Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the JD(S) along with Congress had succeeded in tying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ashwamedha' horse (victory horse) in Karnataka, fulfilling his aim.

"I had said after the Uttar Pradesh election results came out that my aim is to tie the Ashwamwedha horse of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah (BJP President). Today both Congress and JD(S) together have tied their Ashwamedha horse in Karnataka," Kumaraswamy said.

Calling himself a "child of circumstances," Kumaraswamy said he decided to join hands with the Congress on the advice of several political leaders in the "national interest."

Speaking to reporters after being sworn-in as chief minister, he said "Probably, in the days to come, Amit Shah has to go to Narendra Modi with lifeless Ashwamedha horse, as we have tied their horse."

He said many people were having doubts about whether the coalition government would last and assured them that he would provide a stable government.

"There is doubt whether this government will last long. With my conduct and that of my government, I will ensure that this opinion will change.

I want to make it clear to the people of the state," he said.

Conceding that people had these doubts because the JDS broke away from the Congress in 2006 to form a government with BJP, Kumaraswamy said "...The nature of our (JDS, Congress) relationship thereafter has led to a doubt about our confidence in each other, and can we work together."

"I want to tell people of the state that this government will be a stable one. This coalition government will be more stable than one party government.

We will not give chance for any differences and we will work to solve the problems of the state," he added.

JD(S) that had fought bitterly against the Congress, especially in old Mysuru region, had to join hands to keep BJP out of power in Karnataka, where the May 12 assembly polls threw up a hung assembly.

Pointing out that he had said before the election that if no party gets the majority, he would sit in the opposition and would not reach understanding with any party, Kumaraswamy called himself a "child of circumstances."

"I'm a child of circumstances it was unavoidable for me to keep aside my personal wishes and decisions," he said.

The Chief Minister said, several national leaders after the assembly election results advised him to form the government withCongress, keeping the national interest in mind.

Citing the presence of several political leaders at the swearing-in ceremony, Kumaraswamy said "they all coming together makes me feel, it is a new development.

With their coming together for the ceremony, you may understand why I called myself a child of circumstances," he added.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, N Chandrababu Naidu, and Pinarayi Vijayan, her counterparts in Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala respectively, were present.

Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly, BSP chief Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, who has struck an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, and socialist leader Sharad Yadav were also in attendance.

The show of strength by a galaxy of national leaders and regional satraps is being seen as a strong signal to the BJP about the possibility of formation of a broad-based front to take on the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls next year.

Admitting that there were challenges ahead of him, Kumaraswamy said "it will not be easy for me to run this government easily. I will have to take every step with caution, that is the situation."

He said many leaders feel that under his leadership the new government would prove to be a "model government."

"I will try to keep up their trust and that of people in me and I will go ahead," Kumaraswamy said.

Calling himself a 'child of circumstances,' Kumaraswamy said he decided to join hands with the Congress on the advice of several political leaders in the 'national interest'

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the JD(S) along with Congress had succeeded in tying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ashwamedha' horse (victory horse) in Karnataka, fulfilling his aim. "I had said after the Uttar Pradesh election results came out that my aim is to tie the Ashwamwedha horse of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah (BJP President). Today both Congress and JD(S) together have tied their Ashwamedha horse in Karnataka," Kumaraswamy said. Calling himself a "child of circumstances," Kumaraswamy said he decided to join hands with the Congress on the advice of several political leaders in the "national interest." Speaking to reporters after being sworn-in as chief minister, he said "Probably, in the days to come, Amit Shah has to go to Narendra Modi with lifeless Ashwamedha horse, as we have tied their horse." He said many people were having doubts about whether the coalition government would last and assured them that he would provide a stable government. "There is doubt whether this government will last long. With my conduct and that of my government, I will ensure that this opinion will change. I want to make it clear to the people of the state," he said. Conceding that people had these doubts because the JDS broke away from the Congress in 2006 to form a government with BJP, Kumaraswamy said "...The nature of our (JDS, Congress) relationship thereafter has led to a doubt about our confidence in each other, and can we work together." "I want to tell people of the state that this government will be a stable one. This coalition government will be more stable than one party government. We will not give chance for any differences and we will work to solve the problems of the state," he added. JD(S) that had fought bitterly against the Congress, especially in old Mysuru region, had to join hands to keep BJP out of power in Karnataka, where the May 12 assembly polls threw up a hung assembly. Pointing out that he had said before the election that if no party gets the majority, he would sit in the opposition and would not reach understanding with any party, Kumaraswamy called himself a "child of circumstances." "I'm a child of circumstances it was unavoidable for me to keep aside my personal wishes and decisions," he said. The Chief Minister said, several national leaders after the assembly election results advised him to form the government withCongress, keeping the national interest in mind. Citing the presence of several political leaders at the swearing-in ceremony, Kumaraswamy said "they all coming together makes me feel, it is a new development. With their coming together for the ceremony, you may understand why I called myself a child of circumstances," he added. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, N Chandrababu Naidu, and Pinarayi Vijayan, her counterparts in Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala respectively, were present. Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly, BSP chief Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, who has struck an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, and socialist leader Sharad Yadav were also in attendance. The show of strength by a galaxy of national leaders and regional satraps is being seen as a strong signal to the BJP about the possibility of formation of a broad-based front to take on the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls next year. Admitting that there were challenges ahead of him, Kumaraswamy said "it will not be easy for me to run this government easily. I will have to take every step with caution, that is the situation." He said many leaders feel that under his leadership the new government would prove to be a "model government." "I will try to keep up their trust and that of people in me and I will go ahead," Kumaraswamy said.

We have tied 'Ashwamedha' horse of Modi: Kumaraswamy

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kumaraswamy-to-take-oath-as-karnataka-chief-minister-today-139001">HD Kumaraswamy to be sworn in as Karnataka Chief Minister today, floor test tomorrow</a>

Alongside Kumaraswamy, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G. Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. &nbsp;

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As many as 11 people have been reported dead in clashes between locals and the police in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. Chaos broke out as locals continued to protest Sterlite’s industrial plant for the 100th consecutive day on Tuesday.

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Campaign group Amnesty International said on Tuesday it had gathered evidence that insurgents from a Rohingya Muslim armed group killed scores of Hindu civilians in August last year, amid a surge in violence in western Myanmar.

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Venezuela ordered the expulsion of the top two US diplomats in the country Tuesday, charging it was the victim of a "political and financial lynching" after Washington tightened sanctions over Nicolas Maduro's re-election.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-face-off-eu-gets-little-news-from-zuckerberg-about-social-networks-data-policies--139003">Facebook face-off: EU gets little news from Zuckerberg about social network's data policies</a>

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies as lengthy questions left the 34-year-old American little time to answer.

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

News brief: Big stories of the day

BSP Supremo Mayawati and SP President Akhilesh Yadav – shared the stage for the first time in Karnataka at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

<img alt="maya-akhil.PNG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="577" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/maya-akhil.PNG" width="805" />

The two parties had forged an understanding during the bypolls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur in March and fought the Rajya Sabha polls together.

They have also confirmed that the alliance would continue till 2019 polls.

<img alt="Maya-akhilesh.PNG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="571" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Maya-akhilesh.PNG" width="815" />

SP and BSP are considered as arch-rivals in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and Mayawati shares a very bitter past with Akhilesh’s father, Mulayam Singh Yadav.

<img alt="Mayawati-Akhilesh-yadav.PNG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="431" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Mayawati-Akhilesh-yadav.PNG" width="770" />

After their win against the BJP in in Gorakhpur and Phulpur, the opposition in UP is also fighting the May 28 byelection in Kairana together. The SP and the BSP are backing the Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate in that Lok Sabha constituency.

Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony is being projected as a show of strength by non-BJP parties.&nbsp;

<img alt="oath-taking-ceremony.PNG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/oath-taking-ceremony.PNG" width="770" />

(Picture courtesy: ANI)

SP and BSP are considered as arch-rivals in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and Mayawati shares a very bitter past with Akhilesh’s father, Mulayam Singh Yadav.

BSP Supremo Mayawati and SP President Akhilesh Yadav – shared the stage for the first time in Karnataka at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday in Bengaluru. The two parties had forged an understanding during the bypolls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur in March and fought the Rajya Sabha polls together. They have also confirmed that the alliance would continue till 2019 polls. SP and BSP are considered as arch-rivals in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and Mayawati shares a very bitter past with Akhilesh’s father, Mulayam Singh Yadav. After their win against the BJP in in Gorakhpur and Phulpur, the opposition in UP is also fighting the May 28 byelection in Kairana together. The SP and the BSP are backing the Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate in that Lok Sabha constituency. Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony is being projected as a show of strength by non-BJP parties. (Picture courtesy: ANI)

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

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-toughens-stance-on-iran-lists-sweeping-demands-138742">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-toughens-stance-on-iran-lists-sweeping-demands-138742"> demands Iran make sweeping changes or face severe economic sanctions</a>

The United States on Monday demanded Iran make sweeping changes -- from dropping its nuclear program to pulling out of the Syrian civil war -- or face severe economic sanctions as the Trump administration hardened its approach to Tehran.

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The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy — who will be sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday — met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday in Delhi.

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The death toll in one of Cuba's worst air disasters rose to 111 on Monday while Mexico suspended the operations of the Mexican company that had leased the 39-year old Boeing 737 to Cuba's flagship airline.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/barack-and-michelle-obama-sign-agreement-with-netflix-to-produce-content--138757">Barack and Michelle Obama to produce movies, series with Netflix</a>

Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama have signed a multi-year agreement with video streaming giant Netflix Inc to produce films and series.

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US Navy veteran Adam Purinton who killed an Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla last year pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to hate crime and firearm charges.

&nbsp;

US demands Iran make sweeping changes or face severe economic sanctions The United States on Monday demanded Iran make sweeping changes -- from dropping its nuclear program to pulling out of the Syrian civil war -- or face severe economic sanctions as the Trump administration hardened its approach to Tehran. Karnataka: Final Congress-JD(S) deal to be hammered out today The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy — who will be sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday — met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday in Delhi. Cuba plane crash: Death toll rises to 111, Mexico suspends lease company The death toll in one of Cuba's worst air disasters rose to 111 on Monday while Mexico suspended the operations of the Mexican company that had leased the 39-year old Boeing 737 to Cuba's flagship airline. Barack and Michelle Obama to produce movies, series with Netflix Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama have signed a multi-year agreement with video streaming giant Netflix Inc to produce films and series. US gunman accused of murdering Indian techie Srinivas pleads guilty to federal charges US Navy veteran Adam Purinton who killed an Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla last year pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to hate crime and firearm charges.

