In South India's Karnataka state, the Congress party finally managed to halt Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party's electoral juggernaut as the country's oldest political party won 136 of 224 seats in the state assembly, according to the latest trends published by Election Commission of India.

The win is significant for the Congress as it unseats the BJP from power in Karnataka, whose capital Bengaluru is India's foremost Information Technology hub.

At the same time, the Congress was seeking a much-needed boost for revival ahead of key electoral contests lined up later this year in states across India and the ultimate national elections in 2024 where it will stand against one of India's most popular leaders of all time in Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the BJP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-assembly-elections-result-2023-live-updates-591682">Karnataka Election Result 2023 Live Updates: Congress gets absolute majority as it unseats BJP from power</a>

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a fourth-generation politician of India's Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty, hailed his party's victory in Karnataka as 'power of the poor', which the 52-year-old added, "has defeated the power of the capitalist friends of BJP."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a comment which is being perceived as a statement of conceding defeat, congratulated Congress party for their win in the state elections.&nbsp;

"Congratulations to the Congress Party for their victory in the Karnataka Assembly polls. My best wishes to them in fulfilling people’s aspirations," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, while expressing gratitude to the BJP workers of the state. "We shall serve Karnataka with even more vigour in the times to come."

<h2>Karnataka state elections: Full Picture</h2>

The Congress party is either leading in or has won 136 of total 224 seats, up from its 2018 tally of 80, according to Election Commission of India.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is either leading in or has won 65 of 224 seats, down from its 2018 tally of 104.

The regional party Janata Dal (Secular), which has seen its rise to national prominence in the past with its leader HD Devegowda briefly serving as India's prime minister in the 1990s, has won 19 of 224 seats, down from its 2018 tally of 37.

<h2>Karnataka elections 2023: What led to Congress party's win?</h2>

On India's vast electoral landscape, for decades, Karnataka has had the reputation of never re-electing an incumbent. In 2023, the state has well kept up to that reputation.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Karnataka Election 2023 | BJP: Congress' performance a reflection of local issues | India

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Congress party is crediting its leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' (Unite India March) that spent 20 days in the state earlier this year, as the defining reason behind its success. At the same time, the party brought-in dozens of its leaders from all over India during months-long campaign, seeking a door-to-door connect over its accusations of corruption against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state.&nbsp;

The BJP has called for introspection for its electoral loss in Karnataka.

The Congress party is likely to choose DK Shivakumar, its top leader in the state, as Chief Minister. Shivakumar is likely to succeed Basavaraj Bommai of the BJP, though former CM Siddaramaiah is also considered to be a hopeful.&nbsp;

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In South India's Karnataka state, the Congress party finally managed to halt Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party's electoral juggernaut as the country's oldest political party won 136 of 224 seats in the state assembly, according to the latest trends published by Election Commission of India.

In South India's Karnataka state, the Congress party finally managed to halt Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party's electoral juggernaut as the country's oldest political party won 136 of 224 seats in the state assembly, according to the latest trends published by Election Commission of India. The win is significant for the Congress as it unseats the BJP from power in Karnataka, whose capital Bengaluru is India's foremost Information Technology hub. At the same time, the Congress was seeking a much-needed boost for revival ahead of key electoral contests lined up later this year in states across India and the ultimate national elections in 2024 where it will stand against one of India's most popular leaders of all time in Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the BJP. ALSO READ | Karnataka Election Result 2023 Live Updates: Congress gets absolute majority as it unseats BJP from power Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a fourth-generation politician of India's Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty, hailed his party's victory in Karnataka as 'power of the poor', which the 52-year-old added, "has defeated the power of the capitalist friends of BJP." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a comment which is being perceived as a statement of conceding defeat, congratulated Congress party for their win in the state elections. "Congratulations to the Congress Party for their victory in the Karnataka Assembly polls. My best wishes to them in fulfilling people’s aspirations," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, while expressing gratitude to the BJP workers of the state. "We shall serve Karnataka with even more vigour in the times to come." Karnataka state elections: Full Picture The Congress party is either leading in or has won 136 of total 224 seats, up from its 2018 tally of 80, according to Election Commission of India. The Bharatiya Janata Party is either leading in or has won 65 of 224 seats, down from its 2018 tally of 104. The regional party Janata Dal (Secular), which has seen its rise to national prominence in the past with its leader HD Devegowda briefly serving as India's prime minister in the 1990s, has won 19 of 224 seats, down from its 2018 tally of 37. Karnataka elections 2023: What led to Congress party's win? On India's vast electoral landscape, for decades, Karnataka has had the reputation of never re-electing an incumbent. In 2023, the state has well kept up to that reputation. ALSO WATCH | Karnataka Election 2023 | BJP: Congress' performance a reflection of local issues | India × Congress party is crediting its leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' (Unite India March) that spent 20 days in the state earlier this year, as the defining reason behind its success. At the same time, the party brought-in dozens of its leaders from all over India during months-long campaign, seeking a door-to-door connect over its accusations of corruption against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state. The BJP has called for introspection for its electoral loss in Karnataka. The Congress party is likely to choose DK Shivakumar, its top leader in the state, as Chief Minister. Shivakumar is likely to succeed Basavaraj Bommai of the BJP, though former CM Siddaramaiah is also considered to be a hopeful. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India’s Congress party unseats BJP from power in Karnataka state, gets clear majority

All eyes are on India's Karnataka state as voting for the 224 assembly seats began on Wednesday (May 10) morning. Politicians and public figures like Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Sudha Murthy urged people to cast their votes. The voting will take place till 6 om&nbsp;and thereafter, the exit polls will be out. According to Mint, a total of 2,615 candidates are in the race. The campaigning&nbsp;for the state elections ended on Monday evening with a war of words between top guns of all major political parties&nbsp;and allegations and accusations flying amid the Karnataka Elections 2023.&nbsp;

While many opinion polls have predicted a win for Congress, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Minister Basaraj Bommai are eyeing a second term in the state for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and have shown confidence in retaining power with a full majority.&nbsp;

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Urging the people of Karnataka, particularly young and first time voters to vote in large numbers and enrich the festival of democracy.
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The majority mark to form the government in Karnataka is 113 seats. Some constituencies which will make a major impact in the polls are Kanakapura, Shiggaon, Hubli-Darwad, Channapatna, Chaittapur, Ramanagara, Varuna and Chikamagalur.

The majority of opinion polls have projected a win for Congress in the southern citadel. The counting of votes will be followed by announcement of the results on May 13 (Saturday).&nbsp;

<h2>Here's what opinion polls have predicted</h2>

As cited by Mint, the majority of opinion polls have predicted a "major win" for Congress, while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could face a big loss, and Janata&nbsp;Dal might perform below par.&nbsp;

The ABP News-CVoter opinion poll predicted that Congress is likely to form the&nbsp;government and might win 107 to 119 seats, while BJP is likely to bag 74 to 86 seats and Janata Dal (S) can secure between 23 and 35 seats. The poll suggests that Congress could end up securing some 40 per cent vote share, while BJP and JD (S) are likely to secure 35 per cent and 17 per cent vote shares respectively.&nbsp;

India TV-CNX opinion poll predicted 105 seats for Congress, 85 for BJP and 32 for JD (S).

A pre-poll by Kannada media outlet Eedina not only predicted a comfortable victory for Congress but stated that BJP might not secure more than 65-67 seats.&nbsp;

India Today-CVoter predicted Congress is likely to win 107 and 119 seats while BJP could win 74 to 86 seats.&nbsp;

However contrary to this, Zee News-Matrize's opinion poll predicted BJP to&nbsp;win 103 to 115 seats, Congress to secure 79 to 91 seats and JD (S) 26-36 seats.&nbsp;

Karnataka's chief minister Basavaraj Bommai is contesting for the fourth time from the Shiggaon constituency where he has already won thrice.&nbsp;

Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy is contesting from Channapatna and Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah is contesting from Varuna where he claimed a win in 2008.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

All eyes are on India's Karnataka state as voting for the 224 assembly seats began on Wednesday (May 10) morning. Politicians and public figures like Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Sudha Murthy urged people to cast their votes.

All eyes are on India's Karnataka state as voting for the 224 assembly seats began on Wednesday (May 10) morning. Politicians and public figures like Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Sudha Murthy urged people to cast their votes. The voting will take place till 6 om and thereafter, the exit polls will be out. According to Mint, a total of 2,615 candidates are in the race. The campaigning for the state elections ended on Monday evening with a war of words between top guns of all major political parties and allegations and accusations flying amid the Karnataka Elections 2023. While many opinion polls have predicted a win for Congress, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Minister Basaraj Bommai are eyeing a second term in the state for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and have shown confidence in retaining power with a full majority. Urging the people of Karnataka, particularly young and first time voters to vote in large numbers and enrich the festival of democracy. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 10, 2023 × The majority mark to form the government in Karnataka is 113 seats. Some constituencies which will make a major impact in the polls are Kanakapura, Shiggaon, Hubli-Darwad, Channapatna, Chaittapur, Ramanagara, Varuna and Chikamagalur. The majority of opinion polls have projected a win for Congress in the southern citadel. The counting of votes will be followed by announcement of the results on May 13 (Saturday). Here's what opinion polls have predicted As cited by Mint, the majority of opinion polls have predicted a "major win" for Congress, while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could face a big loss, and Janata Dal might perform below par. The ABP News-CVoter opinion poll predicted that Congress is likely to form the government and might win 107 to 119 seats, while BJP is likely to bag 74 to 86 seats and Janata Dal (S) can secure between 23 and 35 seats. The poll suggests that Congress could end up securing some 40 per cent vote share, while BJP and JD (S) are likely to secure 35 per cent and 17 per cent vote shares respectively. India TV-CNX opinion poll predicted 105 seats for Congress, 85 for BJP and 32 for JD (S). A pre-poll by Kannada media outlet Eedina not only predicted a comfortable victory for Congress but stated that BJP might not secure more than 65-67 seats. India Today-CVoter predicted Congress is likely to win 107 and 119 seats while BJP could win 74 to 86 seats. However contrary to this, Zee News-Matrize's opinion poll predicted BJP to win 103 to 115 seats, Congress to secure 79 to 91 seats and JD (S) 26-36 seats. Karnataka's chief minister Basavaraj Bommai is contesting for the fourth time from the Shiggaon constituency where he has already won thrice. Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy is contesting from Channapatna and Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah is contesting from Varuna where he claimed a win in 2008. (With inputs from agencies)

Karnataka Elections 2023: Who is winning, BJP or Cong? Here’s what opinion polls predicted so far

Karnataka elections 2023: India’s Congress party is accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of “insulting self-respecting” Kannadigas after his Tuesday speech that he delivered during a rally in Bagalkot district. Shah in his speech stated the upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka were not about just electing their Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) or state ministers, but also about handing over the future of the state to “Modi ji.”

<h2>What Amit Shah said in his speech?</h2>

Shah said, “This election is to hand over the future of the state to Modi ji. This election is to make Karnataka a fully developed state.”

Shah also suggested that if Congress is voted to power even by mistake, it would lead to massive corruption in the state. Shah said, “We will form the government under Modi’s leadership again. If the Congress is voted even by mistake, then it will lead to all-time high corruption, appeasement and all-time high dynastic politics, and the entire state will suffer from riots.”

<h2>Congress reacts to Shah’s statement</h2>

Randeep Singh Surjewala, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in charge of Karnataka, responded to Shah’s statement by saying that the union home minister’s statement reeked of arrogance. Surjewala said, “J P Nadda ji says Kannadigas need blessings of Modi, not vice versa. Can they not find a single Kannadiga to hand over the state of Karnataka to run the state that it has to be handed over to Modi? BJP’s arrogance has crossed all barriers.”

