhare under which subsidy was given for milk, Vidyasiri that made available hostel facilities for students, and many others.</p>

<p>The Siddaramaiah government also substantially raised the budgetary allocations for Dalits.</p>

<p>These populist measures were expected to effectively insulate Siddaramaiah against allegations of corruption as Modi mounted an aggressive assault, calling him a "Seedha rupaiah government" and "10 per cent commission government".</p>

<p>Apparently, the charges did stick.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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He was thrown out of the JD(S) in 2005 for anti-party activities following his sharp differences with its leadership over HD Kumaraswamy's growing clout in the party

He was thrown out of the JD(S) in 2005 for anti-party activities following his sharp differences with its leadership over HD Kumaraswamy's growing clout in the party. Twelve years down the line, Siddaramaiah, the 69-year-old leader from the backward Kuruba community, today offered Karnataka's chief ministership to his political foe Kumaraswamy whose party finished a poor third with barely 37 seats in its kitty. Siddaramaiah suffered a humiliating defeat in Chamundeshwari where he lost to GT Deve Gowda of the JD(S) by over 36,000 votes, but managed to win Badami by a slender margin of 1,696 votes against BJP's B Sreeramulu, a sitting saffron party MP and close aide of the controversial Reddy brothers. Despite being considered an "outsider" by a section of the Karnataka Congress for his socialist roots, Siddaramaiah became the first chief minister since Devraj Urs (1972-77) to complete a full five-year term in office. Born into a poor farming family in Siddaramanahundi village in 1948, Siddaramaiah, the second of five siblings, did not have formal education initially, and joined school in the 5th grade. Overcoming adversity, he did his BSc and obtained a degree in law. He practised law and even taught it for a while in Mysuru. Siddaramaiah, who goes by the single name, joined politics under the influence of Nanjunda Swamy, a farmer leader who campaigned against agricultural patenting by multinational corporations. He made his debut in the Assembly in 1983 from Chamundeshwari constituency on a Lok Dal ticket. He later joined the Janata Dal. Admired for his canny political sense and his rustic, down to earth characteristics, Siddaramaiah climbed up the ladder in the Janata Dal, and served as minister in the party's governments. He also served as deputy chief minister twice. A 7-term legislator, Siddaramaiah followed his mentor H D Deve Gowda after the Janata Dal split and the former prime minister formed the JD(S). Siddaramaiah later floated his own party-- All India Progressive Janata Dal--following his expulsion from the JD (S). He had irreconcilable differences with Deve Gowda over the growing influence of his son H D Kumaraswamy in the party. The expulsion came when Siddaramaiah started actively particiating in the AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) movement. Castes and communities constituting the AHINDA were considered the bedrock of the Congress's support base in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah later merged his party with the Congress. In the 2006 Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah contested from Chamundeshwari on Congress ticket and won by a wafer thin margin of 257 votes against the JD(S) candidate. However, he had exacted a sweet revenge. He was appointed chairman of the publicity committee of the Congress in the 2008 Assembly polls, which the BJP won. He was then appointed the Leader of the Opposition, a reflection of his growing clout in the Congress. The BJP's stint in power was marred by intra-party feuds and allegations of corruption. When the BJP lost the 2013 polls, Siddaramaiah was appointed the chief minister. Known for taking bold decisions, Siddaramaiah decided to celebrate 'Tipu Jayanti', a move denounced by the BJP as "appeasement politics". His government also took the controversial decision of recommending religious minority status for the influential Lingayat community in the run up to the polls. He launched a plethora of populist schemes like the Annabhagya for free distribution of rice, Ksheeradhare under which subsidy was given for milk, Vidyasiri that made available hostel facilities for students, and many others. The Siddaramaiah government also substantially raised the budgetary allocations for Dalits. These populist measures were expected to effectively insulate Siddaramaiah against allegations of corruption as Modi mounted an aggressive assault, calling him a "Seedha rupaiah government" and "10 per cent commission government". Apparently, the charges did stick.