Congress leader and president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, G Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka on May 23.

Karnataka chief minister-designate H D Kumaraswamy said, “Congress's G Parameshwara to be Karnataka deputy chief minister, will be sworn in tomorrow.”

Janata Dal-Secular state chief H D Kumaraswamy will swear-in as the chief minister of Karnataka tomorrow at 4:30 pm.

Parameshwara won election from Koratagere constituency in Tumakuru district by defeating JD(S) candidate Sudhakar Lal making it his fifth victory in state elections.

According to Karnataka Congress' official website, former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had seen potential in Parameshwara when he had visited Tumkur. Parameshwara was first appointed as KPCC joint secretary.

Parameshwara has been the KPCC president for eight years now. He was appointed as KPCC president on October 27, 2010.

He has been elected to the Karnataka Assembly four times. He has represented Madhugiri in 1989, 1999 and 2004, and Koratagere in 2008.

Swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka CM designate H D Kumaraswamy and his deputy G Parameshwara will be held on May 23.

Congress leader and president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, G Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka on May 23. Karnataka chief minister-designate H D Kumaraswamy said, “Congress's G Parameshwara to be Karnataka deputy chief minister, will be sworn in tomorrow.” Janata Dal-Secular state chief H D Kumaraswamy will swear-in as the chief minister of Karnataka tomorrow at 4:30 pm. Parameshwara won election from Koratagere constituency in Tumakuru district by defeating JD(S) candidate Sudhakar Lal making it his fifth victory in state elections. According to Karnataka Congress' official website, former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had seen potential in Parameshwara when he had visited Tumkur. Parameshwara was first appointed as KPCC joint secretary. Parameshwara has been the KPCC president for eight years now. He was appointed as KPCC president on October 27, 2010. He has been elected to the Karnataka Assembly four times. He has represented Madhugiri in 1989, 1999 and 2004, and Koratagere in 2008.

Congress's G Parameshwara to be sworn in as Karnataka deputy CM

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

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

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

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

Days after voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines were found from a house in Vijaypur district of Karnataka, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state chief BS Yeddyurappa has written a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) alleging "grave irregularities" in the recently concluded Karnataka assembly elections.

In the letter, Yeddyurappa wrote, "I am of a firm belief that Election Commission has taken a serious note of VVPAT machines found abandoned in a shed near Managuli village in Vijayapur district. It indicates grave irregularities in the conduct of assembly polls in Karnataka."

Yeddyurappa also stated that prior to the Karnataka polls, the BJP had raised the same concern about the reoccurring issue but the officials paid no heed.

"This is not the first time that irregularities in the conduct of elections were brought to the notice of Election Commission and officials holding elections at ground level. Prior to polling, we brought many such irregularities to notice of concerned officials, but in vain," added Yeddyurappa.

On Friday, eight VVPAT's without batteries were seized from a labourer's house in Vijaypura, a week after elections were conducted in the state.

Yeddyurappa, who was sworn in as Chief Minister on April 17, stepped down two days later before the floor test as he did not have the numbers.

'I am of a firm belief that Election Commission has taken a serious note of VVPAT machines found abandoned... It indicates grave irregularities in the conduct of assembly polls in Karnataka,' Yeddyurappa wrote in his letter

Days after voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines were found from a house in Vijaypur district of Karnataka, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state chief BS Yeddyurappa has written a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) alleging "grave irregularities" in the recently concluded Karnataka assembly elections. In the letter, Yeddyurappa wrote, "I am of a firm belief that Election Commission has taken a serious note of VVPAT machines found abandoned in a shed near Managuli village in Vijayapur district. It indicates grave irregularities in the conduct of assembly polls in Karnataka." Yeddyurappa also stated that prior to the Karnataka polls, the BJP had raised the same concern about the reoccurring issue but the officials paid no heed. "This is not the first time that irregularities in the conduct of elections were brought to the notice of Election Commission and officials holding elections at ground level. Prior to polling, we brought many such irregularities to notice of concerned officials, but in vain," added Yeddyurappa. On Friday, eight VVPAT's without batteries were seized from a labourer's house in Vijaypura, a week after elections were conducted in the state. Yeddyurappa, who was sworn in as Chief Minister on April 17, stepped down two days later before the floor test as he did not have the numbers.

Yeddyurappa alleges 'grave irregularities' in Karnataka polls, writes to CEC

Markets saw a positive start today as the benchmark Sensex bounced by about 126 points, reversing its four-session losing streak, on the back of a firming trend at other Asian markets.

The 30-share barometer recovered 125.65 points, or 0.36 per cent, at 34,973.95. It had lost 708.41 points in the previous four sessions largely on political uncertainty in Karnataka.

PSU, banking, metal, IT capital goods and teck indices rose by up to 0.43 per cent.

The NSE Nifty moved up by 25.30 points, or 0.23 per cent, to 10,621.70.

Support came from TCS, SBI, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, ONGC, L&T, Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, Adani Ports, Yes Bank, Power Grid, NTPC and HDFC Bank, which climbed by up to 2.05 per cent.

Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) net sold shares worth Rs 166.15 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought equities to the tune of Rs 149.58 crore on Friday, as per provisional data.

On the domestic front, the political slugfest in Karnataka culminated with the BJP's B S Yeddyurappa quitting minutes before he was to face a floor test to prove his contested majority in the hung assembly. The JD(S)-Congress combine, led by the regional party's chief H D Kumaraswamy, is set to form the government in the state.&nbsp

Asian markets were higher in early trade. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 1.21 per cent while Japan's Nikkei rose 0.49 per cent. Shanghai Composite too was up 0.64 per cent.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended flat on Friday.&nbsp

The 30-share barometer recovered 125.65 points, or 0.36 per cent, at 34,973.95. It had lost 708.41 points in the previous four sessions largely on political uncertainty in Karnataka

Markets saw a positive start today as the benchmark Sensex bounced by about 126 points, reversing its four-session losing streak, on the back of a firming trend at other Asian markets. The 30-share barometer recovered 125.65 points, or 0.36 per cent, at 34,973.95. It had lost 708.41 points in the previous four sessions largely on political uncertainty in Karnataka. PSU, banking, metal, IT capital goods and teck indices rose by up to 0.43 per cent. The NSE Nifty moved up by 25.30 points, or 0.23 per cent, to 10,621.70. Support came from TCS, SBI, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, ONGC, L&T, Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, Adani Ports, Yes Bank, Power Grid, NTPC and HDFC Bank, which climbed by up to 2.05 per cent. Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) net sold shares worth Rs 166.15 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought equities to the tune of Rs 149.58 crore on Friday, as per provisional data. On the domestic front, the political slugfest in Karnataka culminated with the BJP's B S Yeddyurappa quitting minutes before he was to face a floor test to prove his contested majority in the hung assembly. The JD(S)-Congress combine, led by the regional party's chief H D Kumaraswamy, is set to form the government in the state. Asian markets were higher in early trade. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 1.21 per cent while Japan's Nikkei rose 0.49 per cent. Shanghai Composite too was up 0.64 per cent. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended flat on Friday.

Sensex up 126 points on Asian cues

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kumaraswamy-to-meet-sonia-rahul-today-in-delhi-congress-may-get-20-seats-in-karnatakas-33-member-cabinet-138488">Kumaraswamy to meet Sonia, Rahul today in Delhi Cong may get 20 seats in Karnataka cabinet, JD(S) 13</a>

HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-demands-probe-of-alleged-spying-on-his-campaign-138487">Trump says his presidential campaign was spied on, demands probe</a>

US President Donald Trump demanded Sunday that the Justice Department investigate whether his presidential campaign was "infiltrated" or spied on for political purposes, prompting it to announce it would look into those issues.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481">North Korea installing viewing stands for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481">audience</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481"> to watch </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481">dismantling</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481"> of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481">nuclear</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481"> test site</a>

North Korea has now decided to set up stands for viewers to watch the dismantling of its nuclear test site through satellite imagery between Wednesday (May 23) and Friday (May 25).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-teen-domestic-help-asks-for-salary-is-chopped-into-pieces-138502">Delhi: Teen domestic help asks for salary, is chopped into pieces</a>

A 16-year-old girl was killed and her body was chopped into three pieces by the person who had brought her from Jharkhand to get her employed as a domestic help in Delhi, after she demanded her salary, police said on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-brazilian-woman-swallows-106-cocaine-pills-in-smuggling-bid--138484">Delhi: Brazil woman who swallowed 106 cocaine pills caught at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-brazilian-woman-swallows-106-cocaine-pills-in-smuggling-bid--138484">airport</a>

A 25-year-old Brazilian woman was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau from Indira Gandhi International Airport after she was caught smuggling cocaine that she had swallowed

Kumaraswamy to meet Sonia, Rahul today in Delhi Cong may get 20 seats in Karnataka cabinet, JD(S) 13 HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Trump says his presidential campaign was spied on, demands probe US President Donald Trump demanded Sunday that the Justice Department investigate whether his presidential campaign was "infiltrated" or spied on for political purposes, prompting it to announce it would look into those issues. North Korea installing viewing stands for audience to watch dismantling of nuclear test site North Korea has now decided to set up stands for viewers to watch the dismantling of its nuclear test site through satellite imagery between Wednesday (May 23) and Friday (May 25). Delhi: Teen domestic help asks for salary, is chopped into pieces A 16-year-old girl was killed and her body was chopped into three pieces by the person who had brought her from Jharkhand to get her employed as a domestic help in Delhi, after she demanded her salary, police said on Sunday. Delhi: Brazil woman who swallowed 106 cocaine pills caught at airport A 25-year-old Brazilian woman was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau from Indira Gandhi International Airport after she was caught smuggling cocaine that she had swallowed

BJP president Amit Shah today said the Karnataka Assembly poll verdict was against the Congress and described the alliance between the JD(S) and Congress as “unholy.”&nbsp

Addressing media at BJP HQ, Shah also explained why the BJP staked the claim to form the government in the state.&nbsp

He said the mandate was pro-BJP and since the party had emerged as the single largest party, it had the first right to form a government.&nbsp

Shah further accused the Congress of playing caste and communal card in the elections. He also claimed that people are not happy with JD(S) and Congress alliance.&nbsp

Shah asked the two parties to explain to people the reason for which they are celebrating.&nbsp

Shah asserted the Congress lawyer lied in the Supreme Court that BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa had sought seven days time from the Governor to prove majority on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly.