Apart from Surjewala, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah also accused the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) of undermining democracy. He said, “In a democratic system, citizens vote for such representatives who serve them rather than those who are slaves to rulers. Amit Shah, you have not only insulted the democratic set-up but also self-respecting Kannadigas.”

<h2>Karnataka goes into polls in May</h2>

Assembly elections will be held in the Indian state of Karnataka on May 10 for electing 224 members of the state assembly. Election results will be announced on May 13. The term of the current Karnataka assembly will end on May 24, 2023.

Karnataka elections 2023: India’s Congress party is accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of “insulting self-respecting” Kannadigas after his Tuesday speech that he delivered during a rally in Bagalkot district.

Karnataka elections 2023: India’s Congress party is accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of “insulting self-respecting” Kannadigas after his Tuesday speech that he delivered during a rally in Bagalkot district. Shah in his speech stated the upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka were not about just electing their Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) or state ministers, but also about handing over the future of the state to “Modi ji.” What Amit Shah said in his speech? Shah said, “This election is to hand over the future of the state to Modi ji. This election is to make Karnataka a fully developed state.” Shah also suggested that if Congress is voted to power even by mistake, it would lead to massive corruption in the state. Shah said, “We will form the government under Modi’s leadership again. If the Congress is voted even by mistake, then it will lead to all-time high corruption, appeasement and all-time high dynastic politics, and the entire state will suffer from riots.” Congress reacts to Shah’s statement Randeep Singh Surjewala, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in charge of Karnataka, responded to Shah’s statement by saying that the union home minister’s statement reeked of arrogance. Surjewala said, “J P Nadda ji says Kannadigas need blessings of Modi, not vice versa. Can they not find a single Kannadiga to hand over the state of Karnataka to run the state that it has to be handed over to Modi? BJP’s arrogance has crossed all barriers.” Apart from Surjewala, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah also accused the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) of undermining democracy. He said, “In a democratic system, citizens vote for such representatives who serve them rather than those who are slaves to rulers. Amit Shah, you have not only insulted the democratic set-up but also self-respecting Kannadigas.” Karnataka goes into polls in May Assembly elections will be held in the Indian state of Karnataka on May 10 for electing 224 members of the state assembly. Election results will be announced on May 13. The term of the current Karnataka assembly will end on May 24, 2023.

Karnataka elections 2023: Why is Congress accusing Amit Shah of insulting Kannadigas?

Karnataka Elections 2023: The Election Commission of India has announced a new initiative for elderly and specially-abled voters to cast their votes from home in Karnataka&nbsp;as the assembly elections draw closer. This new voting arrangement will benefit approximately 5.71 lakh people with disabilities and 12,15,763 elderly people above the age of 80 in the state. A total of 99,529 people have chosen the 'vote from home'&nbsp;option including 80,250 senior citizens above the age of 80 and 19,729 specially-abled voters.

The number of elderly citizens and specially-abled voters varies across different districts in the state, with some areas having more voters eligible for this option than others. Bengaluru's metropolitan area has a total of 9,152 senior citizens and 119 specially-abled voters, while some constituencies have only seven elderly citizens each who will be casting their ballots from home. Sira constituency in Tumakuru has the highest number of such voters, with over 2,000 people eligible to vote from home.

<h2>How will vote from home process work?</h2>

The Chief Electoral Office&nbsp;of Karnataka clarified that this voting method is only applicable to people "who are either confined to their homes or suffering from age-related ailments." The voting exercise will start on April 29 and continue until May 6, during which separate polling staff will visit each eligible voter's house with a team of five members, including two polling officials, one cop, and one videographer.

They will check the voter's ID, obtain a declaration, and hand over a ballot paper. The voter will have to cast their vote inside a secret compartment and drop it in an envelope. If the voter is not available during the visit, the team will reschedule the visit. If the voter is not available during the second visit, they will lose the chance to vote.

<h2>Postal ballot service also available</h2>

In addition to this, 47,488 service voters and 13,771 essential services category voters will also be provided with the postal ballot facility. The postal ballot sent to them electronically can be downloaded using a link via the ETPBS system, and all ballots received by 8 am on May 13 will be considered for counting.

This initiative will ensure that every citizen can participate in the democratic process, even if they are unable to leave their homes.&nbsp;

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Karnataka Elections 2023: The Election Commission of India has announced a new initiative for elderly and specially-abled voters to cast their votes from home in Karnataka as the assembly elections draw closer.

Karnataka Elections 2023: The Election Commission of India has announced a new initiative for elderly and specially-abled voters to cast their votes from home in Karnataka as the assembly elections draw closer. This new voting arrangement will benefit approximately 5.71 lakh people with disabilities and 12,15,763 elderly people above the age of 80 in the state. A total of 99,529 people have chosen the 'vote from home' option including 80,250 senior citizens above the age of 80 and 19,729 specially-abled voters. The number of elderly citizens and specially-abled voters varies across different districts in the state, with some areas having more voters eligible for this option than others. Bengaluru's metropolitan area has a total of 9,152 senior citizens and 119 specially-abled voters, while some constituencies have only seven elderly citizens each who will be casting their ballots from home. Sira constituency in Tumakuru has the highest number of such voters, with over 2,000 people eligible to vote from home. How will vote from home process work? The Chief Electoral Office of Karnataka clarified that this voting method is only applicable to people "who are either confined to their homes or suffering from age-related ailments." The voting exercise will start on April 29 and continue until May 6, during which separate polling staff will visit each eligible voter's house with a team of five members, including two polling officials, one cop, and one videographer. They will check the voter's ID, obtain a declaration, and hand over a ballot paper. The voter will have to cast their vote inside a secret compartment and drop it in an envelope. If the voter is not available during the visit, the team will reschedule the visit. If the voter is not available during the second visit, they will lose the chance to vote. Postal ballot service also available In addition to this, 47,488 service voters and 13,771 essential services category voters will also be provided with the postal ballot facility. The postal ballot sent to them electronically can be downloaded using a link via the ETPBS system, and all ballots received by 8 am on May 13 will be considered for counting. This initiative will ensure that every citizen can participate in the democratic process, even if they are unable to leave their homes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Karnataka Elections 2023: Election Commission of India introduces ‘Vote from Home’ option

Karnataka elections 2023: The incumbent Bhartiya Janata Party may have made tall claims regarding its performance in the upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka, but several pre-poll surveys and opinion polls have indicated the possibility of a hung assembly. Meanwhile, two networks have given BJP an edge over Congress, while two other networks have predicted a win for Congress.

<h2>Pre-poll survey results</h2>

The pre-election survey by TV9 and C-Voter predicts that the Congress will win 106–116 seats and the BJP between 79 and 89. The JD(S) is expected to emerge victorious in 24-34 constituencies. ‘Mood of Karnataka’ by Public TV also gave Congress the edge on 98-108 seats, which is below the majority mark of 113.&nbsp;As per the poll, BJP will win 85-95 seats in the state while JD(S) will win 28–33 seats.

The Asianet Survarna News Jan Ki Baat poll gives the BJP an edge over Congress, with the saffron party taking 98-109 seats against the Congress’s 89-97 seats.

The NewsFirst-Matrize poll predicted that the BJP would win 96–106 seats, while the Congress was predicted to win 84–94 and JD(S) to win 29–34.&nbsp;

A hung mandate is shown by Vistara News as it gave 88-93 seats to BJP, 84-90 to Congress, and 23-26 to JD(S). According to the survey, there are 27–30 seats where the outcome is uncertain. The pre-election survey by South First-People's Pulse gave Congress 98 seats, with a range of 95 to 105 seats. The BJP is predicted to win 92 seats (90-100 seat range) and the JD(S) 27 seats (25-30 seat range).

<h2>Will JD(S) emerge as the Kingmaker?</h2>

If speculations about the hung verdict in Karnataka polls turn out to be true, JD(S) will have the chance to reemerge as the Kingmaker to form the government as it did in 2018. Currently, JD(S) is trying hard to get rid of the “family party” reputation under its leader HD Kumaraswamy.

However, there are some political analysts and members of the party who doubt JD(S) will achieve this goal. The party's highest performance to date came in the 2004 assembly elections when it got 58 seats. The party put up its second-best performance in 2013 by registering victory on 40 seats.

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Karnataka elections 2023: The incumbent Bhartiya Janata Party may have made tall claims regarding its performance in the upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka, but several pre-poll surveys and opinion polls have indicated the possibility of a hung assembly.

Karnataka elections 2023: The incumbent Bhartiya Janata Party may have made tall claims regarding its performance in the upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka, but several pre-poll surveys and opinion polls have indicated the possibility of a hung assembly. Meanwhile, two networks have given BJP an edge over Congress, while two other networks have predicted a win for Congress. Pre-poll survey results The pre-election survey by TV9 and C-Voter predicts that the Congress will win 106–116 seats and the BJP between 79 and 89. The JD(S) is expected to emerge victorious in 24-34 constituencies. ‘Mood of Karnataka’ by Public TV also gave Congress the edge on 98-108 seats, which is below the majority mark of 113. As per the poll, BJP will win 85-95 seats in the state while JD(S) will win 28–33 seats. The Asianet Survarna News Jan Ki Baat poll gives the BJP an edge over Congress, with the saffron party taking 98-109 seats against the Congress’s 89-97 seats. The NewsFirst-Matrize poll predicted that the BJP would win 96–106 seats, while the Congress was predicted to win 84–94 and JD(S) to win 29–34. A hung mandate is shown by Vistara News as it gave 88-93 seats to BJP, 84-90 to Congress, and 23-26 to JD(S). According to the survey, there are 27–30 seats where the outcome is uncertain. The pre-election survey by South First-People's Pulse gave Congress 98 seats, with a range of 95 to 105 seats. The BJP is predicted to win 92 seats (90-100 seat range) and the JD(S) 27 seats (25-30 seat range). Will JD(S) emerge as the Kingmaker? If speculations about the hung verdict in Karnataka polls turn out to be true, JD(S) will have the chance to reemerge as the Kingmaker to form the government as it did in 2018. Currently, JD(S) is trying hard to get rid of the “family party” reputation under its leader HD Kumaraswamy. However, there are some political analysts and members of the party who doubt JD(S) will achieve this goal. The party's highest performance to date came in the 2004 assembly elections when it got 58 seats. The party put up its second-best performance in 2013 by registering victory on 40 seats. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Karnataka elections 2023: Pre-poll surveys herald hung verdict; Will JDS emerge as kingmaker?

Addressing a rally in Kolar, a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, former MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led centre for not providing due representation to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs. Kolar is the site of the infamous, controversial speech from 2019 that recently got Gandhi disqualified as a member of Parliament (MP) last month.&nbsp;

The Indian National Congress (INC) leader, as per ANI, launched a slew of attacks against the ruling government and also announced poll promises.&nbsp;

"If the Congress party is voted to power in Karnataka, then we will provide 200 units of free electricity to every family, Rs 2000 every month to women, a total of 10 Kg rice per month to every family, Rs 3000 to every graduate till two years and Rs 1500 monthly to diploma holders," said Rahul Gandhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-was-atiq-ahmed-indian-gangster-turned-politician-shot-dead-live-on-tv-583016">Explained | Who was Atiq Ahmed? Indian gangster-turned-politician shot dead on live TV</a>

"If you [BJP] can give thousands of crores of rupees to Adani, then we can give the money to poor, women, and youths. You helped Adani wholeheartedly, and we will wholeheartedly help the people of the state," he added.&nbsp;

"Disqualify me, put me in jail, do anything, doesn't matter," said Gandhi as he alleged that the BJP government in Karnataka was "immersed in corruption."