Once expelled from JD(S), Siddaramaiah now offers crown to foe Kumaraswamy

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-karnataka-election-results-counting-underway-as-bjp-congress-wait-for-results-136866">Live Karnataka election leads: Congress: 30 | BJP: 29 | JD(S)+: 15</a></p>

<p>After a high voltage election campaign and big voter turnout on Saturday, the day has finally arrived, today results will be declared in Karnataka with the BJP and Congress waiting with bated breath. The seat placement in the 222-member Karnataka Assembly is likely to change dramatically today with a hung house predicted. &nbsp&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-result-hd-kumaraswamy-offers-prayers-ahead-of-counting-136879">Karnataka result: HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers ahead of counting</a></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-soldier-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-in-jammu-and-kashmir-136864">BSF soldier killed in ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir</a></p>

<p>A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning, news agency ANI reports.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858">GAP </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858">apologises</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858"> for wiping out Taiwan from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858">map</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858"> in new T-shirts</a></p>

<p>US retailer Gap Inc apologised on Monday for selling a T-shirt which it said had an incorrect map of China, adding it would implement "rigorous reviews" to prevent a repeat mistake.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881">Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal released from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881">hospital</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881"> after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881">assassination</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881"> bid</a></p>

<p>Pakistan Interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was discharged from the services hospital on Monday, a week after he was shot at a rally in Narowal.&nbsp</p>


Live Karnataka election leads: Congress: 30 | BJP: 29 | JD(S)+: 15 After a high voltage election campaign and big voter turnout on Saturday, the day has finally arrived, today results will be declared in Karnataka with the BJP and Congress waiting with bated breath. The seat placement in the 222-member Karnataka Assembly is likely to change dramatically today with a hung house predicted. Karnataka result: HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers ahead of counting 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. BSF soldier killed in ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning, news agency ANI reports. GAP apologises for wiping out Taiwan from map in new T-shirts US retailer Gap Inc apologised on Monday for selling a T-shirt which it said had an incorrect map of China, adding it would implement "rigorous reviews" to prevent a repeat mistake. Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal released from hospital after assassination bid Pakistan Interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was discharged from the services hospital on Monday, a week after he was shot at a rally in Narowal.

<p>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.</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy is contesting from Ramanagara and Channapatna constituencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress workers performed 'Havan' outside AICC office in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996212740728352770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>As the ballot boxes in Karnataka today, the fate of Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and BJP's CM face Yeddyurappa will be decided by voters who exercised their franchise on Saturday.</p>

<p>On Saturday, the voter turnout in Karnataka was 72.36 which was a record, however, exit polls predict it would be a hung assembly.</p>

<p>The state which saw a heated poll campaign in the last two months between the BJP and the Congress became a battle of nerves as PM Modi joined the campaign trail in the last leg on May 1st addressing rallies in over 20 locations.</p>

<p>Although the Indian prime minister focused his campaign on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, attacking Siddaramaiah's performance in the last five years, the country will finally get to know the verdict of the voters on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah in his last tweet on May 9th had called on voters to pick "peace, stability & progress", asserting that his government had ensured a "stable government and delivered on our promises and developed the state."</p>

<p>"As I look back on the 5 years I feel a deep sense of fulfilment. I do have a list of things we could do better and a list of things that we need to do," he said in his tweet, adding,"I am looking forward to your love & support for doing more."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, with chief minister Siddaramaiah declaring he may step aside if the Congress high command decided to field a Dalit CM has created quite a stir ahead of counting day.</p>

<p>BJP's Yeddyurappa on the other hand confidently declared ahead of polling day that the party is "headed towards a landslide victory."</p>

<p>The twist in the tale could be HD Deve Gowda led-Janata Dal (Secular) which may hold the crucial "trump card" if the election ends in a stalemate with neither the BJP or the Congress unable to cobble up a majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi had branded the JD(S) as the "B-team" of the BJP, the party which had won 40 seats in the 224-seat assembly in 2013 could once again surprise everyone and become a "kingmaker" as is being widely speculated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The JD(S) strategy to target Dalits and Vokkaligas could help it to get crucial seats.</p>

<p>H D Kumaraswamy, Deve Gowda's son has led the campaign for his party and it remains to be seen if the party will see its finest hour today.</p>


On Saturday, the voter turnout in Karnataka was 72.36 which was a record, however, exit polls predict it would be a hung assembly

As the ballot boxes in Karnataka today, the fate of Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and BJP's CM face Yeddyurappa will be decided by voters who exercised their franchise on Saturday. On Saturday, the voter turnout in Karnataka was 72.36 which was a record, however, exit polls predict it would be a hung assembly. The state which saw a heated poll campaign in the last two months between the BJP and the Congress became a battle of nerves as PM Modi joined the campaign trail in the last leg on May 1st addressing rallies in over 20 locations. Although the Indian prime minister focused his campaign on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, attacking Siddaramaiah's performance in the last five years, the country will finally get to know the verdict of the voters on Tuesday. Siddaramaiah in his last tweet on May 9th had called on voters to pick "peace, stability & progress", asserting that his government had ensured a "stable government and delivered on our promises and developed the state." "As I look back on the 5 years I feel a deep sense of fulfilment. I do have a list of things we could do better and a list of things that we need to do," he said in his tweet, adding,"I am looking forward to your love & support for doing more." However, with chief minister Siddaramaiah declaring he may step aside if the Congress high command decided to field a Dalit CM has created quite a stir ahead of counting day. BJP's Yeddyurappa on the other hand confidently declared ahead of polling day that the party is "headed towards a landslide victory." The twist in the tale could be HD Deve Gowda led-Janata Dal (Secular) which may hold the crucial "trump card" if the election ends in a stalemate with neither the BJP or the Congress unable to cobble up a majority. Rahul Gandhi had branded the JD(S) as the "B-team" of the BJP, the party which had won 40 seats in the 224-seat assembly in 2013 could once again surprise everyone and become a "kingmaker" as is being widely speculated. The JD(S) strategy to target Dalits and Vokkaligas could help it to get crucial seats. H D Kumaraswamy, Deve Gowda's son has led the campaign for his party and it remains to be seen if the party will see its finest hour today.