Shah said the mandate given by people of Karnataka was against Congress. “There was no confusion about it,” he said.&nbsp

“Karnataka mandate was in favour of the BJP,” Shah said as he described the alliance between the Congress and JD(S) against the people’s mandate. “This is what I call an unholy alliance.”

"JD(S) formed an alliance with Congress against the people's mandate. This is an 'unholy alliance," charged Amit Shah

BJP president Amit Shah today said the Karnataka Assembly poll verdict was against the Congress and described the alliance between the JD(S) and Congress as “unholy.” Addressing media at BJP HQ, Shah also explained why the BJP staked the claim to form the government in the state. He said the mandate was pro-BJP and since the party had emerged as the single largest party, it had the first right to form a government. Shah further accused the Congress of playing caste and communal card in the elections. He also claimed that people are not happy with JD(S) and Congress alliance. Shah asked the two parties to explain to people the reason for which they are celebrating. Shah asserted the Congress lawyer lied in the Supreme Court that BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa had sought seven days time from the Governor to prove majority on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly. Shah said the mandate given by people of Karnataka was against Congress. “There was no confusion about it,” he said. “Karnataka mandate was in favour of the BJP,” Shah said as he described the alliance between the Congress and JD(S) against the people’s mandate. “This is what I call an unholy alliance.”

Karnataka mandate against Congress-JD(S) alliance: Amit Shah

Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar has quashed the claims that surfaced after the release&nbsp;of an audio clip showing BJP leader bribing a Congress MLA for votes.&nbsp;

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In a Facebook post on May 19, the MLA denied receiving any bribery call from the BJP. He also confirmed that the voice in the video was not of his&nbsp;wife.

Calling the video clip a fake, he condemned the act and said that the clip was&nbsp;forged for "political reasons".&nbsp;

His post on Facebook read,&nbsp;"It was late in the House that the tape was released by the BJP today that I had conducted with my wife in the news channels. 
It's not the voice of my wife and my wife has never called her phone. It is my disdain for anyone to duplicate false tapes for political reasons. 
This audio tape fake ... I condemn this. 
People in my constituency have allowed me to serve again. Thanks for them. 
My public work will continue".

The video was released by the Congress on the day of the floor test in Karnataka.

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Meanwhile, another Congress MLA BC Patil has said that he was offered Minister post by top BJP leaders such as Yeddyurappa, Sriramulu and Murlidhar Rao.

He said, " They (BJP) offered me Minister&nbsp;post and all, its a fact. I don't know about Hebber&nbsp;(Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar), I can talk about myself."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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They (BJP) offered me Minister post & all, it's a fact. I don't know about Hebbar (Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar who reportedly claimed that Congress lied about bribe tape), I can talk about myself. Yeddyurappa, Sriramulu & Muralidhar Rao spoke to me: BC Patil, Cong MLA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/pJoFIr0d3X">pic.twitter.com/pJoFIr0d3X</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998463928291086336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar said it was not his wife's voice on the purported audio clip of the BJP offering her a bribe. BC Patil however said the BJP had tried to bribe him

Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar has quashed the claims that surfaced after the release of an audio clip showing BJP leader bribing a Congress MLA for votes. × In a Facebook post on May 19, the MLA denied receiving any bribery call from the BJP. He also confirmed that the voice in the video was not of his wife. Calling the video clip a fake, he condemned the act and said that the clip was forged for "political reasons". His post on Facebook read, "It was late in the House that the tape was released by the BJP today that I had conducted with my wife in the news channels. It's not the voice of my wife and my wife has never called her phone. It is my disdain for anyone to duplicate false tapes for political reasons. This audio tape fake ... I condemn this. People in my constituency have allowed me to serve again. Thanks for them. My public work will continue". The video was released by the Congress on the day of the floor test in Karnataka. × Meanwhile, another Congress MLA BC Patil has said that he was offered Minister post by top BJP leaders such as Yeddyurappa, Sriramulu and Murlidhar Rao. He said, " They (BJP) offered me Minister post and all, its a fact. I don't know about Hebber (Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar), I can talk about myself." They (BJP) offered me Minister post & all, it's a fact. I don't know about Hebbar (Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar who reportedly claimed that Congress lied about bribe tape), I can talk about myself. Yeddyurappa, Sriramulu & Muralidhar Rao spoke to me: BC Patil, Cong MLA #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/pJoFIr0d3X — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018 ×

Karnataka Cong MLA says BJP bribe offer 'fake', another says it happened

Senior Congress leader form Karnataka DK Shivakumar said that the Congress party and Janata Dal (Secular) had to sort out their differences to pave way for a secular government in the state.

Admitting that the two parties were in conflict before the assembly elections in Karnataka, he said that they came together "in the interest of the nation and party".

He said,"In politics, I have been fighting against the Gowdas since 1985. In the last parliamentary election and assembly election against them, I won against his son, I won against his daughter-in-law. A lot of politics have been played. Lots of cases were also registered. But in the interests of the nation and party, we need a secular government in Karnataka".

He further said he had to "swallow all the bitterness" to implement Rahul Gandhi's decision of establishing a secular government in the state. &nbsp;

He said, "Rahul Gandhi has taken a decision that there should be a secular government in Karnataka. That is what the entire country needs and that is why we have taken this stand (alliance with JD-S). I had to swallow all this bitterness since this is my duty".

Answering a question on if he was happy on forming an alliance with the JD(S), Shivakumar said, "Sometimes, individuality doesn't count here. Individuality is not important. Whatever collective or major decisions are taken, one man may like or the other man may not like. I also gave consent for the formation of this government."

He also hinted on having a grand alliance against the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

He said, "this was the beginning of the formation of a grand alliance and this was to be achieved by the secular parties coming together".

Talking about the structure of the cabinet he said it will be discussed in the All India Congress Committee.

Asked whether the Congress-JD(S) government would complete five years, he further said, "Time will answer. I don't want to answer it right now. We have various issues, options before us, I can't tell right now."

While JD(S)'s also Kumaraswamy denied on the reports that stated that two parties were undergoing conflict. Calling the reports as "bogus and fake news" he said the claims were not true.

Another Congress leader Ramalina Reddy also said that the reports that surfaced stating a rift between the two parties were not true.

He said, "We are 100% happy, give and take policy is there, even in Bengaluru's Municipal Corporation alliance is functioning smoothly for 3 years. Ofcourse some people in both parties will have to sacrifice, as all cant become ministers".

(With inputs from ANI)

Admitting that the Congress-JD(S) were in conflict before the assembly elections in Karnataka, he said that the two came together 'in the interest of the nation and party'

Senior Congress leader form Karnataka DK Shivakumar said that the Congress party and Janata Dal (Secular) had to sort out their differences to pave way for a secular government in the state. Admitting that the two parties were in conflict before the assembly elections in Karnataka, he said that they came together "in the interest of the nation and party". He said,"In politics, I have been fighting against the Gowdas since 1985. In the last parliamentary election and assembly election against them, I won against his son, I won against his daughter-in-law. A lot of politics have been played. Lots of cases were also registered. But in the interests of the nation and party, we need a secular government in Karnataka". He further said he had to "swallow all the bitterness" to implement Rahul Gandhi's decision of establishing a secular government in the state. He said, "Rahul Gandhi has taken a decision that there should be a secular government in Karnataka. That is what the entire country needs and that is why we have taken this stand (alliance with JD-S). I had to swallow all this bitterness since this is my duty". Answering a question on if he was happy on forming an alliance with the JD(S), Shivakumar said, "Sometimes, individuality doesn't count here. Individuality is not important. Whatever collective or major decisions are taken, one man may like or the other man may not like. I also gave consent for the formation of this government." He also hinted on having a grand alliance against the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He said, "this was the beginning of the formation of a grand alliance and this was to be achieved by the secular parties coming together". Talking about the structure of the cabinet he said it will be discussed in the All India Congress Committee. Asked whether the Congress-JD(S) government would complete five years, he further said, "Time will answer. I don't want to answer it right now. We have various issues, options before us, I can't tell right now." While JD(S)'s also Kumaraswamy denied on the reports that stated that two parties were undergoing conflict. Calling the reports as "bogus and fake news" he said the claims were not true. Another Congress leader Ramalina Reddy also said that the reports that surfaced stating a rift between the two parties were not true. He said, "We are 100% happy, give and take policy is there, even in Bengaluru's Municipal Corporation alliance is functioning smoothly for 3 years. Ofcourse some people in both parties will have to sacrifice, as all cant become ministers". (With inputs from ANI)

Swallowed all bitterness for secular government in Karnataka: Congress MLA DK Shivakumar

HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy and the Gandhis will discuss the nitty gritties of government formation in the southern state.&nbsp;

News reports said Monday that the Congress — which has 78 MLAs, the JD(S) now has 37 after Kumaraswamy gave up the second seat he contested from — is expected to end up with 20 ministers in the 33-member cabinet.&nbsp;

News reports added that Karnataka could get two deputy chief ministers. It had earlier been decided that the deputy chief ministership would go to a Dalit, with the Congress's G Parameshwara expected to fill the post.&nbsp;

There has now been a second demand for a Lingayat to be made deputy chief minister, which may lead to the state having two of them.&nbsp;

The reports added that the Congress would make no demands of the JD(S) in order to keep the coalition stable.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Kumaraswamy termed reports of a power-sharing formula of 30 months each between the two parties as "bogus".

"I'm visiting New Delhi tomorrow...I will meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the party's senior leader Sonia Gandhi," he told reporters in Bengaluru.

Based on the outcome of discussions with them, a decision will be taken on the number of Congress and JD(S) MLAs who will become ministers, Kumaraswamy added.

BS Yeddyurappa had on Saturday stepped down as the chief minister without facing the floor test in the state assembly as the BJP fell short of numbers, following which Kumaraswamy met Governor Vajubhai Vala, and said he had been invited to form the government.

The May 12 Karnataka assembly polls threw up a hung assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats.

While making it clear that there have been no discussions yet on the portfolio allocation, Kumaraswamy requested the media not to create confusion among the public and MLAs with such "speculative" reports.

He also asserted that within 24 hours of taking oath, he would prove his majority on the floor of the House.