Gandhi pointed to the indifference being meted out to the OBC community, which are present in larger number but whose representation in government jobs were less.&nbsp;

He said that "reservation for SC/STs should be proportional to their population," and that the union government "should lift 50 per cent cap in reservation."&nbsp;

Replying to allegations that he had insulted the OBC community with his Modi surname remark, the Congress leader said that&nbsp;the representation of OBC and Dalits in the central government is not in line with their population.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drug-addict-petty-criminal-and-vagabond-three-men-who-publicly-executed-atiq-ahmed-and-his-brother-582978">Atiq Ahmed’s killers: Drug addict, petty criminals pull off daring murder in front of TV camera crews</a>

He also called on the BJP government to release the caste census report commissioned by his party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2011.

"Only seven per cent of secretaries in central government offices are from OBC and SC/ST communities. Modiji, you talk about (the welfare of) OBCs. Let us know what their share is in the population. If you don't do this, it is an insult to OBC communities."

Back in 2019, Rahul Gandhi, during a rally in Kolar had remarked, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?."

This statement landed him in trouble, and recently he was found guilty in a defamation case over it, and sentenced to two years in prison. The prison sentence became the grounds for Gandhi's disqualification as an MP.

Urging people to vote for Congress in Karnataka's upcoming elections, Gandhi said "Aap Apna Kaam Karo, Hum Apna Kaam Karenge (You do your work and we will do ours)." Karnataka goes to Assembly polls on May 10. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 13.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Addressing a rally in Kolar, a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, former MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led centre for not providing due representation to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs.

Addressing a rally in Kolar, a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, former MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led centre for not providing due representation to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs. Kolar is the site of the infamous, controversial speech from 2019 that recently got Gandhi disqualified as a member of Parliament (MP) last month. The Indian National Congress (INC) leader, as per ANI, launched a slew of attacks against the ruling government and also announced poll promises. "If the Congress party is voted to power in Karnataka, then we will provide 200 units of free electricity to every family, Rs 2000 every month to women, a total of 10 Kg rice per month to every family, Rs 3000 to every graduate till two years and Rs 1500 monthly to diploma holders," said Rahul Gandhi. Also read | Explained | Who was Atiq Ahmed? Indian gangster-turned-politician shot dead on live TV "If you [BJP] can give thousands of crores of rupees to Adani, then we can give the money to poor, women, and youths. You helped Adani wholeheartedly, and we will wholeheartedly help the people of the state," he added. "Disqualify me, put me in jail, do anything, doesn't matter," said Gandhi as he alleged that the BJP government in Karnataka was "immersed in corruption." Gandhi pointed to the indifference being meted out to the OBC community, which are present in larger number but whose representation in government jobs were less. He said that "reservation for SC/STs should be proportional to their population," and that the union government "should lift 50 per cent cap in reservation." Replying to allegations that he had insulted the OBC community with his Modi surname remark, the Congress leader said that the representation of OBC and Dalits in the central government is not in line with their population. Also read | Atiq Ahmed’s killers: Drug addict, petty criminals pull off daring murder in front of TV camera crews He also called on the BJP government to release the caste census report commissioned by his party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2011. "Only seven per cent of secretaries in central government offices are from OBC and SC/ST communities. Modiji, you talk about (the welfare of) OBCs. Let us know what their share is in the population. If you don't do this, it is an insult to OBC communities." Back in 2019, Rahul Gandhi, during a rally in Kolar had remarked, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?." This statement landed him in trouble, and recently he was found guilty in a defamation case over it, and sentenced to two years in prison. The prison sentence became the grounds for Gandhi's disqualification as an MP. Urging people to vote for Congress in Karnataka's upcoming elections, Gandhi said "Aap Apna Kaam Karo, Hum Apna Kaam Karenge (You do your work and we will do ours)." Karnataka goes to Assembly polls on May 10. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 13. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ahead of Karnataka polls, Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP state government 'immersed in corruption'

A Congress MLA Siddu Nyama Gowda passed away in a road accident near Tulasigere, Karnataka while he was on his way to Bagalkot from Goa.

The 67-year-old MLA's car had rammed into divider while trying to avoid a collision from a truck coming from the opposite side.&nbsp;

He died while he was on his way to the hospital after the accident.

The accident took place early in the morning around 4.30 am near Tulasigere.&nbsp;

He won election from Jamkhandi assembly seat as he defeated BJP's Kulkarni Shrikant Subrao in the recent Karnataka Assembly election.

Karnataka Congress tweeted a condolence message on its Twitter account.

"Deepest condolences on the passing away of our senior leader and Jamkhandi MLA, Shri Siddu B Nyamagouda. The Congress party stands by his family in this hour of grief," the tweet reads.

Former chief minister of the state also condoled his death on Twitter.

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ನಮ್ಮ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಶಾಸಕ ಸಿದ್ದುನ್ಯಾಮಗೌಡ‌ ಅವರ‌‌ ಅಕಾಲಿಕ ಸಾವು ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಆಘಾತಕ್ಕೀಡು ಮಾಡಿದೆ. 'ಬ್ಯಾರೇಜ್ ಸಿದ್ದು' ಎಂದೇ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯರಾಗಿದ್ದ ಸಿದ್ದು ನ್ಯಾಮಗೌಡ ಅವರು ಶಾಸಕ ಸಂಸದ, ಮತ್ತು ಕೇಂದ್ರ‌ ಸಚಿವರಾಗಿ ಜನ ಸದಾ ನೆನಪು ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವಂತಹ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ ಸಿದ್ದು ನ್ಯಾಮಗೌಡರಿಗೆ‌ ನನ್ನ ದುಃಖ ತಪ್ತ ಶ್ರದ್ಧಾಂಜಲಿ. <a href="https://t.co/U8IZBKL3ql">pic.twitter.com/U8IZBKL3ql</a>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/1000926068004438016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congress MLA Siddu Nyama Gowda passed away in a road accident near Tulasigeri. He was on his way from Goa to Bagalkot. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/0V8R9spaHh">pic.twitter.com/0V8R9spaHh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1000912296586108928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Siddu Nyama Gowda died while he was on his way to the hospital after the accident

A Congress MLA Siddu Nyama Gowda passed away in a road accident near Tulasigere, Karnataka while he was on his way to Bagalkot from Goa. The 67-year-old MLA's car had rammed into divider while trying to avoid a collision from a truck coming from the opposite side. He died while he was on his way to the hospital after the accident. The accident took place early in the morning around 4.30 am near Tulasigere. He won election from Jamkhandi assembly seat as he defeated BJP's Kulkarni Shrikant Subrao in the recent Karnataka Assembly election. Karnataka Congress tweeted a condolence message on its Twitter account. "Deepest condolences on the passing away of our senior leader and Jamkhandi MLA, Shri Siddu B Nyamagouda. The Congress party stands by his family in this hour of grief," the tweet reads. Former chief minister of the state also condoled his death on Twitter. ನಮ್ಮ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಶಾಸಕ ಸಿದ್ದುನ್ಯಾಮಗೌಡ‌ ಅವರ‌‌ ಅಕಾಲಿಕ ಸಾವು ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಆಘಾತಕ್ಕೀಡು ಮಾಡಿದೆ. 'ಬ್ಯಾರೇಜ್ ಸಿದ್ದು' ಎಂದೇ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯರಾಗಿದ್ದ ಸಿದ್ದು ನ್ಯಾಮಗೌಡ ಅವರು ಶಾಸಕ ಸಂಸದ, ಮತ್ತು ಕೇಂದ್ರ‌ ಸಚಿವರಾಗಿ ಜನ ಸದಾ ನೆನಪು ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವಂತಹ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ ಸಿದ್ದು ನ್ಯಾಮಗೌಡರಿಗೆ‌ ನನ್ನ ದುಃಖ ತಪ್ತ ಶ್ರದ್ಧಾಂಜಲಿ. pic.twitter.com/U8IZBKL3ql — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 28, 2018 × Congress MLA Siddu Nyama Gowda passed away in a road accident near Tulasigeri. He was on his way from Goa to Bagalkot. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/0V8R9spaHh — ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2018 ×

Congress Karnataka MLA Siddu Nyama Gowda dies in road accident

JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy has taken oath as the chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday in Bengaluru.

After swearing in, Kumaraswamy will have to prove majority on the floor of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on May 25.&nbsp

Kumaraswamy, son of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, was touted to be the kingmaker before the elections.&nbsp

However, situations led him to the post of Chief Minister, despite his party winning just 37 seats.&nbsp

Janata Dal (Secular) leader Haradanahalli Devegowda Kumaraswamy sworn-in as the 18th CM of state, repeating the oath after Governor Vajubhai Vala.&nbsp

The 58-year-old has become the CM on the second occasion. He had earlier presided over the post in 2006 when the JD(S) had tied up with the BJP. His last tenure, however, lasted for only 20 months.

Senior Congress leader and president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, G Parameshwara, was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister.&nbsp

The Congress-JD(S) government will have a total of 34 Ministers - 12 from the JD(S) and 22 from the Congress. The Cabinet Ministers will take oath after their names will be finalised.

The entire anti-BJP front, comprising of Congress, JD(S), CPI(M), AIMIM, TDP, TMC, NCP, AAP, SP and BSP, were present at the venue.

"I will be the king and not the kingmaker," Kumaraswamy had said before the Karnataka polls, and his words proved prophetic.

JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy has taken oath as the chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday in Bengaluru. After swearing in, Kumaraswamy will have to prove majority on the floor of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on May 25. Kumaraswamy, son of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, was touted to be the kingmaker before the elections. However, situations led him to the post of Chief Minister, despite his party winning just 37 seats. Janata Dal (Secular) leader Haradanahalli Devegowda Kumaraswamy sworn-in as the 18th CM of state, repeating the oath after Governor Vajubhai Vala. The 58-year-old has become the CM on the second occasion. He had earlier presided over the post in 2006 when the JD(S) had tied up with the BJP. His last tenure, however, lasted for only 20 months. Senior Congress leader and president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, G Parameshwara, was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister. The Congress-JD(S) government will have a total of 34 Ministers - 12 from the JD(S) and 22 from the Congress. The Cabinet Ministers will take oath after their names will be finalised. The entire anti-BJP front, comprising of Congress, JD(S), CPI(M), AIMIM, TDP, TMC, NCP, AAP, SP and BSP, were present at the venue.

HD Kumaraswamy sworn in as Karnataka CM amid opposition show of unity

BJP leader and party in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir Ram Madhav on Monday attacked Congress, calling them "the most corrupt party" adding that the decision of alliance with JD(S) is an ünethical deal."

Madhav said:&nbsp;"Whole history of Congress is full of corruption. There's not been a single genuine charge against BJP Government in past 4 years. The most corrupt party is Congress and that corruption has reflected in the unethical deal that they have entered into with JD(S) in Karnataka."

In reply to the BJP's move to influence Congress MLA's during floor tests, he said:&nbsp;"It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought."

"We have done no mistake. It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought. It is a different matter that we weren't able to muster required numbers," he added.&nbsp;

He laid emphasis on the fact that the mandate was against Congress and thus they had hoped that parties "like JD(S) would keep that in mind and act appropriately. But that was not the case. There was a tacit deal between Congress and JD(S) that led to a situation where we had to relinquish."

Meanwhile, Congress MP (Member of Parliament) Mallikarjun Kharge said that "keeping everything in mind" in the Karnataka elections, there should be a "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ought-to-be-give-and-take-equation-with-jds-in-karnataka-congress-mallikarjun-kharge-138359">give and take equation</a>" with the JD(S) while forming the cabinet.&nbsp;

"High command will take a decision. We, being a national party, supported JD(S) - a regional party, to uphold Constitutional principles and democracy. Keeping everything in mind, there ought to be a 'give & take' equation," Mallikarjun Kharge said.

On May 27, Kumaraswamy was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government in the state, after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) three-day old chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/democracy-has-won-against-unholy-politics-of-intimidation-corruption-lies-congress-on-yeddyurappas-resignation-138205">BS Yeddyurappa stepped down</a> ahead of the floor test in the state assembly.