Karnataka elections: D-Day for Congress, BJP as Siddaramaiah & Yeddyurappa eye top spot

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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 <em>Chandra Chakori</em> (2003) and <em>Jaguar</em> (2016), among others.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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".</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>


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

<p>Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackrey has challenged the BJP to conduct elections on ballot papers.</p>

<p>The challenge from the leader of the Alliance party has come&nbsp;amid the Opposition's allegations of EVM tampering on BJP.</p>

<p>The opposition targetted the BJP claiming that its victory in the southern state was possible because of EVM tampering.</p>

<p>The accusations came in the wake of BJP emerging as the largest party&nbsp;after the election results in Karnataka.</p>

<p>Reacting to the opposition's allegations against the BJP, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the BJP to conduct elections with a ballot paper.</p>

<p>He said, "Just one time, I want BJP to head into elections with ballot papers and not EVMs. All the apprehensions will go away,".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further,&nbsp;he was joined by&nbsp;Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray who tweeted, "This is a victory for the Electronic Voting Machine".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaVerdict?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaVerdict</a><br />
It’s a victory for the ‘Electronic Voting Machine’ !</p>
— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) <a href="https://twitter.com/RajThackeray/status/996296811210932224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The BJP is having an estranged alliance with its alliance partner Shiv Sena.</p>

<p>Shiv Sena had recently announced its support for Congress nominee Vishwajeet Kadam against the BJP in the upcoming byelection in Maharashtra.</p>

<p><em>(With input&nbsp;from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Further, he was joined by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray who tweeted, 'This is a victory for the Electronic Voting Machine'

Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackrey has challenged the BJP to conduct elections on ballot papers. The challenge from the leader of the Alliance party has come amid the Opposition's allegations of EVM tampering on BJP. The opposition targetted the BJP claiming that its victory in the southern state was possible because of EVM tampering. The accusations came in the wake of BJP emerging as the largest party after the election results in Karnataka. Reacting to the opposition's allegations against the BJP, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the BJP to conduct elections with a ballot paper. He said, "Just one time, I want BJP to head into elections with ballot papers and not EVMs. All the apprehensions will go away,". Further, he was joined by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray who tweeted, "This is a victory for the Electronic Voting Machine". #KarnatakaVerdict It’s a victory for the ‘Electronic Voting Machine’ ! — Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) May 15, 2018 × The BJP is having an estranged alliance with its alliance partner Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena had recently announced its support for Congress nominee Vishwajeet Kadam against the BJP in the upcoming byelection in Maharashtra. (With input from agencies)

Amid allegations of EVM tampering, Shiv Sena challenges BJP to conduct elections on ballot paper

<p><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-results-jdss-kumaraswamy-meets-governor-stakes-claim-to-form-government-137103">JD(S)'s Kumaraswamy meets Karnataka Governor, stakes claim to form </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-results-jdss-kumaraswamy-meets-governor-stakes-claim-to-form-government-137103">government</a></p>

<p>The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/12-dead-in-varanasi-after-flyover-collapses-137125">12 dead in Varanasi after under-construction flyover collapses, several feared trapped</a></p>

<p>Over 12 people died in Varanasi on Tuesday after a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed in the city.</p>

<p>The authorities fear more deaths as several labourers working in the construction site are said to be trapped under the rubble.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-posts-biggest-ever-quarterly-loss-of-rs-13417-cr-in-q4-137050">PNB posts biggest ever quarterly loss of Rs 13,417 cr in Q4</a></p>

<p>Scam-hit Punjab National Bank (PNB) today posted the largest-ever quarterly loss of Rs 13,416.91 crore for January-March period, mainly on account of high provisioning for bad loans.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-floods-heavy-rains-kill-34-people-damage-900-houses--137088">Afghanistan: Floods, heavy rains kill 34 people, damage 900 houses</a></p>