"Mostly on Wednesday there will be oath-taking ceremony after that on Thursday we will complete the process of Speaker's election and trust vote," he added.

After meeting the governor, Kumaraswamy had said the swearing-in ceremony would take place tentatively between 12 noon and 1.50 pm at Kanteerava stadium on May 21.

But, later he announced that the event would be held on May 23 as May 21 happens to be the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The venue of the swearing-in is also likely to be changed, with party sources now saying it is likely to take place at Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature).

However, Kumaraswamy said he had spoken to the Chief Secretary and other senior officials about it and they would take a call on the venue.

Kumaraswamy met his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda at his residence on Sunday and later visited the hotel where JD(S) MLAs are camping and held a meeting with them.

Asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each that is being worked out with the Congress, Kumaraswamy said, "No such talks have taken place."

On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies, Kumarasamy described it as "bogus".

"It is a bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Winning Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said.

While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency over allegations of electoral malpractice, election to Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate.

(With inputs from PTI)

Kumaraswamy will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday. He is expected to take his floor test on Thursday

HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Kumaraswamy and the Gandhis will discuss the nitty gritties of government formation in the southern state. News reports said Monday that the Congress — which has 78 MLAs, the JD(S) now has 37 after Kumaraswamy gave up the second seat he contested from — is expected to end up with 20 ministers in the 33-member cabinet. News reports added that Karnataka could get two deputy chief ministers. It had earlier been decided that the deputy chief ministership would go to a Dalit, with the Congress's G Parameshwara expected to fill the post. There has now been a second demand for a Lingayat to be made deputy chief minister, which may lead to the state having two of them. The reports added that the Congress would make no demands of the JD(S) in order to keep the coalition stable. On Sunday, Kumaraswamy termed reports of a power-sharing formula of 30 months each between the two parties as "bogus". "I'm visiting New Delhi tomorrow...I will meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the party's senior leader Sonia Gandhi," he told reporters in Bengaluru. Based on the outcome of discussions with them, a decision will be taken on the number of Congress and JD(S) MLAs who will become ministers, Kumaraswamy added. BS Yeddyurappa had on Saturday stepped down as the chief minister without facing the floor test in the state assembly as the BJP fell short of numbers, following which Kumaraswamy met Governor Vajubhai Vala, and said he had been invited to form the government. The May 12 Karnataka assembly polls threw up a hung assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats. While making it clear that there have been no discussions yet on the portfolio allocation, Kumaraswamy requested the media not to create confusion among the public and MLAs with such "speculative" reports. He also asserted that within 24 hours of taking oath, he would prove his majority on the floor of the House. "Mostly on Wednesday there will be oath-taking ceremony after that on Thursday we will complete the process of Speaker's election and trust vote," he added. After meeting the governor, Kumaraswamy had said the swearing-in ceremony would take place tentatively between 12 noon and 1.50 pm at Kanteerava stadium on May 21. But, later he announced that the event would be held on May 23 as May 21 happens to be the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The venue of the swearing-in is also likely to be changed, with party sources now saying it is likely to take place at Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature). However, Kumaraswamy said he had spoken to the Chief Secretary and other senior officials about it and they would take a call on the venue. Kumaraswamy met his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda at his residence on Sunday and later visited the hotel where JD(S) MLAs are camping and held a meeting with them. Asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each that is being worked out with the Congress, Kumaraswamy said, "No such talks have taken place." On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies, Kumarasamy described it as "bogus". "It is a bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Winning Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said. While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency over allegations of electoral malpractice, election to Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate. (With inputs from PTI)

Kumaraswamy to meet Sonia, Rahul Gandhi today in Delhi

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

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

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

After a long time, Congress has a reason to smile. The number tally of the Karnataka assembly elections had put a question mark on the party's existence, but after today's development, Congress will be able to make a political turnaround.

B S Yeddyurappa's resignation just before the trust vote on the floor of Karnataka Assembly has sent a loud and clear message that Congress can fight back and defeat Modi-Shah combine. Today's development is redux of the same nail-biting suspense which was witnessed during Ahmad Patel’s election to Rajya Sabha last year. 
&nbsp; 
After Manipur, Goa and Meghalaya, Congress came under intense criticism for not been able to form the government. Congress emerged as the single largest party in both Manipur and Goa but delayed decision-making resulted in BJP forming the government in both states. This time around Congress had sent senior leadership to Bengaluru in case they fell short of numbers. 
&nbsp; 
Congress president Rahul Gandhi used this opportunity to launch a blistering attack on the BJP. That Yeddyurappa walked out of the Assembly while the national anthem was being played was the start of Rahul's attack. He said, "This how BJP respects our national anthem.”

He said that both BJP and RSS are trying to subvert government institutions throughout the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also in the line of fire. "Not only Narendra Modi promotes corruption but he is corruption," said Rahul.

In his short victory speech, Rahul said that BJP’s stand on corruption has been exposed and Congress will not allow it to subvert democratic institutions. 
&nbsp; 
What added to BJP’s misery were three sting operations done by Congress MLAs who actively recorded the conversations where BJP leaders were asking Congress MLAs to cross the fence.

The BJP continues to be the largest party and stability in the state will entirely depend on the ability of JD(S) to keep its stock together. Congress, on the other hand, will also have to be careful lest BJP gains sympathy making it electorally difficult for them in coming Lok Sabha elections.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Congress president Rahul Gandhi used this opportunity to launch a blistering attack on the BJP. That Yeddyurappa walked out of the Assembly while the national anthem was being played was the start of Rahul's attack.

After a long time, Congress has a reason to smile. The number tally of the Karnataka assembly elections had put a question mark on the party's existence, but after today's development, Congress will be able to make a political turnaround. B S Yeddyurappa's resignation just before the trust vote on the floor of Karnataka Assembly has sent a loud and clear message that Congress can fight back and defeat Modi-Shah combine. Today's development is redux of the same nail-biting suspense which was witnessed during Ahmad Patel’s election to Rajya Sabha last year. After Manipur, Goa and Meghalaya, Congress came under intense criticism for not been able to form the government. Congress emerged as the single largest party in both Manipur and Goa but delayed decision-making resulted in BJP forming the government in both states. This time around Congress had sent senior leadership to Bengaluru in case they fell short of numbers. Congress president Rahul Gandhi used this opportunity to launch a blistering attack on the BJP. That Yeddyurappa walked out of the Assembly while the national anthem was being played was the start of Rahul's attack. He said, "This how BJP respects our national anthem.” He said that both BJP and RSS are trying to subvert government institutions throughout the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also in the line of fire. "Not only Narendra Modi promotes corruption but he is corruption," said Rahul. In his short victory speech, Rahul said that BJP’s stand on corruption has been exposed and Congress will not allow it to subvert democratic institutions. What added to BJP’s misery were three sting operations done by Congress MLAs who actively recorded the conversations where BJP leaders were asking Congress MLAs to cross the fence. The BJP continues to be the largest party and stability in the state will entirely depend on the ability of JD(S) to keep its stock together. Congress, on the other hand, will also have to be careful lest BJP gains sympathy making it electorally difficult for them in coming Lok Sabha elections. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Karnataka floor test twist gives Congress a reason to smile

In an emotional speech before stepping down as Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress-JDS combine of forming an "opportunistic" alliance and said the popular mandate had been subverted due to their "conspiracy".

Yeddyurappa admitted he had expected opposition MLAs to cross-vote. To realise the public mandate and with development in mind, he said he asked members for a vote of conscience.

"It is true that I had spoken to a few of them (in the opposition)," Yeddyurappa said.

Stating that BJP believes in the democratic system, he said he had expected MLAs "on the other side" would understand that in today's political situation, things would change if his government came to power, when the Narendra&nbsp;Modi government is at the Centre. "Some people had agreed to cooperate," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hd-kumaraswamy-to-take-oath-as-karnataka-chief-minister-on-monday-138283">HD Kumaraswamy to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 23</a>&nbsp;

He however added, "Who am I to question in politics? Expectation is different, there may be differences." Assuring people that "till his last breath", he will travel across Karnataka, he said he would explain the developments and ensure that the party wins all 28 seats of the state in the Lok Sabha elections next year and "give it as a gift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

Yeddyurappa, who announced his decision without facing the trust vote after not being able to rustle up the numbers, charged that the JDS-combine had kept the MLAs in captivity.

"You kept MLAs in captivity. The situation of those MLAs was so pitiable that they could not speak to their families on phone," he said in his speech after moving the motion of confidence to face the trial of strength.Taunting Congress and JDS, a glum-looking Yeddyurappa said, "Today the family members may be a bit happy as they are seeing them (MLAs)."

Governor Vajubhai Vala had given a 15-day window to Yeddyurappa, but it was truncated by the Supreme Court, which ordered that the floor test be held within a day itself. Yeddyurappa said the Congress did not get people's mandate, nor did the JDS.

He said those who traded charges and counter-charges, after being defeated at the hustings, were indulging in "opportunistic politics"&nbsp;against the people's mandate and had come to an understanding.

The Governor had invited the BJP as it had emerged as the single largest party, Yeddyurappa said.

"I feel today it is like agni pareekshe (trial by fire).

It is not the first time. All my life it has been agni pareekshe," he said, tracing the journey of the BJP when it had only two members and the present state it had reached.

"If people of the state had thought for a second and had given us 113 seats, the picture of this state would have changed, and the picture of development would have changed.But God's will was different" he said on a philosophical note.

To Kumaraswamy, he said "I have come through struggle. Someone said if you don't give me power I will end my life...I won't say that. Whether I get power or not, I will give my life for the people."

Yeddyurappa said he is indebted to people who have shown him love. "Due to our Congress' friends conspiracy, the public mandate and democratic system has been subverted," he said.