On May 27, Kumaraswamy was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government in the state, after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) three-day old chief minister BS Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly

BJP leader and party in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir Ram Madhav on Monday attacked Congress, calling them "the most corrupt party" adding that the decision of alliance with JD(S) is an ünethical deal." Madhav said: "Whole history of Congress is full of corruption. There's not been a single genuine charge against BJP Government in past 4 years. The most corrupt party is Congress and that corruption has reflected in the unethical deal that they have entered into with JD(S) in Karnataka." In reply to the BJP's move to influence Congress MLA's during floor tests, he said: "It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought." "We have done no mistake. It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought. It is a different matter that we weren't able to muster required numbers," he added. He laid emphasis on the fact that the mandate was against Congress and thus they had hoped that parties "like JD(S) would keep that in mind and act appropriately. But that was not the case. There was a tacit deal between Congress and JD(S) that led to a situation where we had to relinquish." Meanwhile, Congress MP (Member of Parliament) Mallikarjun Kharge said that "keeping everything in mind" in the Karnataka elections, there should be a "give and take equation" with the JD(S) while forming the cabinet. "High command will take a decision. We, being a national party, supported JD(S) - a regional party, to uphold Constitutional principles and democracy. Keeping everything in mind, there ought to be a 'give & take' equation," Mallikarjun Kharge said. On May 27, Kumaraswamy was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government in the state, after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) three-day old chief minister BS Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly.

Congress' alliance with JD(S) unethical: BJP's Ram Madhav

Karnataka`s Humnabad Congress MLA Rajshekhar Patil on Thursday said the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance was confident of forming the government in Karnataka.

"All the MLAs are here in Hyderabad. We will be leaving for Bengaluru. We don`t have any meeting here. Siddaramaiah has come here and we will be leaving soon. Total we have 78 MLAs, but right now we have 77 MLAs here. There is no pressure on us. We are confident that we will form the government along with JD(S)," Patil told.

Asked about Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) being the single largest party, Patil quipped, "They don`t have the numbers.

"Meanwhile, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived at the Hotel Taj Krishna here on Thursday and met with the Congress MLAs.

Fearing defection to BJP or being "poached", the Congress and JD(S) has shifted their MLAs to numerous hotels in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court ruled that a floor test should be conducted on Saturday at 4 pm for BJP to prove their majority in the Karnataka assembly.

The decision was taken after the top court heard the arguments for and against the petition filed by the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) following Governor Vajubhai R. Vala`s invitation to the BJP to form the government in the state.

The BJP has 104 MLAs but they are still short of the simple majority mark of 113 by nine MLAs and have been given 24 hours to prove the same in the assembly by the apex court.

However, if two `missing` Congress MLAs do not get to vote tomorrow, the halfway mark will fall to 111.

On the other hand, Congress (78 seats) and JD-S (37 seats), along with two independent candidates have formed a post-poll alliance and are staking claim to form the government in Karnataka, with a total of 115 MLAs.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived at the Hotel Taj Krishna here on Thursday and met with the Congress MLAs.

Karnataka`s Humnabad Congress MLA Rajshekhar Patil on Thursday said the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance was confident of forming the government in Karnataka. "All the MLAs are here in Hyderabad. We will be leaving for Bengaluru. We don`t have any meeting here. Siddaramaiah has come here and we will be leaving soon. Total we have 78 MLAs, but right now we have 77 MLAs here. There is no pressure on us. We are confident that we will form the government along with JD(S)," Patil told. Asked about Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) being the single largest party, Patil quipped, "They don`t have the numbers. "Meanwhile, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived at the Hotel Taj Krishna here on Thursday and met with the Congress MLAs. Fearing defection to BJP or being "poached", the Congress and JD(S) has shifted their MLAs to numerous hotels in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court ruled that a floor test should be conducted on Saturday at 4 pm for BJP to prove their majority in the Karnataka assembly. The decision was taken after the top court heard the arguments for and against the petition filed by the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) following Governor Vajubhai R. Vala`s invitation to the BJP to form the government in the state. The BJP has 104 MLAs but they are still short of the simple majority mark of 113 by nine MLAs and have been given 24 hours to prove the same in the assembly by the apex court. However, if two `missing` Congress MLAs do not get to vote tomorrow, the halfway mark will fall to 111. On the other hand, Congress (78 seats) and JD-S (37 seats), along with two independent candidates have formed a post-poll alliance and are staking claim to form the government in Karnataka, with a total of 115 MLAs.

Confident of forming government in Karnataka: Congress MLA

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.

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'

Disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday questioned the party's decision to form a government in Karnataka without the required majority and said politics of "Dhan-shakti over Jan-shakti" was neither acceptable nor desirable.

In a series of tweets, the Patna Sahib MP, who has been critical of his party on most issues for quite some time, also favoured giving the post-poll alliance of Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) a chance in the southern state as the two have the majority number.

Sir, why are we playing with fire? Votaries of democracy are making a mockery of the system. Those who do not forget to sermonize on the value of democracy are out to wreck the polity.

This politics of jugaad and arm-twisting or for that matter Dhanshakti over Janshakti is neither acceptable nor desirable. Sir, there is a saying you cannot fool all the people all the time to win/gain anyhow by hook or crook and a moreover the same is not advisable too, Sinha tweeted.

It may be termed as penny wise pound foolish politics. Hope, wish and pray that good sense, maturity and wisdom prevails. Now, the matter has gone to court and the court mercifully agreed for a mid-night drama which is great news to begin with. We hold judiciary in very high esteem. We shall wait and watch. In the present situation, one really wishes that justice prevails, he said.

What is right for Peter should be right for Paul too. What is right for Meghalaya, Manipur and Goa should be right for Karnataka too. God save Karnataka and democracy. Jai Hind, Sinha signed off.

He was pointing to the BJP having formed governments in the two north-eastern state and the coastal province with the help of post-poll alliances though it had not emerged as the single largest party in any of the legislative assemblies.

Sinha, the second consecutive term BJP Lok Sabha member from Patna Sahib, has fallen out with the party leadership after being ignored in 2015 Bihar polls and since than has on several occasions made barrage of attacks on senior leaders.

Recently he was seen with Yashwant Sinha, who announced quitting BJP in disgust.

Sinha popularly called "Bihari Babu" met TMC chief Mamata Banerjee in Delhi. He has been seen in company of RJD president Lalu Prasad and his family very often.

Sir, why are we playing with fire? Votaries of democracy are making a mockery of the system. Those who do not forget to sermonize on the value of democracy are out to wreck the polity.

Disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday questioned the party's decision to form a government in Karnataka without the required majority and said politics of "Dhan-shakti over Jan-shakti" was neither acceptable nor desirable. In a series of tweets, the Patna Sahib MP, who has been critical of his party on most issues for quite some time, also favoured giving the post-poll alliance of Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) a chance in the southern state as the two have the majority number. Sir, why are we playing with fire? Votaries of democracy are making a mockery of the system. Those who do not forget to sermonize on the value of democracy are out to wreck the polity. This politics of jugaad and arm-twisting or for that matter Dhanshakti over Janshakti is neither acceptable nor desirable. Sir, there is a saying you cannot fool all the people all the time to win/gain anyhow by hook or crook and a moreover the same is not advisable too, Sinha tweeted. It may be termed as penny wise pound foolish politics. Hope, wish and pray that good sense, maturity and wisdom prevails. Now, the matter has gone to court and the court mercifully agreed for a mid-night drama which is great news to begin with. We hold judiciary in very high esteem. We shall wait and watch. In the present situation, one really wishes that justice prevails, he said. What is right for Peter should be right for Paul too. What is right for Meghalaya, Manipur and Goa should be right for Karnataka too. God save Karnataka and democracy. Jai Hind, Sinha signed off. He was pointing to the BJP having formed governments in the two north-eastern state and the coastal province with the help of post-poll alliances though it had not emerged as the single largest party in any of the legislative assemblies. Sinha, the second consecutive term BJP Lok Sabha member from Patna Sahib, has fallen out with the party leadership after being ignored in 2015 Bihar polls and since than has on several occasions made barrage of attacks on senior leaders. Recently he was seen with Yashwant Sinha, who announced quitting BJP in disgust. Sinha popularly called "Bihari Babu" met TMC chief Mamata Banerjee in Delhi. He has been seen in company of RJD president Lalu Prasad and his family very often.

Politics of Dhanshakti over Janshakti not desirable, says Shatrughan Sinha

The Karnataka political battle has reached the other states of the country and is slowly spreading. After Goa and Bihar, Congress leaders in Manipur and Meghalaya have now sought time from the respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow. The former Chief Ministers of Manipur and Meghalaya — Okram Ibobi Singh and Mukul Sangma — have now taken appointments to meet their respective Governors, news agency ANI reported.

Since the BJP formed the government in Karnataka on Thursday morning after Governor Vajubhai Vala, whom Congress described as 'BJP puppet', &nbsp;invited BS Yeddyurappa to form the government, aforementioned leaders are knocking on the door of respective state governors' door.&nbsp;

When BJP spun the ''single largest party'' theory in order wrest power from the Congress-JD(U), which claimed to have the numbers to form the government, has come back to haunt them in a way they never anticipated.&nbsp;

The first state to get off the block is Goa. Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress is now planning to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state.

Goa Congress leader Yatish Naik claims that in 2017 the 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. &nbsp;

Similarly, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav today said that the party has decided to meet the Governor tomorrow at 1 pm and demand that like BJP, the single largest party in Karnataka, should be called to form the government in Bihar.&nbsp;

The current government in Bihar be dissolved and the single largest party, RJD, be invited to form the government, ANI quoted him as saying.&nbsp;

Yadav also attacked Modi and Amit Shah. How will BJP prove majority? he asked and added Amit Shah has only one formula, horse-trading or sending agencies like CBI & ED behind MLAs of other parties. It's dictatorship by BJP. If we aren't united today then it was Bihar yesterday, Karnataka today, can be MP or Rajasthan tomorrow, he said.&nbsp;

Former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma have also sought time from respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow, according to news agency ANI.

In the March 2017 assembly elections in Manipur, the BJP, with 21 seats, came second to the then ruling Congress, which bagged 28 – three short of the majority mark to form a government.

In spite of coming second in the electoral race, the BJP famously formed a government with support from its regional allies, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the National People’s Party (NPP).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Congress is preparing to demand the "Karnataka model" in neighbouring Goa, where it couldn't form a government last year despite emerging as the single largest party.

"If in Karnataka the single largest party got a chance to form the government, then the governments in Goa, Bihar, Manipur and Meghalaya should resign and make way for the single largest party," said Randeep Surjewala of the Congress.

&nbsp;

When BJP spun the ''single largest party'' theory in order wrest power from the Congress-JD(U), which claimed to have the numbers to form the government, has come back to haunt them in a way they never anticipated.