<p>Heavy rains and flooding have claimed lives of 34 people in Afghanistan, reports said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The flash floods which are caused by heavy rains continuing from a week also caused serious damage to property as well.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gazans-bury-dead-after-bloodiest-day-of-israel-border-protests-137083">Gazans bury dead after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gazans-bury-dead-after-bloodiest-day-of-israel-border-protests-137083">bloodiest</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gazans-bury-dead-after-bloodiest-day-of-israel-border-protests-137083"> day of Israel border protests</a></p>

<p>Palestinians rallied in Gaza on Tuesday for the funerals of scores of people killed by Israeli troops a day earlier, while on the Gaza-Israel border, Israeli forces took up positions to deal with the expected final day of a Palestinian protest campaign.<br />
&nbsp</p>


JD(S)'s Kumaraswamy meets Karnataka Governor, stakes claim to form government The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state. 12 dead in Varanasi after under-construction flyover collapses, several feared trapped Over 12 people died in Varanasi on Tuesday after a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed in the city. The authorities fear more deaths as several labourers working in the construction site are said to be trapped under the rubble. PNB posts biggest ever quarterly loss of Rs 13,417 cr in Q4 Scam-hit Punjab National Bank (PNB) today posted the largest-ever quarterly loss of Rs 13,416.91 crore for January-March period, mainly on account of high provisioning for bad loans. Afghanistan: Floods, heavy rains kill 34 people, damage 900 houses Heavy rains and flooding have claimed lives of 34 people in Afghanistan, reports said on Tuesday. The flash floods which are caused by heavy rains continuing from a week also caused serious damage to property as well. Gazans bury dead after bloodiest day of Israel border protests Palestinians rallied in Gaza on Tuesday for the funerals of scores of people killed by Israeli troops a day earlier, while on the Gaza-Israel border, Israeli forces took up positions to deal with the expected final day of a Palestinian protest campaign.

<p>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;</p>

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<p>The Congress had earlier offered outside support to the JD(S).&nbsp;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Azad said he had told Gowda and Kumaraswamy that the picking of a chief minister would be left to them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reports now say Kumaraswamy has picked the chief minister's chair for himself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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></p>

<p>Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.)</p>

<p>The halfway mark then is 112 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>That would give the JD(S)-Congress a total of 115 seats.&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party has done the unthinkable again. It has emerged as the single-largest party after the assembly election results in Karnataka, a Congress citadel, pushing Congress to a point where if it is unable to form a government in the state, it will be reduced to just two states - Punjab and Mizoram - one one Union Territory, Puducherry.</p>

<p>The BJP has been able to achieve this feat because it has been facing one challenge after another since coming to power in 2014. The hunger to be at the top, to beat other parties and become number 1 keeps the Narendra Modi-led BJP going. It reminds me of the third installment of the famous 'Rocky' film series starring Sylvester Stallone. The film, which released in 1982, shows boxer Rocky Balboa not taking a young challenger seriously.</p>

<p>Rocky's mentor presses him for to be more focussed, but Rocky acts like a smug and the celebrity boxer is defeated by the 'hungry' challenger.</p>

<p>This is the same thing that has happened with Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi. The writing was there on the wall, the BJP was preparing hard - it was able to make inroads in rural Karnataka too - the caste arithmetic was altered, yet an overconfident and underprepared Rahul Gandhi refused to take the challenge seriously.</p>

<p>The Congress relied heavily on pleasing the Lingayats, by giving them a status of minority religion, and playing to the Kannada sentiments - they created a separate Kannada flag - but the will and determination was lacking.</p>

<p>The voting was held in Karnataka on Saturday and the state saw a record voter turnout of 72.36 per cent. Most of the exit polls had predicted a hung assembly and gave BJP an edge. The party made these predictions true and is on the way to bag more than 100 seats. The deep inroads made by the BJP in Karnataka shows its level of preparedness.</p>