"In the wake of this, I'm not pressing this motion of confidence, and I will resign. I will go to people against this politics of anti democracy and seek justice. I will directly go to the Governor and submit my resignation as Chief Minister," he said.&nbsp;

To realise the public mandate and with development in mind, Yeddyurappa said he asked opposition MLAs for a vote of conscience

In an emotional speech before stepping down as Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress-JDS combine of forming an "opportunistic" alliance and said the popular mandate had been subverted due to their "conspiracy". Yeddyurappa admitted he had expected opposition MLAs to cross-vote. To realise the public mandate and with development in mind, he said he asked members for a vote of conscience. "It is true that I had spoken to a few of them (in the opposition)," Yeddyurappa said. Stating that BJP believes in the democratic system, he said he had expected MLAs "on the other side" would understand that in today's political situation, things would change if his government came to power, when the Narendra Modi government is at the Centre. "Some people had agreed to cooperate," he said. Also read: HD Kumaraswamy to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 23 He however added, "Who am I to question in politics? Expectation is different, there may be differences." Assuring people that "till his last breath", he will travel across Karnataka, he said he would explain the developments and ensure that the party wins all 28 seats of the state in the Lok Sabha elections next year and "give it as a gift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi". Yeddyurappa, who announced his decision without facing the trust vote after not being able to rustle up the numbers, charged that the JDS-combine had kept the MLAs in captivity. "You kept MLAs in captivity. The situation of those MLAs was so pitiable that they could not speak to their families on phone," he said in his speech after moving the motion of confidence to face the trial of strength.Taunting Congress and JDS, a glum-looking Yeddyurappa said, "Today the family members may be a bit happy as they are seeing them (MLAs)." Governor Vajubhai Vala had given a 15-day window to Yeddyurappa, but it was truncated by the Supreme Court, which ordered that the floor test be held within a day itself. Yeddyurappa said the Congress did not get people's mandate, nor did the JDS. He said those who traded charges and counter-charges, after being defeated at the hustings, were indulging in "opportunistic politics" against the people's mandate and had come to an understanding. The Governor had invited the BJP as it had emerged as the single largest party, Yeddyurappa said. "I feel today it is like agni pareekshe (trial by fire). It is not the first time. All my life it has been agni pareekshe," he said, tracing the journey of the BJP when it had only two members and the present state it had reached. "If people of the state had thought for a second and had given us 113 seats, the picture of this state would have changed, and the picture of development would have changed.But God's will was different" he said on a philosophical note. To Kumaraswamy, he said "I have come through struggle. Someone said if you don't give me power I will end my life...I won't say that. Whether I get power or not, I will give my life for the people." Yeddyurappa said he is indebted to people who have shown him love. "Due to our Congress' friends conspiracy, the public mandate and democratic system has been subverted," he said. "In the wake of this, I'm not pressing this motion of confidence, and I will resign. I will go to people against this politics of anti democracy and seek justice. I will directly go to the Governor and submit my resignation as Chief Minister," he said.

Yeddyurappa admits he asked opposition MLAs to cross-vote

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, who is all set to take over as Karnataka Chief Minister, on Sunday dismissed reports about his party working out a power sharing formula of heading the government for 30 months each, with its coalition partner the Congress.

"No such talks have taken place," he told reporters here when asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each being worked out with the Congress, with whom JDS has stitched up a post-poll alliance after the May 12 assembly elections delivered a fractured mandate.

There were reports in a section of the media about both parties heading the government for 30 months each on rotation, similar to the 20:20 months power sharing agreement in 2006 with the BJP.

Kumaraswamy had headed the BJP-JD(S) coalition government for 20 months from January 2006, under a power sharing agreement of leading the coalition for 20 months each.

The JD(S) had then reneged on its commitment to share the power for the remaining 20 months with the BJP and refused to hand over the mantle to B S Yeddyurappa, causing the collapse of the government.

In the following elections in 2008, BJP had stormed to power on its own with Yedyurappa as Chief Minister of the first ever saffron party government in the South.

On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy described it as "bogus".

"It is bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Wining Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said.

While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar over allegations of electoral malpractice,election to the Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate.

In the assembly elections, BJP had emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats, but fell short of a majority.

Yeddyurappa had formed the government, but not being able to make up for the shortfall, he lost the numbers gained and resigned as chief minister without facing the trust vote in the assembly on Saturday.

The Congress JD(S) combine with a claimed strength of 117 with the support of others has been invited by Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government, giving Kumaraswamy a 15 day window to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly.

Kumaraswamy met the party legislators who are still camped at a hotel in the city to insulate them from alleged poaching attempt by the BJP.

He said he has left the choice to the legislators to decide on staying in the hotel.

The JD(S) leader will meet UPA chief Sonia Gandhi and her son Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Delhi tomorrow to discuss the modalities of government formation and invite them for the swearing in ceremony on May 23.

Kumaraswamy later left for Tamil Nadu for a temple visit.

There were reports in a section of the media about both parties heading the government for 30 months each on rotation, similar to the 20:20 months power sharing agreement in 2006 with the BJP.

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, who is all set to take over as Karnataka Chief Minister, on Sunday dismissed reports about his party working out a power sharing formula of heading the government for 30 months each, with its coalition partner the Congress. "No such talks have taken place," he told reporters here when asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each being worked out with the Congress, with whom JDS has stitched up a post-poll alliance after the May 12 assembly elections delivered a fractured mandate. There were reports in a section of the media about both parties heading the government for 30 months each on rotation, similar to the 20:20 months power sharing agreement in 2006 with the BJP. Kumaraswamy had headed the BJP-JD(S) coalition government for 20 months from January 2006, under a power sharing agreement of leading the coalition for 20 months each. The JD(S) had then reneged on its commitment to share the power for the remaining 20 months with the BJP and refused to hand over the mantle to B S Yeddyurappa, causing the collapse of the government. In the following elections in 2008, BJP had stormed to power on its own with Yedyurappa as Chief Minister of the first ever saffron party government in the South. On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy described it as "bogus". "It is bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Wining Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said. While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar over allegations of electoral malpractice,election to the Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate. In the assembly elections, BJP had emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats, but fell short of a majority. Yeddyurappa had formed the government, but not being able to make up for the shortfall, he lost the numbers gained and resigned as chief minister without facing the trust vote in the assembly on Saturday. The Congress JD(S) combine with a claimed strength of 117 with the support of others has been invited by Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government, giving Kumaraswamy a 15 day window to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly. Kumaraswamy met the party legislators who are still camped at a hotel in the city to insulate them from alleged poaching attempt by the BJP. He said he has left the choice to the legislators to decide on staying in the hotel. The JD(S) leader will meet UPA chief Sonia Gandhi and her son Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Delhi tomorrow to discuss the modalities of government formation and invite them for the swearing in ceremony on May 23. Kumaraswamy later left for Tamil Nadu for a temple visit.

Kumaraswamy dismisses reports of JD(S) working out power Sharing formula

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-true-i-had-spoken-to-a-few-of-them-yeddyurappa-admits-he-asked-opposition-mlas-to-cross-vote-138302">It is true I had spoken to a few of them: Yeddyurappa admits he asked opposition MLAs to cross-vote</a>

In an emotional speech before stepping down as Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress-JDS combine of forming an "opportunistic" alliance and said the popular mandate had been subverted due to their "conspiracy".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-win-in-karnataka-encouraging-formation-of-federal-front-against-bjp-138306">Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-win-in-karnataka-encouraging-formation-of-federal-front-against-bjp-138306">federal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-win-in-karnataka-encouraging-formation-of-federal-front-against-bjp-138306"> front against BJP</a>

The JD(S)-Congress win&nbspin Karnataka has encouraged the formation of a "federal front" against the BJP, news reports said Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/melania-trump-returns-to-white-house-after-successful-surgery-trump-wishes-her-by-misspelling-her-name-138320">Trump welcomes Melania home after kidney procedure, misspells her name</a>

United States First Lady Melania Trump on Saturday returned to the White House after a successful kidney procedure, the office announced in a statement.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ill-never-change-chelseas-conte-says-after-winning-fa-cup-138308">'I'll never change,' Chelsea's Conte says after winning FA cup</a>

Antonio Conte has warned Chelsea he will never change his demanding ways as the FA Cup winning boss waits to discover if he will be sacked.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/priyanka-chopras-heartfelt-note-for-friend-meghan-markle-138303">When time stands still: Priyanka Chopra writes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/priyanka-chopras-heartfelt-note-for-friend-meghan-markle-138303">heartfelt</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/priyanka-chopras-heartfelt-note-for-friend-meghan-markle-138303"> note to friend Meghan Markle</a>

Priyanka Chopra, who was one of the guests invited for the&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/royal-wedding-live-updates-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-to-wed-at-windsor-castle-today-138144">royal wedding</a>&nbspyesterday said that she teared up after seeing the ceremony and has left a heartfelt note to the close friend and bride Meghan Markle.

It is true I had spoken to a few of them: Yeddyurappa admits he asked opposition MLAs to cross-vote In an emotional speech before stepping down as Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress-JDS combine of forming an "opportunistic" alliance and said the popular mandate had been subverted due to their "conspiracy". Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of federal front against BJP The JD(S)-Congress win&nbspin Karnataka has encouraged the formation of a "federal front" against the BJP, news reports said Sunday. Trump welcomes Melania home after kidney procedure, misspells her name United States First Lady Melania Trump on Saturday returned to the White House after a successful kidney procedure, the office announced in a statement. 'I'll never change,' Chelsea's Conte says after winning FA cup Antonio Conte has warned Chelsea he will never change his demanding ways as the FA Cup winning boss waits to discover if he will be sacked. When time stands still: Priyanka Chopra writes heartfelt note to friend Meghan Markle Priyanka Chopra, who was one of the guests invited for the royal wedding&nbspyesterday said that she teared up after seeing the ceremony and has left a heartfelt note to the close friend and bride Meghan Markle.

Reacting to actor-politician Rajinikanth's comments on the release of Cauvery water by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy called him to visit the state and see the situation for himself, after which he would change his stand.

"If there is water in Karnataka it is possible for us to give them water. I request Rajinikanth, please come and see the situation in our dams, what has happened to our farmers. After seeing that, if you (Rajinikanth) still want water, let's discuss," PTI quoted Kumaraswamy as saying.

He was responding to a question about the reported statement by the actor-politician in Chennai asking the new government in Karnataka to release to Tamil Nadu its share of Cauvery river water as mandated by the Supreme Court verdict.

"... On seeing the situation here, I think he (Rajinikanth) will change his stand," the JD(S) leader told reporters here.

Rajinikanth on Sunday said that Karnataka government should implement Supreme Court says and added that it is their (Karnataka’s) duty.

“It is my humble opinion that it will be good if the control over the dams (in Karnataka) is with the (proposed) Cauvery authority,” he said.

Anticipating “government intervention” in the authority that has been mooted, he said, “Let us see what happens in due course.”

Kumaraswamy is all set to take over as the Karnataka Chief Minister on May 23.