The Karnataka political battle has reached the other states of the country and is slowly spreading. After Goa and Bihar, Congress leaders in Manipur and Meghalaya have now sought time from the respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow. The former Chief Ministers of Manipur and Meghalaya — Okram Ibobi Singh and Mukul Sangma — have now taken appointments to meet their respective Governors, news agency ANI reported. Since the BJP formed the government in Karnataka on Thursday morning after Governor Vajubhai Vala, whom Congress described as 'BJP puppet', invited BS Yeddyurappa to form the government, aforementioned leaders are knocking on the door of respective state governors' door. When BJP spun the ''single largest party'' theory in order wrest power from the Congress-JD(U), which claimed to have the numbers to form the government, has come back to haunt them in a way they never anticipated. The first state to get off the block is Goa. Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress is now planning to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state. Goa Congress leader Yatish Naik claims that in 2017 the 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. Similarly, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav today said that the party has decided to meet the Governor tomorrow at 1 pm and demand that like BJP, the single largest party in Karnataka, should be called to form the government in Bihar. The current government in Bihar be dissolved and the single largest party, RJD, be invited to form the government, ANI quoted him as saying. Yadav also attacked Modi and Amit Shah. How will BJP prove majority? he asked and added Amit Shah has only one formula, horse-trading or sending agencies like CBI & ED behind MLAs of other parties. It's dictatorship by BJP. If we aren't united today then it was Bihar yesterday, Karnataka today, can be MP or Rajasthan tomorrow, he said. Former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma have also sought time from respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow, according to news agency ANI. In the March 2017 assembly elections in Manipur, the BJP, with 21 seats, came second to the then ruling Congress, which bagged 28 – three short of the majority mark to form a government. In spite of coming second in the electoral race, the BJP famously formed a government with support from its regional allies, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the National People’s Party (NPP). Meanwhile, Congress is preparing to demand the "Karnataka model" in neighbouring Goa, where it couldn't form a government last year despite emerging as the single largest party. "If in Karnataka the single largest party got a chance to form the government, then the governments in Goa, Bihar, Manipur and Meghalaya should resign and make way for the single largest party," said Randeep Surjewala of the Congress.

After invite to Karnataka BJP to form government, leaders from 4 states lineup to meet Governors

Karnataka Governor&nbsp;Vajubhai Vala on Wednesday invited B S&nbsp;Yeddyurappa to take oath as next chief minister of the state. &nbsp;

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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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996783864394801153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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.&nbsp;

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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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996783156777930753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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.''

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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) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/996785499653062656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996786797991596033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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.&nbsp;

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

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;

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.&nbsp;

"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.&nbsp;

Gehlot expressed concerns over the development and said people of the country are "worried" over the direction in which the country was moving.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

"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.&nbsp;

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'

Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state.

''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,'' said Yatish Naik of Goa Congress.&nbsp;

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In 2017, we won 17 seats & were single largest party & 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: Yatish Naik, Congress <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Goa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Goa</a> <a href="https://t.co/EqCl4bxi1j">pic.twitter.com/EqCl4bxi1j</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997065210077876225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government.&nbsp;

Being the single largest party Congress should be invited to form govt in Goa, ANI report said quoting Congress party sources.&nbsp;

If necessary Congress may parade its MLAs to Governor's house, the sources added.&nbsp;

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. &nbsp;

Similarly, in Bihar, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav to hold a one-day protest against the ''murder of democracy''. He will also request Bihar Governor to dissolve the state government and like Karnataka invite the single largest party which in Bihar is RJD. &nbsp;

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I will meet Honourable Governor of Bihar along with MLAs as we are single largest party of Bihar.
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/997061828772552704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''We would be holding a one-day Dharna tomorrow against the murder of democracy in Karnataka. We also request the Bihar Governor to dissolve the state government and like in Karnataka invite the single largest party, which in Bihar is the RJD,'' Yadav said.&nbsp;

Former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma have sought time from respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow, according to news agency ANI.

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We are not only single largest party but single largest block of pre poll alliance in Bihar. 
 
Then why should we not be called to form government in Bihar? 
 
Tomorrow at 1 PM will meet Bihar Governor.
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/997078656844517376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government.

Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state. ''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,'' said Yatish Naik of Goa Congress. In 2017, we won 17 seats & were single largest party & 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: Yatish Naik, Congress #Goa pic.twitter.com/EqCl4bxi1j — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government. Being the single largest party Congress should be invited to form govt in Goa, ANI report said quoting Congress party sources. If necessary Congress may parade its MLAs to Governor's house, the sources added. 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. Similarly, in Bihar, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav to hold a one-day protest against the ''murder of democracy''. He will also request Bihar Governor to dissolve the state government and like Karnataka invite the single largest party which in Bihar is RJD. I will meet Honourable Governor of Bihar along with MLAs as we are single largest party of Bihar. — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 17, 2018 × ''We would be holding a one-day Dharna tomorrow against the murder of democracy in Karnataka. We also request the Bihar Governor to dissolve the state government and like in Karnataka invite the single largest party, which in Bihar is the RJD,'' Yadav said. Former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma have sought time from respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow, according to news agency ANI. We are not only single largest party but single largest block of pre poll alliance in Bihar. Then why should we not be called to form government in Bihar? Tomorrow at 1 PM will meet Bihar Governor. — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 17, 2018 ×

Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form government after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP

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".

At an event here, he alleged there was an atmosphere of fear in the country and the Constitution was under "severe attack", with even the institutions such as the judiciary and the press being suppressed and threatened.

His remarks came hours after BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa was sworn-in as the chief minister of Karnataka.

While the Congress-JD(S) combine in the state has been claiming a majority with the support of 117 MLAs, the BJP has 104 seats in the Assembly which has 224 elected members. Polling was not held in two seats. The House has a nominated seat.

"The Constitution is under severe attack in the country... In Karnataka, the MLAs are on one side and the Governor on the other and you know what attempt is being made," Gandhi said.

"The JD(S) leader has said its MLAs were offered Rs 100 crore," the Congress president said, apparently referring to H D Kumaraswami who had made the allegation.

Gandhi said, "One after another, you can see in every democratic institution in the country,..The RSS is trying to induct its people."

He said, "There is fear in the judiciary, there is fear in the press, and even the BJP's members of Parliament are scared as they cannot speak a single word before the prime minister."

In the last 70 years, it was generally seen that the people approached the judiciary for seeking justice, he said.

"But for the first time it was seen that four judges of the Supreme Court appeared before the press and sought support from the public, saying they were being suppressed and not allowed to perform their duties.

"Such a thing was witnessed for the first time in a democratic country. It definitely happens under dictatorships, it happens in Pakistan, it happens in different African countries, (where) a general comes and suppresses the court and the press. But in India, it has happened for the first time in last 70 years," Gandhi said.

He was apparently referring to the unprecedented press conference by four senior judges of the Supreme Court in January this year to express their grievances against the Chief Justice of India.

In his address at a 'Jan Swaraj Sammelan' here on the occasion of the silver jubilee of 73rd and 74th amendment in the Constitution related to local self-governance, the Congress leader accused the BJP and the RSS of capturing every democratic institution in country.

He said the Congress had ruled the country for several years but never tried to capture the democratic institutions.

Gandhi also alleged that the RSS and the BJP's target was to suppress the voice of Dalits, 'adivasis' (tribals) and women and distribute the country's wealth to some selected people.

"When farmers talk about loan waiver, (Finance Minister) Arun Jaitley says the Centre does not have any policy for it. But in the last one year, Rs 2.5 lakh crore loan of 15 rich people was waived. He (Jaitley) doesn't speak on it because it's in their policy," the Congress chief said.

He said that if the BJP wanted to talk about corruption, then its leaders should speak about the Rafale fighter deal, BJP chief's son and (Union minister) Piyush Goyal's company. However, he did not elaborate on it.

Gandhi alleged the BJP government has snatched the rights of farmers, villagers and poor and diluted the law.

He said the people will have to come together to fight against the ideology of the RSS and the BJP to protect the Constitution.

"If we want to fight against the ideology of the RSS and the BJP, the representatives and women who are sitting here, are our key strength," he said, referring to the panchayat members present at the event.

During the interaction with the representatives, Gandhi said if the Congress comes to power at the Centre, its focus will be on education, health and employment sectors in which the "Modi government has completely failed".

He said his party's government would waive farmers' loans within 10 days of coming to power in 2019.

Accusing the Modi government of considering farmers as a burden, he said the Congress considers them as its strength.

"If the Narendra Modi government can waive loans of 15 to 20 rich industrialists worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore, why can't farmers' loans be waived?" he asked.

"That amount is equivalent to Rs 35,000 crore that the UPA spent to implement the MNERGA scheme in the country," he said.

He said, "Modi calls Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai. He knows Choksi and Nirav Modi well. Modi did not respond to my request to waive farm loans in the entire country."

The Congress government had brought the Land Acquisition Bill, in which it was clearly mentioned that panchayat's permission should be mandatory for acquiring land in a village, Gandhi said.

"The attack on me (by the BJP) was launched since the day I visited Bhatta Parsaul (in 2011 in Noida in UP). There I had raised questions and from that day they have been trying to corner me," he said.&nbsp

At an event here, he alleged there was an atmosphere of fear in the country and the Constitution was under "severe attack", with even the institutions such as the judiciary and the press being suppressed and threatened.

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". At an event here, he alleged there was an atmosphere of fear in the country and the Constitution was under "severe attack", with even the institutions such as the judiciary and the press being suppressed and threatened. His remarks came hours after BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa was sworn-in as the chief minister of Karnataka. While the Congress-JD(S) combine in the state has been claiming a majority with the support of 117 MLAs, the BJP has 104 seats in the Assembly which has 224 elected members. Polling was not held in two seats. The House has a nominated seat. "The Constitution is under severe attack in the country... In Karnataka, the MLAs are on one side and the Governor on the other and you know what attempt is being made," Gandhi said. "The JD(S) leader has said its MLAs were offered Rs 100 crore," the Congress president said, apparently referring to H D Kumaraswami who had made the allegation. Gandhi said, "One after another, you can see in every democratic institution in the country,..The RSS is trying to induct its people." He said, "There is fear in the judiciary, there is fear in the press, and even the BJP's members of Parliament are scared as they cannot speak a single word before the prime minister." In the last 70 years, it was generally seen that the people approached the judiciary for seeking justice, he said. "But for the first time it was seen that four judges of the Supreme Court appeared before the press and sought support from the public, saying they were being suppressed and not allowed to perform their duties. "Such a thing was witnessed for the first time in a democratic country. It definitely happens under dictatorships, it happens in Pakistan, it happens in different African countries, (where) a general comes and suppresses the court and the press. But in India, it has happened for the first time in last 70 years," Gandhi said. He was apparently referring to the unprecedented press conference by four senior judges of the Supreme Court in January this year to express their grievances against the Chief Justice of India. In his address at a 'Jan Swaraj Sammelan' here on the occasion of the silver jubilee of 73rd and 74th amendment in the Constitution related to local self-governance, the Congress leader accused the BJP and the RSS of capturing every democratic institution in country. He said the Congress had ruled the country for several years but never tried to capture the democratic institutions. Gandhi also alleged that the RSS and the BJP's target was to suppress the voice of Dalits, 'adivasis' (tribals) and women and distribute the country's wealth to some selected people. "When farmers talk about loan waiver, (Finance Minister) Arun Jaitley says the Centre does not have any policy for it. But in the last one year, Rs 2.5 lakh crore loan of 15 rich people was waived. He (Jaitley) doesn't speak on it because it's in their policy," the Congress chief said. He said that if the BJP wanted to talk about corruption, then its leaders should speak about the Rafale fighter deal, BJP chief's son and (Union minister) Piyush Goyal's company. However, he did not elaborate on it. Gandhi alleged the BJP government has snatched the rights of farmers, villagers and poor and diluted the law. He said the people will have to come together to fight against the ideology of the RSS and the BJP to protect the Constitution. "If we want to fight against the ideology of the RSS and the BJP, the representatives and women who are sitting here, are our key strength," he said, referring to the panchayat members present at the event. During the interaction with the representatives, Gandhi said if the Congress comes to power at the Centre, its focus will be on education, health and employment sectors in which the "Modi government has completely failed". He said his party's government would waive farmers' loans within 10 days of coming to power in 2019. Accusing the Modi government of considering farmers as a burden, he said the Congress considers them as its strength. "If the Narendra Modi government can waive loans of 15 to 20 rich industrialists worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore, why can't farmers' loans be waived?" he asked. "That amount is equivalent to Rs 35,000 crore that the UPA spent to implement the MNERGA scheme in the country," he said. He said, "Modi calls Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai. He knows Choksi and Nirav Modi well. Modi did not respond to my request to waive farm loans in the entire country." The Congress government had brought the Land Acquisition Bill, in which it was clearly mentioned that panchayat's permission should be mandatory for acquiring land in a village, Gandhi said. "The attack on me (by the BJP) was launched since the day I visited Bhatta Parsaul (in 2011 in Noida in UP). There I had raised questions and from that day they have been trying to corner me," he said.