<p>They had projected B S Yeddyurappa as its chief ministerial face. Yeddyurappa was allegedly involvement in a massive illegal iron ore mining scam and was even put behind bars for corruption charges and had to spend over 20 days in Bangalore's central prison. The BJP was able to overcome all that and has come so close to forming the government in the state.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The writing was there on the wall, the BJP was preparing hard, yet an overconfident and underprepared Rahul Gandhi refused to take the challenge seriously.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has done the unthinkable again. It has emerged as the single-largest party after the assembly election results in Karnataka, a Congress citadel, pushing Congress to a point where if it is unable to form a government in the state, it will be reduced to just two states - Punjab and Mizoram - one one Union Territory, Puducherry. The BJP has been able to achieve this feat because it has been facing one challenge after another since coming to power in 2014. The hunger to be at the top, to beat other parties and become number 1 keeps the Narendra Modi-led BJP going. It reminds me of the third installment of the famous 'Rocky' film series starring Sylvester Stallone. The film, which released in 1982, shows boxer Rocky Balboa not taking a young challenger seriously. Rocky's mentor presses him for to be more focussed, but Rocky acts like a smug and the celebrity boxer is defeated by the 'hungry' challenger. This is the same thing that has happened with Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi. The writing was there on the wall, the BJP was preparing hard - it was able to make inroads in rural Karnataka too - the caste arithmetic was altered, yet an overconfident and underprepared Rahul Gandhi refused to take the challenge seriously. The Congress relied heavily on pleasing the Lingayats, by giving them a status of minority religion, and playing to the Kannada sentiments - they created a separate Kannada flag - but the will and determination was lacking. The voting was held in Karnataka on Saturday and the state saw a record voter turnout of 72.36 per cent. Most of the exit polls had predicted a hung assembly and gave BJP an edge. The party made these predictions true and is on the way to bag more than 100 seats. The deep inroads made by the BJP in Karnataka shows its level of preparedness. They had projected B S Yeddyurappa as its chief ministerial face. Yeddyurappa was allegedly involvement in a massive illegal iron ore mining scam and was even put behind bars for corruption charges and had to spend over 20 days in Bangalore's central prison. The BJP was able to overcome all that and has come so close to forming the government in the state. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Underprepared Rahul knocked down by challenger BJP in Karnataka

<p>It is turning out to be a miserable Tuesday for Congress, which is on the verge of losing the assembly elections in Karnataka. The BJP is leading in 112 out of the 222 assembly segments, while the Congress is maintaining lead in 70.</p>

<p>With this loss, Congress will be reduced to two states - Punjab and Mizoram - and one Union Territory, Puducherry - a major dent on the party's confidence ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year. Karnataka elections is being seen as a pre-cursor to the big electoral battle, and a win would have given confidence to Congress cadres.</p>

<p>So what didn't work for Congress? Here are some of the possible reasons for the loss of face for the Congress:</p>

<p><strong>Rahul Gandhi's temple visits:</strong> Congress president Rahul Gandhi's Gujarat-style election campaign was one of the most talked about things in the run-up to Karnataka elections. Gandhi launched the Congress campaign at a rally at Hosapete in Ballari district in February, and visited many temples to drum up support for the party.</p>

<p><strong>Minority status for Lingayats:</strong> The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government gave Lingayatas - one of the dominant castes in Karnataka - the status of a minority religion. The move was aimed at capitalising on the clout the Lingayats enjoy. But the voting pattern of the community doesn't seem to have favoured Congress in this election.</p>

<p><strong>Siddaramaiah's welfare programmes:</strong> The Siddaramaiah government had launched many welfare schemes for the poor and youth of Karnataka which were popular among the 69 per cent of the electorate. But the leads on counting day show BJP making inroads in rural areas too, thereby spoiling the party for Congress.</p>


With this loss, Congress will be reduced to two states - Punjab and Mizoram - and one Union Territory, Puducherry.

It is turning out to be a miserable Tuesday for Congress, which is on the verge of losing the assembly elections in Karnataka. The BJP is leading in 112 out of the 222 assembly segments, while the Congress is maintaining lead in 70. With this loss, Congress will be reduced to two states - Punjab and Mizoram - and one Union Territory, Puducherry - a major dent on the party's confidence ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year. Karnataka elections is being seen as a pre-cursor to the big electoral battle, and a win would have given confidence to Congress cadres. So what didn't work for Congress? Here are some of the possible reasons for the loss of face for the Congress: Rahul Gandhi's temple visits: Congress president Rahul Gandhi's Gujarat-style election campaign was one of the most talked about things in the run-up to Karnataka elections. Gandhi launched the Congress campaign at a rally at Hosapete in Ballari district in February, and visited many temples to drum up support for the party. Minority status for Lingayats: The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government gave Lingayatas - one of the dominant castes in Karnataka - the status of a minority religion. The move was aimed at capitalising on the clout the Lingayats enjoy. But the voting pattern of the community doesn't seem to have favoured Congress in this election. Siddaramaiah's welfare programmes: The Siddaramaiah government had launched many welfare schemes for the poor and youth of Karnataka which were popular among the 69 per cent of the electorate. But the leads on counting day show BJP making inroads in rural areas too, thereby spoiling the party for Congress.

Karnataka election results: What didn't work for Congress

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