As the leader of Congress-JD(S) joint legislature party, he was yesterday invited by Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government, following the fall of three-day-old BJP government with the resignation of B S Yeddyurappa as Chief Minister.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Rajinikanth on Sunday said that Karnataka government should implement Supreme Court says

Reacting to actor-politician Rajinikanth's comments on the release of Cauvery water by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy called him to visit the state and see the situation for himself, after which he would change his stand. "If there is water in Karnataka it is possible for us to give them water. I request Rajinikanth, please come and see the situation in our dams, what has happened to our farmers. After seeing that, if you (Rajinikanth) still want water, let's discuss," PTI quoted Kumaraswamy as saying. He was responding to a question about the reported statement by the actor-politician in Chennai asking the new government in Karnataka to release to Tamil Nadu its share of Cauvery river water as mandated by the Supreme Court verdict. "... On seeing the situation here, I think he (Rajinikanth) will change his stand," the JD(S) leader told reporters here. Rajinikanth on Sunday said that Karnataka government should implement Supreme Court says and added that it is their (Karnataka’s) duty. “It is my humble opinion that it will be good if the control over the dams (in Karnataka) is with the (proposed) Cauvery authority,” he said. Anticipating “government intervention” in the authority that has been mooted, he said, “Let us see what happens in due course.” Kumaraswamy is all set to take over as the Karnataka Chief Minister on May 23. As the leader of Congress-JD(S) joint legislature party, he was yesterday invited by Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government, following the fall of three-day-old BJP government with the resignation of B S Yeddyurappa as Chief Minister.

Kumaraswamy attacks Rajinikanth over comments on Cauvery issue

The outcome of Karnataka assembly polls has underlined the need for the opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh to prevent a split in the anti-BJP vote in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, party leaders said.

Opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress argue that it was a division in the anti-BJP vote that allowed the saffron party to emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka.

"There is a strong need to chalk out a strategy to ensure that the anti-BJP votes do not get divided to give it (BJP) any advantage in the coming elections," SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary told PTI here.

Elections now have to be fought strategically, he said.

That success can be achieved through unity has been proved very well in Gorakhpur and Phoolpur, where the SP wrested the seats from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party with the help of the BSP, Chaudhary said.

Airing similar views, Congress spokesman Dwijendra Tripathi said going by the Karnataka results, it has become all the more important to go to the polls unitedly to not only win elections but also to save the constitutional bodies.

"What is most important today is to keep the BJP out of power and save the Constitution," Tripathi said.

While reacting to the Karnataka results, BSP president Mayawati said the Congress should not repeat the mistake it committed while campaigning in Muslim-dominated areas, terming the Janata Dal (Secular) as the 'B-team' of the BJP.

This, she suggested, had helped the BJP win those seats.

"It is my suggestion to the Congress not to use such language in the future which could help the BJP and the RSS in future elections," Mayawati had said.

Rashtriya Lok Dal spokesman Anil Dubey said his party was always of the opinion that all like-minded non-BJP parties should come on one platform to stop the BJP.

"The lesson to learn from the Karnataka election is that only a collective opposition can check the BJP and the past record proves this point," Ramesh Dixit, political analyst and former head of the political science department at Lucknow University, said.

In the context of the coming Lok Sabha elections, he suggested it was for the Congress - with its pan-India reach and the ambition to form government in Delhi - to reach out to the smaller parties with a strong base in different parts of the country.

The Congress has to learn from the BJP how it entered into an alliance with the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party and the Apna Dal for the UP assembly polls despite its government being comfortably placed at the Centre, Dixit said.

Leaders who urge opposition unity draw attention to the past two elections in UP where the BJP won convincing victories even though the collective vote share of the non-BJP parties was bigger.&nbsp;

In the last assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, the saffron party posted a landslide victory bagging 325 of the 403 seats, with a vote share of 41.35 per cent.&nbsp;

In comparison, the SP which was reduced to 54 seats from 224 in the previous aAssembly election got 28.07 per cent of the vote. The BSP came down to 19 seats from 80, getting 22.23 per cent votes.&nbsp;

In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, BJP won 71 out of 80 seats with its alliance partner the Apna Dal getting two more, beating the opposition parties hands down. The BJP got 42.63 per cent votes and the Apna Dal 1.01 per cent.

In comparison, the SP won a mere five seats with 22.35 per cent votes in 2014. The BSP polled 19.77 per cent votes but drew a blank. The Congress got two seats with a 7.53 per cent vote share.

SP, BSP and Congress argue that division in the anti-BJP vote allowed the saffron party to emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka

The outcome of Karnataka assembly polls has underlined the need for the opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh to prevent a split in the anti-BJP vote in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, party leaders said. Opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress argue that it was a division in the anti-BJP vote that allowed the saffron party to emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka. "There is a strong need to chalk out a strategy to ensure that the anti-BJP votes do not get divided to give it (BJP) any advantage in the coming elections," SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary told PTI here. Elections now have to be fought strategically, he said. That success can be achieved through unity has been proved very well in Gorakhpur and Phoolpur, where the SP wrested the seats from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party with the help of the BSP, Chaudhary said. Airing similar views, Congress spokesman Dwijendra Tripathi said going by the Karnataka results, it has become all the more important to go to the polls unitedly to not only win elections but also to save the constitutional bodies. "What is most important today is to keep the BJP out of power and save the Constitution," Tripathi said. While reacting to the Karnataka results, BSP president Mayawati said the Congress should not repeat the mistake it committed while campaigning in Muslim-dominated areas, terming the Janata Dal (Secular) as the 'B-team' of the BJP. This, she suggested, had helped the BJP win those seats. "It is my suggestion to the Congress not to use such language in the future which could help the BJP and the RSS in future elections," Mayawati had said. Rashtriya Lok Dal spokesman Anil Dubey said his party was always of the opinion that all like-minded non-BJP parties should come on one platform to stop the BJP. "The lesson to learn from the Karnataka election is that only a collective opposition can check the BJP and the past record proves this point," Ramesh Dixit, political analyst and former head of the political science department at Lucknow University, said. In the context of the coming Lok Sabha elections, he suggested it was for the Congress - with its pan-India reach and the ambition to form government in Delhi - to reach out to the smaller parties with a strong base in different parts of the country. The Congress has to learn from the BJP how it entered into an alliance with the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party and the Apna Dal for the UP assembly polls despite its government being comfortably placed at the Centre, Dixit said. Leaders who urge opposition unity draw attention to the past two elections in UP where the BJP won convincing victories even though the collective vote share of the non-BJP parties was bigger. In the last assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, the saffron party posted a landslide victory bagging 325 of the 403 seats, with a vote share of 41.35 per cent. In comparison, the SP which was reduced to 54 seats from 224 in the previous aAssembly election got 28.07 per cent of the vote. The BSP came down to 19 seats from 80, getting 22.23 per cent votes. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, BJP won 71 out of 80 seats with its alliance partner the Apna Dal getting two more, beating the opposition parties hands down. The BJP got 42.63 per cent votes and the Apna Dal 1.01 per cent. In comparison, the SP won a mere five seats with 22.35 per cent votes in 2014. The BSP polled 19.77 per cent votes but drew a blank. The Congress got two seats with a 7.53 per cent vote share.

Uttar Pradesh opposition parties learn lessons from Karnataka

The turn of events that compelled the BJP’s BS Yeddyurappa to resign as Karnataka chief minister was a flashback to 1996 when a similar fate had forced then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to resign his post.

Vajpayee had assumed office as the 10th prime minister of India in May 1996. He was invited by the president to form the government after the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP had won 161 seats out of 545. Along with its allies, the party had gained authority over 194 seats. The majority mark required to form the government was 272.&nbsp;

Vajpayee held the position of prime minister for 13 days. However, he failed to&nbsp;garner enough support and was eventually forced to step down. After Vajpayee's resignation on May 27, 1996, his government was replaced by an alliance between the Congress and the HD Deve Gowda-led United Front. The Congress, which was the second largest party with 140 seats, gave the United Front outside support.

On Saturday, the Karnataka legislative assembly witnessed the resignation of the two-day-old BJP government led by BS Yeddyurappa. Despite scoring the highest number of seats (104)&nbsp;in the elections, the BJP failed to form a government in the state. The Congress, which emerged the second-largest party with 78 seats, extended its support to the JD(S), which is the third-largest party with&nbsp;37 seats.

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Gowda became&nbsp;the country's 11th prime minister, replacing Vajpayee's 13-day BJP government.

Similar to 1996, the BJP government in Karnataka led by BS Yeddyurappa will be replaced by a JD(S)-Congress alliance lead by HD Deve Gowda's son HD Kumaraswamy.

The only difference is that the Congress this time is part of the government.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy's swearing-in ceremeony will be held on May 23 in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Vajpayee's 13-day government was replaced in 1996 by the HD Deve Gowda-led United Front. The Congress gave Gowda outside support

The turn of events that compelled the BJP’s BS Yeddyurappa to resign as Karnataka chief minister was a flashback to 1996 when a similar fate had forced then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to resign his post. Vajpayee had assumed office as the 10th prime minister of India in May 1996. He was invited by the president to form the government after the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP had won 161 seats out of 545. Along with its allies, the party had gained authority over 194 seats. The majority mark required to form the government was 272. Vajpayee held the position of prime minister for 13 days. However, he failed to garner enough support and was eventually forced to step down. After Vajpayee's resignation on May 27, 1996, his government was replaced by an alliance between the Congress and the HD Deve Gowda-led United Front. The Congress, which was the second largest party with 140 seats, gave the United Front outside support. On Saturday, the Karnataka legislative assembly witnessed the resignation of the two-day-old BJP government led by BS Yeddyurappa. Despite scoring the highest number of seats (104) in the elections, the BJP failed to form a government in the state. The Congress, which emerged the second-largest party with 78 seats, extended its support to the JD(S), which is the third-largest party with 37 seats. × Gowda became the country's 11th prime minister, replacing Vajpayee's 13-day BJP government. Similar to 1996, the BJP government in Karnataka led by BS Yeddyurappa will be replaced by a JD(S)-Congress alliance lead by HD Deve Gowda's son HD Kumaraswamy. The only difference is that the Congress this time is part of the government. Kumaraswamy's swearing-in ceremeony will be held on May 23 in Bengaluru.

Yeddyurappa's resignation is a replay of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's in 1996

With the fall of BJP's three-day-old government in Karnataka, H D Kumaraswamy heading the Congress-JDS coalition is set to become the chief minister for a second time on May 23.