Atmosphere of fear in country, situation similar to Pakistan: Rahul Gandhi

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the party formed a government in Karnataka and termed the entire episode as a conspiracy to destroy the Constitution, according to news agency ANI.

Addressing the media here, Mayawati accused the BJP of misusing the government ever since they came to power at the Centre.

"It is a conspiracy to destroy the constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, since they (BJP) came to power they have been misusing government machinery, thereby attacking democracy," ANI reported quoting Mayawati.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, 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, wherein Congress and JD(S) pleaded for the same citing BJP`s inadequate strength in the assembly to stake claim at forming the state government.

Late last night, Congress and JD(S) challenged Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala`s decision in the top court to invite BJP to form the government even when the saffron party, with 105 MLAs, including one Independent MLA, is seven short of the halfway mark of 112.

They contended that they, with a total strength of 115 MLAs, are in a better position to form the government. Though Vala invited the BJP to form the government, he has given 15 days to the saffron party to prove its majority in the state assembly.&nbsp;

Mayawati accused the BJP of misusing the government ever since they came to power at the Centre.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the party formed a government in Karnataka and termed the entire episode as a conspiracy to destroy the Constitution, according to news agency ANI. Addressing the media here, Mayawati accused the BJP of misusing the government ever since they came to power at the Centre. "It is a conspiracy to destroy the constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, since they (BJP) came to power they have been misusing government machinery, thereby attacking democracy," ANI reported quoting Mayawati. Earlier in the day, 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, wherein Congress and JD(S) pleaded for the same citing BJP`s inadequate strength in the assembly to stake claim at forming the state government. Late last night, Congress and JD(S) challenged Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala`s decision in the top court to invite BJP to form the government even when the saffron party, with 105 MLAs, including one Independent MLA, is seven short of the halfway mark of 112. They contended that they, with a total strength of 115 MLAs, are in a better position to form the government. Though Vala invited the BJP to form the government, he has given 15 days to the saffron party to prove its majority in the state assembly.

Mayawati accuses BJP of conspiring to destroy Constitution

Outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah turned "emotional" at a meeting of the party's new legislators on Wednesday while speaking on Congress' defeat in the assembly polls even as senior leaders blamed him for the result, news agency PTI reported quoting the party sources.&nbsp;

The 69-year-old leader received flak from several senior party MLAs, who held him responsible for the Congress' performance, citing his complete authority in the selection of candidates and the Lingayat issue, they said.

Meanwhile, Home Minister in the outgoing government Ramalinga Reddy said most of the MLAs were present at the meeting today except "three or four " who were on their way, but all were in touch".

Claiming that 117 MLAs were on their side, he said "despite this, if the Governor does not invite us, we will decide how to go further...We may also parade our strength."

Party sources aware of the developments said Siddaramaiah "kind of got emotional" as he spoke during the legislature party meeting of the Congress' loss despite his government's "good developmental works".

Siddaramaiah is also said to have cited "polarisation" as one of the factors that affected the party's prospects in the May 12 election.

The sources said 73 legislators, including one independent MLA, were present at the meet.

Six MLAs who were absent were in touch with party leaders over the phone, they said according to PTI.

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He thinks he is the boss of the party, the party has suffered because of his arrogant behaviour. He is not a true Congressman. Many people have this view of him but don't express it: K. B. Koliwad,Outgoing Karnataka Assembly Speaker and Congress leader on Siddaramaiah <a href="https://t.co/MLGVY7t7Lv">pic.twitter.com/MLGVY7t7Lv</a>
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A joint legislature party meeting of Congress and JD(S) MLAs is scheduled at a hotel here later today, following which Congress leaders are likely to be shifted to a resort on the outskirts of the city, the sources said, adding that JD(S)was expected to make a similar move.

In the May 12 polls, BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JD(S) 37 and others three.

Alleging that BJP was trying to poach Congress MLAs, Reddy said "they had done it in the past, they are trying to do it again, but they will not succeed... We are all together and will stay together."

"BJP has contacted five or six of our MLAs. They raised their hands when asked during the meeting today," he added.

Reddy also said the Congress legislature party leader was not elected at the meeting, which discussed the government formation exercise. "We have signed a letter extending our support to Kumaraswamy as chief minister," he said.&nbsp;

The 69-year-old leader received flak from several senior party MLAs, who held him responsible for the Congress' performance, citing his complete authority in the selection of candidates and the Lingayat issue

Outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah turned "emotional" at a meeting of the party's new legislators on Wednesday while speaking on Congress' defeat in the assembly polls even as senior leaders blamed him for the result, news agency PTI reported quoting the party sources. The 69-year-old leader received flak from several senior party MLAs, who held him responsible for the Congress' performance, citing his complete authority in the selection of candidates and the Lingayat issue, they said. Meanwhile, Home Minister in the outgoing government Ramalinga Reddy said most of the MLAs were present at the meeting today except "three or four " who were on their way, but all were in touch". Claiming that 117 MLAs were on their side, he said "despite this, if the Governor does not invite us, we will decide how to go further...We may also parade our strength." Party sources aware of the developments said Siddaramaiah "kind of got emotional" as he spoke during the legislature party meeting of the Congress' loss despite his government's "good developmental works". Siddaramaiah is also said to have cited "polarisation" as one of the factors that affected the party's prospects in the May 12 election. The sources said 73 legislators, including one independent MLA, were present at the meet. Six MLAs who were absent were in touch with party leaders over the phone, they said according to PTI. He thinks he is the boss of the party, the party has suffered because of his arrogant behaviour. He is not a true Congressman. Many people have this view of him but don't express it: K. B. Koliwad,Outgoing Karnataka Assembly Speaker and Congress leader on Siddaramaiah pic.twitter.com/MLGVY7t7Lv — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × A joint legislature party meeting of Congress and JD(S) MLAs is scheduled at a hotel here later today, following which Congress leaders are likely to be shifted to a resort on the outskirts of the city, the sources said, adding that JD(S)was expected to make a similar move. In the May 12 polls, BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JD(S) 37 and others three. Alleging that BJP was trying to poach Congress MLAs, Reddy said "they had done it in the past, they are trying to do it again, but they will not succeed... We are all together and will stay together." "BJP has contacted five or six of our MLAs. They raised their hands when asked during the meeting today," he added. Reddy also said the Congress legislature party leader was not elected at the meeting, which discussed the government formation exercise. "We have signed a letter extending our support to Kumaraswamy as chief minister," he said.

Siddaramaiah gets emotional at MLAs' meet, senior leaders blame him for defeat

The Congress is likely to move court if Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala does not invite the JD(S)-Congress combine to form a government going by tradition and in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions, news agency PTI reported quoting party sources.

The party is preparing the ground to move court in case of a negative response from the Raj Bhavan, party insiders said as reports came in of its MLAs in the southern state being taken to the governor in a show of strength.&nbsp;

"We have staked our claim for formation of a government as we have the numbers as also the total vote share of over 56 per cent," added a senior party leader.

"All options remain open to the Congress," the party's communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said when asked what the party would do if the governor invited the BJP to form government.

He said the governor is expected to listen to the mandate of the people.

Yesterday's results in Karnataka threw a fractured verdict with no party getting a simple majority.&nbsp;

The BJP emerged the single largest party with 104 seats but fell short of the half-way mark of 112.

The Congress-JD(S) combine together got 115 seats, moving quickly even as the counting of votes was underway yesterday and requested the governor to allow the formation of a JD(S)-led government.&nbsp;

The BJP also staked its claim with its chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa meeting the governor twice since yesterday evening when the results were declared.&nbsp;

The Congress, which has also met the governor twice, has cited past precedent set by the BJP in Goa, Manipur and Meghalaya to support its claim that post poll alliance partners can be called to form a government.

"The governor has no choice but to invite the JD(S)-Congress coalition which has a clear majority to form the government in the state," Surjewala said, citing constitutional and legal provisions.

Amid hectic jockeying over government formation in Karnataka, the JD(S)-Congress combine's chief ministerial candidate H D Kumaraswamy today claimed the BJP offered his MLAs Rs 100 crore in bribes to break away and back the BJP in government formation, a charge rejected by the saffron party.&nbsp;

The party is preparing the ground to move court in case of a negative response from the Raj Bhavan, party insiders said as reports came in of its MLAs in the southern state being taken to the governor in a show of strength.

The Congress is likely to move court if Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala does not invite the JD(S)-Congress combine to form a government going by tradition and in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions, news agency PTI reported quoting party sources. The party is preparing the ground to move court in case of a negative response from the Raj Bhavan, party insiders said as reports came in of its MLAs in the southern state being taken to the governor in a show of strength. "We have staked our claim for formation of a government as we have the numbers as also the total vote share of over 56 per cent," added a senior party leader. "All options remain open to the Congress," the party's communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said when asked what the party would do if the governor invited the BJP to form government. He said the governor is expected to listen to the mandate of the people. Yesterday's results in Karnataka threw a fractured verdict with no party getting a simple majority. The BJP emerged the single largest party with 104 seats but fell short of the half-way mark of 112. The Congress-JD(S) combine together got 115 seats, moving quickly even as the counting of votes was underway yesterday and requested the governor to allow the formation of a JD(S)-led government. The BJP also staked its claim with its chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa meeting the governor twice since yesterday evening when the results were declared. The Congress, which has also met the governor twice, has cited past precedent set by the BJP in Goa, Manipur and Meghalaya to support its claim that post poll alliance partners can be called to form a government. "The governor has no choice but to invite the JD(S)-Congress coalition which has a clear majority to form the government in the state," Surjewala said, citing constitutional and legal provisions. Amid hectic jockeying over government formation in Karnataka, the JD(S)-Congress combine's chief ministerial candidate H D Kumaraswamy today claimed the BJP offered his MLAs Rs 100 crore in bribes to break away and back the BJP in government formation, a charge rejected by the saffron party.

Congress may move court if not invited to form govt in Karnataka

The BSE Sensex logged a fall of 156 points to end at 35,387.88 on Wednesday amid uncertainty over government formation in Karnataka and no let-up in selling by foreign investors.

Moreover, there was a weak trend at other Asian markets, tracking overnight losses at the Wall Street amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Korean peninsula after North Korea called off talks with South Korea.

Brokers said investor sentiment was subdued following uncertainty over government formation in Karnataka, which has thrown up a hung verdict.

The 30-share Sensex opened lower at 35,452.35 points and moved between 35,241.63 and 35,543.89 before settling lower by 156.06 points, or 0.44 per cent, at 35,387.88.

On Tuesday, the gauge had soared more than 400 points intra-day after the BJP emerged as the single largest party in Karnataka. However, it gave up all gains to end modestly lower after the Congress unexpectedly stitched up a post-poll alliance with the JD(S) and staked claim to form the government.

The 50-share NSE Nifty too stayed in the red through the session and finally settled 60.75 points, or 0.56 per cent down at 10,741.10. Intra-day, it moved between 10,699.70 and 10,790.45.

On the macro front, trade deficit widened to $13.7 billion in April, which further affected momentum.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), who have been net sellers in the past few sessions, sold shares worth a net Rs 518.47 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 531.33 crore yesterday, according to provisional data.&nbsp

There was also a weak trend at other Asian markets, tracking overnight losses at the Wall Street amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Korean peninsula after North Korea called off talks with South Korea

The BSE Sensex logged a fall of 156 points to end at 35,387.88 on Wednesday amid uncertainty over government formation in Karnataka and no let-up in selling by foreign investors. Moreover, there was a weak trend at other Asian markets, tracking overnight losses at the Wall Street amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Korean peninsula after North Korea called off talks with South Korea. Brokers said investor sentiment was subdued following uncertainty over government formation in Karnataka, which has thrown up a hung verdict. The 30-share Sensex opened lower at 35,452.35 points and moved between 35,241.63 and 35,543.89 before settling lower by 156.06 points, or 0.44 per cent, at 35,387.88. On Tuesday, the gauge had soared more than 400 points intra-day after the BJP emerged as the single largest party in Karnataka. However, it gave up all gains to end modestly lower after the Congress unexpectedly stitched up a post-poll alliance with the JD(S) and staked claim to form the government. The 50-share NSE Nifty too stayed in the red through the session and finally settled 60.75 points, or 0.56 per cent down at 10,741.10. Intra-day, it moved between 10,699.70 and 10,790.45. On the macro front, trade deficit widened to $13.7 billion in April, which further affected momentum. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), who have been net sellers in the past few sessions, sold shares worth a net Rs 518.47 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 531.33 crore yesterday, according to provisional data.

Sensex sheds at 156 points on political uncertainty

As the political battle&nbsp;in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday resulting in a split verdict, Kerala Tourism won hearts by posting a witty tweet.&nbsp;

Kerala Tourism invited the MLAs to unwind at the beautiful resorts sprawled all across 'God's own country'. &nbsp;

"After the rough and tumble of the #KarnatakaVerdict, we invite all the MLAs to unwind at the safe & beautiful resorts of God's Own Country," the tweet read which has now been deleted.

The Karnataka Assembly election results threw up an unexpected suspense today, as a simple majority eluded the BJP and the Congress quickly proclaimed support to third-placed JD(S) to keep the saffron party out of power.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X4ZiHjjGx8I" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

All eyes are now on Governor Vajubhai Vala who will have to decide whether to call BJP, the single largest winner of seats, to try to form the government or go with the JD(S)-Congress combine, which together have a clear majority in the 224-member Assembly.

Elections were held for 222 seats on May 12.

The Karnataka Assembly election results threw up an unexpected suspense today

As the political battle in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday resulting in a split verdict, Kerala Tourism won hearts by posting a witty tweet. Kerala Tourism invited the MLAs to unwind at the beautiful resorts sprawled all across 'God's own country'. "After the rough and tumble of the #KarnatakaVerdict, we invite all the MLAs to unwind at the safe & beautiful resorts of God's Own Country," the tweet read which has now been deleted. The Karnataka Assembly election results threw up an unexpected suspense today, as a simple majority eluded the BJP and the Congress quickly proclaimed support to third-placed JD(S) to keep the saffron party out of power. All eyes are now on Governor Vajubhai Vala who will have to decide whether to call BJP, the single largest winner of seats, to try to form the government or go with the JD(S)-Congress combine, which together have a clear majority in the 224-member Assembly. Elections were held for 222 seats on May 12.

Amid political uncertainity in Karnataka, Kerala Tourism asks MLAs to unwind in 'God's own country'

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

<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>

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

<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>

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.

<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>

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.

<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>

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.

<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>

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. 
&nbsp

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.

News brief: Big stories of the day

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)

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

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

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

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

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

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a press conference a short while ago stating that Congress will support the JD(S) in forming the government. He also meet Governor Vajubhai Vala and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-results-siddaramaiah-to-meet-governor-to-submit-his-resignation-today-137027">served his resignation</a>.&nbsp;

"No party has a majority... Congress has decided to support the JD(S)," said Siddaramaiah.

"JD(S) will form the government with our help," he added.

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Siddaramaiah submits his resignation to the Governor of Karnataka <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaVerdict?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaVerdict</a> <a href="https://t.co/ay5biEnIM7">pic.twitter.com/ay5biEnIM7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996339402812022784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad also briefed media about a telephonic conversation with Former Prime Minister and JD(S) chief Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy. The minister noted that Congress has agreed to extend <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-offers-outside-support-to-jds-to-form-government-in-karnataka-reports-137018">outside support to JD(S)</a> and that the party can choose to nominate a Chief Ministerial candidate.&nbsp;

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We had a telephonic conversation with Deve Gowda ji & Kumaraswamy. They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/OemBerpX7r">pic.twitter.com/OemBerpX7r</a>
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&nbsp;"They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together," Azad noted.

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We accept the mandate of the people. We bow our heads to the verdict. We don’t have numbers to form govt. The Congress has offered to support JD(S) to form govt: G. Parameshwara, Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/C4Hn3rtYGl">pic.twitter.com/C4Hn3rtYGl</a>
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According to the Election Commission, at the moment BJP leads in 106 seats, the Congress in 75, the JD(S) in 38.&nbsp;

Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to polls this election. A total of 112 seats are needed to form a government. The Congress-JD(S) alliance will make up a total of 113 seats.&nbsp;

Karnataka last witnessed a hung assembly&nbsp;during the 2004 state election.

No party has a majority....Congress has decided to support the JD(S): Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a press conference a short while ago stating that Congress will support the JD(S) in forming the government. He also meet Governor Vajubhai Vala and served his resignation. "No party has a majority... Congress has decided to support the JD(S)," said Siddaramaiah. "JD(S) will form the government with our help," he added. Siddaramaiah submits his resignation to the Governor of Karnataka #KarnatakaVerdict pic.twitter.com/ay5biEnIM7 — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad also briefed media about a telephonic conversation with Former Prime Minister and JD(S) chief Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy. The minister noted that Congress has agreed to extend outside support to JD(S) and that the party can choose to nominate a Chief Ministerial candidate. We had a telephonic conversation with Deve Gowda ji & Kumaraswamy. They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/OemBerpX7r — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × "They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together," Azad noted. We accept the mandate of the people. We bow our heads to the verdict. We don’t have numbers to form govt. The Congress has offered to support JD(S) to form govt: G. Parameshwara, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/C4Hn3rtYGl — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × According to the Election Commission, at the moment BJP leads in 106 seats, the Congress in 75, the JD(S) in 38. Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to polls this election. A total of 112 seats are needed to form a government. The Congress-JD(S) alliance will make up a total of 113 seats. Karnataka last witnessed a hung assembly during the 2004 state election.

Siddaramaiah submits resignation, says JD(S) will form govt with Cong help

Six hours into counting and the results are self-evident. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-leads-in-most-constituencies-modi-campaigned-rahul-effect-fades-for-congress-136926">Prime Minister Modi's campaign form</a> in the last leg of elections has delivered Karnataka to the BJP, it was what saved the party in Gujarat - a political equivalent of slog-over pinch hitting that Dhoni, Kohli and some of the other best finishers in cricket would envy and want to emulate.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-karnataka-election-results-counting-underway-as-bjp-congress-wait-for-results-136866">Track Live Results of Karnataka Assembly Elections</a>

Like it or lump it, when you want a 'neta' to deliver and lead the party on the campaign trail, there is no one better than the indefatigable PM who has delivered state after state for the Bharatiya Janata Party.

A beaming Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad did the rounds of TV studios and said on air: "Democracy and accountability go hand-in-hand and the Congress president should look at his own party. The country has accepted Narendra Modi's leadership. It is not the BJP's job to strengthen the party, they have to see why the people didn't vote for them."

Modi had on the campaign trail quipped that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-election-results-what-didnt-work-for-congress-136929">the Congress</a> will be reduced to 'PPP' party - alluding to the fact that <a href="www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-dream-of-a-congress-free-nation-inching-towards-reality--136946">all the party has</a> are the states of Puducherry, Punjab and Parivaar (then Gandhi family). Perhaps the M from Mizoram did not fit the pun - but it is a fact that after its loss in Karnataka, the Congress has its governments in just the three states of Punjab, Puducherry and Mizoram - tracts of land on which just under three per cent of India's population dwell.

Wave after wave of pollsters said there was no 'Modi ki lehar' (Modi wave) visible in the state but everyone forgot Uttar Pradesh. No 'visible' BJP wave led to 300+ seats there. Of course you sometimes need the right political prism to see a wave and many on the other side of the divide, naysayers and even fence sitters of my ilk, can sometimes miss what stares them in plain sight.

Faced with the chief minister in Siddaramaiah who wasn't a pushover, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-bjp-celebrate-victory-in-karnataka-136956">the BJP</a> pinned its hopes largely on the central government's track record and Prime Minister Modi's charisma to get them out of a tough spot. On Saturday, exit polls were divided and sensible pollsters said it was too close to call. The BJP top-brass seemed quietly confident, the Congress claimed victory is what now seems like braggadocio. Dismissing the exit polls as 'entertainment', BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa had even announced that he would take oath on May 17.

What the Congress missed was also the fact that a popular chief minister may not combat anti-incumbency - the performance of the MLAs matters. And while these results may not have a direct fallout in the PM Modi's 2019 bid for a second-term in office, the prime minister is clearly a captain who leads from the front and comes up with the goods when the going gets tough - a trait that augurs well for the BJP as it will look to buck anti-incumbency and retain Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh later this year.

Wave after wave of pollsters said there was no 'Modi ki lehar' visible in the state but everyone forgot Uttar Pradesh.

Six hours into counting and the results are self-evident. Prime Minister Modi's campaign form in the last leg of elections has delivered Karnataka to the BJP, it was what saved the party in Gujarat - a political equivalent of slog-over pinch hitting that Dhoni, Kohli and some of the other best finishers in cricket would envy and want to emulate. Track Live Results of Karnataka Assembly Elections Like it or lump it, when you want a 'neta' to deliver and lead the party on the campaign trail, there is no one better than the indefatigable PM who has delivered state after state for the Bharatiya Janata Party. A beaming Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad did the rounds of TV studios and said on air: "Democracy and accountability go hand-in-hand and the Congress president should look at his own party. The country has accepted Narendra Modi's leadership. It is not the BJP's job to strengthen the party, they have to see why the people didn't vote for them." Modi had on the campaign trail quipped that the Congress will be reduced to 'PPP' party - alluding to the fact that all the party has are the states of Puducherry, Punjab and Parivaar (then Gandhi family). Perhaps the M from Mizoram did not fit the pun - but it is a fact that after its loss in Karnataka, the Congress has its governments in just the three states of Punjab, Puducherry and Mizoram - tracts of land on which just under three per cent of India's population dwell. Wave after wave of pollsters said there was no 'Modi ki lehar' (Modi wave) visible in the state but everyone forgot Uttar Pradesh. No 'visible' BJP wave led to 300+ seats there. Of course you sometimes need the right political prism to see a wave and many on the other side of the divide, naysayers and even fence sitters of my ilk, can sometimes miss what stares them in plain sight. Faced with the chief minister in Siddaramaiah who wasn't a pushover, the BJP pinned its hopes largely on the central government's track record and Prime Minister Modi's charisma to get them out of a tough spot. On Saturday, exit polls were divided and sensible pollsters said it was too close to call. The BJP top-brass seemed quietly confident, the Congress claimed victory is what now seems like braggadocio. Dismissing the exit polls as 'entertainment', BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa had even announced that he would take oath on May 17. What the Congress missed was also the fact that a popular chief minister may not combat anti-incumbency - the performance of the MLAs matters. And while these results may not have a direct fallout in the PM Modi's 2019 bid for a second-term in office, the prime minister is clearly a captain who leads from the front and comes up with the goods when the going gets tough - a trait that augurs well for the BJP as it will look to buck anti-incumbency and retain Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh later this year.

Karnataka election results show Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'magic' works

After battling months of dust, noise and the heat of the gruelling campaign in the run-up to the high-stakes Karnataka Assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah can now chill. Maybe he can relish a cup of coffee sitting in the comfort of his home. Or go for a morning stroll, or even catch up on sleep.

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So, Dear party workers, supporters & well wishers, don’t worry about exit polls. Relax & enjoy your weekend. 
 
We are coming back. 2/2
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/995484103611908098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In one of the bitterly fought elections in the recent times,&nbsp; Karnataka elections saw political mud-slinging that we have seldom witnessed in the past.

Both BJP and Congress unleashed all the ammunition available at their disposal from their arsenal on the political battleground called Karnataka in one of the hard-fought, bitter elections in the recent past. Both the parties left no stone unturned in their quest to inflict maximum injury on their opponents in order to come to power in the southern state.

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Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next 2 days 
 
Relying on poll of polls is like a person who can’t swim crossing a river on foot relying on a statistician who told him the average depth of the river is 4 feet 
 
Please note average of 6+4+2 is 4. At 6 feet you drown! 1/2
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/995484100957007872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The elections also saw both parties unleashing social media to portray the other as inept, unprincipled, and corrupt.

Congress, BJP, Janata Dal (Secular) cobbled together considerable resources to bolster their social media reach ahead of Karnataka elections.

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Prime Minister confuses loyalty (dogs are considered loyal to their masters) with patriotism because he doesn’t understand loyalty. 
 
What lessons in loyalty can we learn from a man who couldn’t be loyal to his staunchest supporter & mentor Shri LK Advani? 
 
Thanks Satish Acharya <a href="https://t.co/E6jZhtmZoz">pic.twitter.com/E6jZhtmZoz</a>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/994115096614846464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, the BJP may have had an edge over social media when it comes to electoral battle, but the Congress is not far behind. Realising the potential of the social media, though a tad late, Congress seems is out to exploit its potential to the hilt as we have seen it from the Karnataka and Gujarat Assembly elections.

In the run-up to the elections, both Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and the BJP's chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa have frequently exchanged barbs on Twitter, with both putting up posts in Kannada as well to expand their reach on social media.

When Narendra Modi taunted the Congress with PPP remark (After May 15 (when poll results will be declared), Indian National Congress will be reduced to ‘PPP Congress' - P for Punjab, P for Puducherry, and P for Parivar (family)), Siddaramaiah's Twitter handle lost little time to return the compliment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attack on the Congress.

The Congress leader took to Twitter and called BJP a "prison, price rise and pakoda" party.

"Dear Modiji, Heard you spun a new abbreviation 'PPP' today.

Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - 'Of the People, By the People, For the People'," Siddaramaiah said in a tweet shortly after Modi's attack.

"While your party is a 'Prison', 'Price Rise' & 'Pakoda' party. Am I right, Sir? #NijaHeliModi," he added.

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Dear Modi ಅವರೇ, 
 
Heard you spun a new abbreviation ‘PPP’ today. 
 
Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - ‘Of the People, By the People, For the People’. 
 
While your party is a ‘Prison’, ‘Price Rise’ & ‘Pakoda’ party. 
 
Am I right, Sir?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NijaHeliModi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NijaHeliModi</a>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/992733277063593990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Chief Minister has 1.6 lakh followers on Twitter, nearly half of what his rival and former chief minister Mr Yeddyurappa has. However, Congress has not only upped its game, it has doubled it.

The 72.36 per cent turnout in Saturday’s elections is new record for the State, surpassing the 71.90 per cent polling 40 years ago in 1978. The 2013 Assembly polls recorded a turnout of 71.45. However, the high turn out has not resulted in a clear majority to any one party as per exit polls.

While one exit poll projected a clear majority to Congress, a couple of them said that the BJP will cross the half-way mark. However, most of the exit polls have projected a hung assembly.

Siddaramaiah,&nbsp; who was a social media novice until mid-2016,&nbsp; emerged as the Congress’ best answer to the BJP’s social media prowess. Whether it's witty one-liners or scathing attack, the Congress CM from Karnataka matched the BJP stride for stride but can he outmuscle and outmanoeuvre BJP in the electoral battleground to get a comfortable majority to form the government?

We will have the answer tomorrow.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In the run-up to the elections, both Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and the BJP's chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa have frequently exchanged barbs on Twitter.

After battling months of dust, noise and the heat of the gruelling campaign in the run-up to the high-stakes Karnataka Assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah can now chill. Maybe he can relish a cup of coffee sitting in the comfort of his home. Or go for a morning stroll, or even catch up on sleep. So, Dear party workers, supporters & well wishers, don’t worry about exit polls. Relax & enjoy your weekend. We are coming back. 2/2 — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 13, 2018 × In one of the bitterly fought elections in the recent times, Karnataka elections saw political mud-slinging that we have seldom witnessed in the past. Both BJP and Congress unleashed all the ammunition available at their disposal from their arsenal on the political battleground called Karnataka in one of the hard-fought, bitter elections in the recent past. Both the parties left no stone unturned in their quest to inflict maximum injury on their opponents in order to come to power in the southern state. Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next 2 days Relying on poll of polls is like a person who can’t swim crossing a river on foot relying on a statistician who told him the average depth of the river is 4 feet Please note average of 6+4+2 is 4. At 6 feet you drown! 1/2 — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 13, 2018 × The elections also saw both parties unleashing social media to portray the other as inept, unprincipled, and corrupt. Congress, BJP, Janata Dal (Secular) cobbled together considerable resources to bolster their social media reach ahead of Karnataka elections. Prime Minister confuses loyalty (dogs are considered loyal to their masters) with patriotism because he doesn’t understand loyalty. What lessons in loyalty can we learn from a man who couldn’t be loyal to his staunchest supporter & mentor Shri LK Advani? Thanks Satish Acharya pic.twitter.com/E6jZhtmZoz — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 9, 2018 × However, the BJP may have had an edge over social media when it comes to electoral battle, but the Congress is not far behind. Realising the potential of the social media, though a tad late, Congress seems is out to exploit its potential to the hilt as we have seen it from the Karnataka and Gujarat Assembly elections. In the run-up to the elections, both Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and the BJP's chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa have frequently exchanged barbs on Twitter, with both putting up posts in Kannada as well to expand their reach on social media. When Narendra Modi taunted the Congress with PPP remark (After May 15 (when poll results will be declared), Indian National Congress will be reduced to ‘PPP Congress' - P for Punjab, P for Puducherry, and P for Parivar (family)), Siddaramaiah's Twitter handle lost little time to return the compliment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attack on the Congress. The Congress leader took to Twitter and called BJP a "prison, price rise and pakoda" party. "Dear Modiji, Heard you spun a new abbreviation 'PPP' today. Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - 'Of the People, By the People, For the People'," Siddaramaiah said in a tweet shortly after Modi's attack. "While your party is a 'Prison', 'Price Rise' & 'Pakoda' party. Am I right, Sir? #NijaHeliModi," he added. Dear Modi ಅವರೇ, Heard you spun a new abbreviation ‘PPP’ today. Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - ‘Of the People, By the People, For the People’. While your party is a ‘Prison’, ‘Price Rise’ & ‘Pakoda’ party. Am I right, Sir?#NijaHeliModi — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 5, 2018 × The Chief Minister has 1.6 lakh followers on Twitter, nearly half of what his rival and former chief minister Mr Yeddyurappa has. However, Congress has not only upped its game, it has doubled it. The 72.36 per cent turnout in Saturday’s elections is new record for the State, surpassing the 71.90 per cent polling 40 years ago in 1978. The 2013 Assembly polls recorded a turnout of 71.45. However, the high turn out has not resulted in a clear majority to any one party as per exit polls. While one exit poll projected a clear majority to Congress, a couple of them said that the BJP will cross the half-way mark. However, most of the exit polls have projected a hung assembly. Siddaramaiah, who was a social media novice until mid-2016, emerged as the Congress’ best answer to the BJP’s social media prowess. Whether it's witty one-liners or scathing attack, the Congress CM from Karnataka matched the BJP stride for stride but can he outmuscle and outmanoeuvre BJP in the electoral battleground to get a comfortable majority to form the government? We will have the answer tomorrow. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Siddaramaiah has won the Twitter battle but can he defy exit polls?

The 72.13 per cent voter turnout in the Karnataka Assembly elections is the highest since the 1952 state polls, chief electoral officer Sanjeev Kumar said today.

"The voter turnout in the polls broke all records last night. By midnight, the figures showed that it was 72.13 per cent," he told PTI in Bengaluru, adding that the turnput was the highest-ever in Karnataka since the 1952 assembly elections.

Women and young voters exercised their franchise in large numbers yesterday, the top election official told PTI.&nbsp

Sanjeev Kumar said that the 71.45 per cent turnout in the 2013 Assembly polls was the highest in the last six Assembly elections. It was 65 per cent in 2008 and 2004, 69 per cent in the 1989 and 1994 and 69 per cent in the 1990 elections, he said.

Asked about the seizures in the run-up to the polls, the chief electoral officer said Rs 94 crore in cash, besides liquor worth Rs 24.78 crore and other items such as clothes, vehicles and electronic gadgets worth Rs 66 crore had been collected.

The official said that re-election would take place in a polling station at Lottegollahalli in the Hebbal constituency in Bengaluru since an electronic voting machine had developed a glitch.

The election for the Jayanagara seat in Bengaluru was countermanded following the death of BJP candidate and sitting MLA BN Vijaykumar on May 4.

The Election Commission has deferred the polls for the Rajarajeswari Nagar seat to May 28 after a massive row erupted over a large number of voter ID cards being found in a Bengaluru apartment. 
&nbsp 
Polling was held in a single phase in 222 out of the 224 constituencies in the Assembly, including 36 reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SC) and 15 for the Scheduled Tribes (ST).&nbsp

Karnataka has an electorate of over 4.97 crore, including 2.52 crore men and 2.45 crore women.

There were 15.42 lakh new voters, all in the age group of 18-19.

The counting of votes will take place on May 15.&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp

Women and young voters exercised their franchise in large numbers yesterday, bringing the turnout to 72.13%

The 72.13 per cent voter turnout in the Karnataka Assembly elections is the highest since the 1952 state polls, chief electoral officer Sanjeev Kumar said today. "The voter turnout in the polls broke all records last night. By midnight, the figures showed that it was 72.13 per cent," he told PTI in Bengaluru, adding that the turnput was the highest-ever in Karnataka since the 1952 assembly elections. Women and young voters exercised their franchise in large numbers yesterday, the top election official told PTI. Sanjeev Kumar said that the 71.45 per cent turnout in the 2013 Assembly polls was the highest in the last six Assembly elections. It was 65 per cent in 2008 and 2004, 69 per cent in the 1989 and 1994 and 69 per cent in the 1990 elections, he said. Asked about the seizures in the run-up to the polls, the chief electoral officer said Rs 94 crore in cash, besides liquor worth Rs 24.78 crore and other items such as clothes, vehicles and electronic gadgets worth Rs 66 crore had been collected. The official said that re-election would take place in a polling station at Lottegollahalli in the Hebbal constituency in Bengaluru since an electronic voting machine had developed a glitch. The election for the Jayanagara seat in Bengaluru was countermanded following the death of BJP candidate and sitting MLA BN Vijaykumar on May 4. The Election Commission has deferred the polls for the Rajarajeswari Nagar seat to May 28 after a massive row erupted over a large number of voter ID cards being found in a Bengaluru apartment. Polling was held in a single phase in 222 out of the 224 constituencies in the Assembly, including 36 reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SC) and 15 for the Scheduled Tribes (ST). Karnataka has an electorate of over 4.97 crore, including 2.52 crore men and 2.45 crore women. There were 15.42 lakh new voters, all in the age group of 18-19. The counting of votes will take place on May 15. (With inputs from PTI)

Voter turnout in Karnataka highest since 1952 Assembly polls: Chief electoral officer

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