Governor Vajubhai Vala today invited Kumaraswamy, who is the leader of Congress-JD(S) joint legislature party, to form the government.

"On the invitation of the Governor I have met him on the basis of the request we had submitted on May 15 for the formation of Congress-JD(S) coalition government....he has invited us to form the government," Kumaraswamy, who is also state JD(S) chief, said.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Vala, he said the Governor has directed him to prove the majority on the floor of the House in 15 days but he would do it much before.

The BJP was eight short of the majority mark in the 224-member Karnataka Assembly.&nbsp;

Following 72 hours of high drama, which involved a midnight session at the Supreme Court, leaked audio tapes, and hidden lawmakers, the BJP failed to secure eight MLAs that it needed to pass the floor test in the House.

BJP had won the first round of the legal battle after the results were out on May 15 but failed to gather the support of MLAs to prove majority in the Karnataka state Assembly.

Will invite Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi to attend swearing-in ceremony, says HD Kumaraswamy

"I want to thank Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad and other Congress leaders and MLAs for their support. I want to thank everyone, people of Karnataka, Mayawati ji for their support, Kumaraswamy said. "I will invite Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi ji personally to attend the oath-taking ceremony," says Kumaraswamy. "We will call a session soon to prove our majority," he said.

Akhilesh Yadav demands central govt's resignation on moral grounds

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has termed the collapse of the three-day-old B S Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka a "victory of the people's mandate" and asked the central government to resign on moral grounds.

"Today, the people's mandate has prevailed over money power," Yadav wrote on Twitter in Hindi. "Those who thought they could buy everyone have learnt the lesson that there are still people left who don't consider politics a business," he tweeted.

"The central government should also resign on moral grounds," he added.

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आज का दिन भारतीय राजनीति में धनबल की जगह जनमत की जीत का दिन है. सबको खरीद लेने का दावा करने वालों को आज ये सबक मिल गया है कि अभी भी भारत की राजनीति में ऐसे लोग बाकी हैं, जो उनकी तरह राजनीति को कारोबार नहीं मानते हैं. नैतिक रूप से तो केंद्र की सरकार को भी इस्तीफ़ा दे देना चाहिए.
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/997805429060071424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi have been invited for the ceremony.

With the fall of BJP's three-day-old government in Karnataka, H D Kumaraswamy heading the Congress-JDS coalition is set to become the chief minister for a second time on May 23. Governor Vajubhai Vala today invited Kumaraswamy, who is the leader of Congress-JD(S) joint legislature party, to form the government. "On the invitation of the Governor I have met him on the basis of the request we had submitted on May 15 for the formation of Congress-JD(S) coalition government....he has invited us to form the government," Kumaraswamy, who is also state JD(S) chief, said. Speaking to reporters after meeting Vala, he said the Governor has directed him to prove the majority on the floor of the House in 15 days but he would do it much before. The BJP was eight short of the majority mark in the 224-member Karnataka Assembly. Following 72 hours of high drama, which involved a midnight session at the Supreme Court, leaked audio tapes, and hidden lawmakers, the BJP failed to secure eight MLAs that it needed to pass the floor test in the House. BJP had won the first round of the legal battle after the results were out on May 15 but failed to gather the support of MLAs to prove majority in the Karnataka state Assembly. Will invite Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi to attend swearing-in ceremony, says HD Kumaraswamy "I want to thank Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad and other Congress leaders and MLAs for their support. I want to thank everyone, people of Karnataka, Mayawati ji for their support, Kumaraswamy said. "I will invite Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi ji personally to attend the oath-taking ceremony," says Kumaraswamy. "We will call a session soon to prove our majority," he said. Akhilesh Yadav demands central govt's resignation on moral grounds Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has termed the collapse of the three-day-old B S Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka a "victory of the people's mandate" and asked the central government to resign on moral grounds. "Today, the people's mandate has prevailed over money power," Yadav wrote on Twitter in Hindi. "Those who thought they could buy everyone have learnt the lesson that there are still people left who don't consider politics a business," he tweeted. "The central government should also resign on moral grounds," he added. आज का दिन भारतीय राजनीति में धनबल की जगह जनमत की जीत का दिन है. सबको खरीद लेने का दावा करने वालों को आज ये सबक मिल गया है कि अभी भी भारत की राजनीति में ऐसे लोग बाकी हैं, जो उनकी तरह राजनीति को कारोबार नहीं मानते हैं. नैतिक रूप से तो केंद्र की सरकार को भी इस्तीफ़ा दे देना चाहिए. — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 19, 2018 ×

HD Kumaraswamy to take oath as Karnataka chief minister on May 23

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/passenger-plane-crashes-in-cuba-killing-more-than-100-people-138046">Passenger plane crashes in Cuba, killing more than 100 people</a>

More than 100 people were killed in a fiery crash of a Boeing 737 passenger plane in Cuba on Friday, with just three seriously injured survivors in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage, officials and state media said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ten-dead-in-texas-school-shooting-student-arrested-138048">Ten dead in Texas school shooting, student arrested</a>

Ten people, mostly students, were killed in a deadly attack when a 17-year-old fellow student opened fire at his Texas High school on Friday.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jds-congress-mlas-head-back-to-bengaluru-for-floor-test-today-138058">JD(S), Congress MLAs arrive in Bengaluru for floor test today</a>

Newly-elected JD(S) and Congress lawmakers from Karnataka, who had been camping in two hotels in Hyderabad to avoid any poaching bids, arrived in Bengaluru today&nbspfor the crucial floor test in the state assembly.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-floor-test-in-karnataka-section-144-imposed-in-mangalore--138055">Ahead of floor test in Karnataka, section 144 imposed in Mangalore</a>

To avoid any kind of mishap in Karnataka ahead of the floor test, the&nbspadministration has imposed Section 144 in the state's Mangalore city.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-india's-longest-road-tunnel-in-j&k-today-138056#photo-138050">PM Modi to inaugurate India's longest road tunnel in J&K today</a>

Zojila tunnel will India's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel. The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pm-modi-to-inaugurate-kishanganga-hydroelectricity-plant-that-was-once-halted-by-pakistan-138063">J&K: PM Modi to inaugurate Kishanganga Hydroelectricity plant that was once halted by Pakistan</a>

PM Modi will inaugurate&nbspKishanganga Hydroelectric Plant, the Megawatt hydroelectricity project&nbspin Jammu and Kashmir today.&nbsp

Passenger plane crashes in Cuba, killing more than 100 people More than 100 people were killed in a fiery crash of a Boeing 737 passenger plane in Cuba on Friday, with just three seriously injured survivors in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage, officials and state media said. Ten dead in Texas school shooting, student arrested Ten people, mostly students, were killed in a deadly attack when a 17-year-old fellow student opened fire at his Texas High school on Friday. JD(S), Congress MLAs arrive in Bengaluru for floor test today Newly-elected JD(S) and Congress lawmakers from Karnataka, who had been camping in two hotels in Hyderabad to avoid any poaching bids, arrived in Bengaluru today&nbspfor the crucial floor test in the state assembly. Ahead of floor test in Karnataka, section 144 imposed in Mangalore To avoid any kind of mishap in Karnataka ahead of the floor test, the&nbspadministration has imposed Section 144 in the state's Mangalore city. PM Modi to inaugurate India's longest road tunnel in J&K today Zojila tunnel will India's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel. The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh J&K: PM Modi to inaugurate Kishanganga Hydroelectricity plant that was once halted by Pakistan PM Modi will inaugurate&nbspKishanganga Hydroelectric Plant, the Megawatt hydroelectricity project&nbspin Jammu and Kashmir today.

Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday said the Congress-JDS combine was not in a hurry and was awaiting an invitation from the Karnataka governor for government formation in the state.

“We are not in a hurry. We are waiting for an invitation from the governor,” he told reporters, soon after the BJP’s B S Yeddyurappa announced his decision to quit as Karnataka chief minister without facing the vote of confidence in the Assembly.

Asked about the future course of action, Kumaraswamy said the leaders of the Congress and the JD(S) would sit together and take a decision on it.

The Congress has already categorically stated that it will be a Kumaraswamy-headed government in the southern state.

The May 12 Karnataka Assembly polls threw up a hung Assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single-largest party with a tally of 104 seats, but falling short of a majority.

The Congress-JD(S) combine has staked the claim with the governor to form the government, saying they have 117 MLAs in the 224-member House, with an effective strength of 221.

Polling for two seats was not held due to various reasons, while Kumaraswamy won from two places.

The Supreme Court had yesterday ordered a floor test in the Karnataka Assembly at 4 PM today, drastically slashing the 15-day window given by Governor Vajubhai Vala to Yeddyurappa to prove his majority.

Following 72 hours of high drama, which involved a midnight session at the Supreme Court, leaked audio tapes, and hidden lawmakers, the BJP failed to secure seven MLAs that it needed to pass the floor test in the House.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Left parties and the Trinamool Congreess&nbsp;termed the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa without facing a trust vote a "victory of secular democratic forces".

(With inputs from PTI)

Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday said the Congress-JDS combine was not in a hurry and was awaiting an invitation from the Karnataka governor for government

Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday said the Congress-JDS combine was not in a hurry and was awaiting an invitation from the Karnataka governor for government formation in the state. “We are not in a hurry. We are waiting for an invitation from the governor,” he told reporters, soon after the BJP’s B S Yeddyurappa announced his decision to quit as Karnataka chief minister without facing the vote of confidence in the Assembly. Asked about the future course of action, Kumaraswamy said the leaders of the Congress and the JD(S) would sit together and take a decision on it. The Congress has already categorically stated that it will be a Kumaraswamy-headed government in the southern state. The May 12 Karnataka Assembly polls threw up a hung Assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single-largest party with a tally of 104 seats, but falling short of a majority. The Congress-JD(S) combine has staked the claim with the governor to form the government, saying they have 117 MLAs in the 224-member House, with an effective strength of 221. Polling for two seats was not held due to various reasons, while Kumaraswamy won from two places. The Supreme Court had yesterday ordered a floor test in the Karnataka Assembly at 4 PM today, drastically slashing the 15-day window given by Governor Vajubhai Vala to Yeddyurappa to prove his majority. Following 72 hours of high drama, which involved a midnight session at the Supreme Court, leaked audio tapes, and hidden lawmakers, the BJP failed to secure seven MLAs that it needed to pass the floor test in the House. Meanwhile, Left parties and the Trinamool Congreess termed the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa without facing a trust vote a "victory of secular democratic forces". (With inputs from PTI)

We are awaiting governor’s invite, says JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy

To avoid any kind of mishap in Karnataka ahead of the floor test, the&nbsp;administration has imposed Section 144 in the state's Mangalore city.

Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) prohibits assembling of more than 4 people in an area. Defaulters booked under the section can be held for a maximum punishment of three years.&nbsp;

The section has been imposed as a&nbsp;precautionary measure ahead of the floor test in Karnataka which is scheduled for 4 pm today.

In its hearing on Friday, the Supreme Court had ordered the Bhartiya Janata Party to prove its majority in the Karnataka legislative assembly on May 19 at 4 pm.

The decision was taken by the apex court in response to a petition filed by the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) against the BJP that had formed the government in Karnataka despite lacking the majority mark.&nbsp;

The election result announced on May 15 declared BJP as the single largest party.

Though the party fell short of the halfway mark of 112 by seven MLAs, it was invited by the governor Vajubhai R. Vala to form the government.&nbsp;

The Congress and the JD(S) had entered into a post-poll alliance and together with 115 MLAs, also staked claim to form the government.

&nbsp;

Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) prohibits assembling of more than 4 people in an area. Defaulters booked under the section can be held for a maximum punishment of three years

To avoid any kind of mishap in Karnataka ahead of the floor test, the administration has imposed Section 144 in the state's Mangalore city. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) prohibits assembling of more than 4 people in an area. Defaulters booked under the section can be held for a maximum punishment of three years. The section has been imposed as a precautionary measure ahead of the floor test in Karnataka which is scheduled for 4 pm today. In its hearing on Friday, the Supreme Court had ordered the Bhartiya Janata Party to prove its majority in the Karnataka legislative assembly on May 19 at 4 pm. The decision was taken by the apex court in response to a petition filed by the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) against the BJP that had formed the government in Karnataka despite lacking the majority mark. The election result announced on May 15 declared BJP as the single largest party. Though the party fell short of the halfway mark of 112 by seven MLAs, it was invited by the governor Vajubhai R. Vala to form the government. The Congress and the JD(S) had entered into a post-poll alliance and together with 115 MLAs, also staked claim to form the government.

Ahead of floor test in Karnataka, section 144 imposed in Mangalore

After winning over the stake in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi hit out at the Prime Minister saying that the PM "is corruption".

He targetted PM Modi by saying that " the purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka was openly authorised by the PM".

He said, "You've seen openly how the PM directly authorized purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka, so the idea that PM spreads in the country that he is fighting corruption, is a blatant lie, he is corruption".

He further took a dig at the BJP and RSS saying that the BJP legislatures left the Vidhan Sabha immediately after Yeddyurappa's resignation, disrespecting the national anthem.

He further said, "Did you notice that after the entire exercise in Karnataka Vidhan Sabha, the BJP legislators and speaker chose to leave the house before the national anthem? It shows they can disrespect any institution if in power, both BJP and RSS have disrespected institutions".

He also said that the joint efforts by the opposition will continue to defeat BJP in the future as well.&nbsp

He said, "I am proud that opposition stood together and defeated the BJP and we will continue to do so".

He targetted PM Modi by saying that 'the purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka was openly authorised by the PM'

After winning over the stake in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi hit out at the Prime Minister saying that the PM "is corruption". He targetted PM Modi by saying that " the purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka was openly authorised by the PM". He said, "You've seen openly how the PM directly authorized purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka, so the idea that PM spreads in the country that he is fighting corruption, is a blatant lie, he is corruption". He further took a dig at the BJP and RSS saying that the BJP legislatures left the Vidhan Sabha immediately after Yeddyurappa's resignation, disrespecting the national anthem. He further said, "Did you notice that after the entire exercise in Karnataka Vidhan Sabha, the BJP legislators and speaker chose to leave the house before the national anthem? It shows they can disrespect any institution if in power, both BJP and RSS have disrespected institutions". He also said that the joint efforts by the opposition will continue to defeat BJP in the future as well. He said, "I am proud that opposition stood together and defeated the BJP and we will continue to do so".

After Yeddyurappa's resignation, Rahul Gandhi hits out at PM, says opposition will continue to defeat BJP

After the resignation&nbsp;of BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa from Karnataka, the Congress took to Twitter to celebrate its victory.&nbsp;

The official Twitter account of the Congress congratulated Karnataka calling it the victory of democracy against the "unholy politics".

The Congress tweeted, " Democracy has finally won the battle against the unholy politics of intimidation, corruption and lies, Congratulations Karnataka"

Two days after taking oath as the chief minister of Karnataka, the BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa resigned today in the Karnataka assembly.

Yeddyurappa resigned saying, " If we had 113 seats, we would have changed the fate of this state. That did not happen. I expected the MLAs to come to my side. We will win all 28 Lok Sabha seats, that I assure the people. In the next assembly elections, we will win 150 seats. I will tour the state after this session. I will bring the party to power on my own. MLAs are fearful and scared. The JD(S) and Congress are harassing them. Even without power, I fight and live for the people. The Congress has subverted democracy. I am off to the Governor's house. I now give my resignation to the people of Karnataka".

The resignation has come a day after the Supreme Court asked the BJP to prove its majority in the legislative assembly in Karnataka. 
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Democracy has finally won the battle against the unholy politics of intimidation, corruption and lies. Congratulations Karnataka! <a href="https://twitter.com/INCKarnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCKarnataka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressDefeatsBJP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressDefeatsBJP</a> <a href="https://t.co/uBjHXZ6xiu">pic.twitter.com/uBjHXZ6xiu</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/997790902096556032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress tweeted, 'Democracy has finally won the battle against the unholy politics of intimidation, corruption and lies, Congratulations Karnataka'

After the resignation of BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa from Karnataka, the Congress took to Twitter to celebrate its victory. The official Twitter account of the Congress congratulated Karnataka calling it the victory of democracy against the "unholy politics". The Congress tweeted, " Democracy has finally won the battle against the unholy politics of intimidation, corruption and lies, Congratulations Karnataka" Two days after taking oath as the chief minister of Karnataka, the BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa resigned today in the Karnataka assembly. Yeddyurappa resigned saying, " If we had 113 seats, we would have changed the fate of this state. That did not happen. I expected the MLAs to come to my side. We will win all 28 Lok Sabha seats, that I assure the people. In the next assembly elections, we will win 150 seats. I will tour the state after this session. I will bring the party to power on my own. MLAs are fearful and scared. The JD(S) and Congress are harassing them. Even without power, I fight and live for the people. The Congress has subverted democracy. I am off to the Governor's house. I now give my resignation to the people of Karnataka". The resignation has come a day after the Supreme Court asked the BJP to prove its majority in the legislative assembly in Karnataka. Democracy has finally won the battle against the unholy politics of intimidation, corruption and lies. Congratulations Karnataka! @INCKarnataka #CongressDefeatsBJP pic.twitter.com/uBjHXZ6xiu — Congress (@INCIndia) May 19, 2018 ×

Democracy has won against unholy politics of intimidation, corruption, lies: Congress on Yeddyurappa's resignation

As few hours are left to go for the floor test in Karnataka, speculations are on the rise of the two Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Pratapgowda Patil who have gone incommunicado.

According to sources,&nbsp;BJP MLA G Somashekhar Reddy is with the two 'missing' Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Pratap Gowda.

Some TV reports had claimed earlier&nbsp;that the two time MLA from Vijayanagara (Ballari), Anand Singh would resign from the Congress after taking oath as the member of the Karnataka assembly. &nbsp;

The other Congress MLA Pratapgowda Patil had also slipped out of the Congress party.&nbsp;

According to some reports, the MLA had fleed the Congress bus to Eagleton resort and boarded a flight out of the HAL airport.&nbsp;

Patil had won previously from the BJP ticket in 2008 and was asking for a ticket from the party in the recent elections too. However, the BJP had denied his demands.

He won the recent polls on Congress ticket from the Masik constituency in Raichur.

Some media reports have also indicated that the BJP was trying to contact the discontent MLAs from Congress and JDS in order to woo their support and attain the required majority.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Two Congress MLAs Anand Singh & Pratap Gowda Patil have not yet come to the assembly for oath-taking. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FloorTest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FloorTest</a> to be held at 4 pm today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/I5zInGgWAn">pic.twitter.com/I5zInGgWAn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997720727808753664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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BJP MLA G Somashekhar Reddy is with the two 'missing' Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Pratap Gouda: Sources <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaFloorTest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaFloorTest</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997740400843599873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As few hours are left to go for the floor test in Karnataka, speculations are on the rise of the two Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Pratapgowda Patil who have gone incommunicado

As few hours are left to go for the floor test in Karnataka, speculations are on the rise of the two Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Pratapgowda Patil who have gone incommunicado. According to sources, BJP MLA G Somashekhar Reddy is with the two 'missing' Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Pratap Gowda. Some TV reports had claimed earlier that the two time MLA from Vijayanagara (Ballari), Anand Singh would resign from the Congress after taking oath as the member of the Karnataka assembly. The other Congress MLA Pratapgowda Patil had also slipped out of the Congress party. According to some reports, the MLA had fleed the Congress bus to Eagleton resort and boarded a flight out of the HAL airport. Patil had won previously from the BJP ticket in 2008 and was asking for a ticket from the party in the recent elections too. However, the BJP had denied his demands. He won the recent polls on Congress ticket from the Masik constituency in Raichur. Some media reports have also indicated that the BJP was trying to contact the discontent MLAs from Congress and JDS in order to woo their support and attain the required majority. Two Congress MLAs Anand Singh & Pratap Gowda Patil have not yet come to the assembly for oath-taking. #FloorTest to be held at 4 pm today. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/I5zInGgWAn — ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2018 × BJP MLA G Somashekhar Reddy is with the two 'missing' Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Pratap Gouda: Sources #KarnatakaFloorTest — ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2018 ×

Karnataka floor test: BJP lawmaker with 2 'missing' Congress MLAs say sources

After <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rjd-alliance-parties-meet-bihar-governor-submit-letter-proving-majority-137916">RJD leader&nbspTejashwi Yadav</a> met with the Bihar governor Satyapal Malik demanding an invitation from him to form the government in the state, the leader also urged all the opposition parties to come together and collectively oppose the BJP led central government.

Calling the BJP government a "dictatorship" he compared the party with Britishers.

He said, " All the opposition parties need to come together and raise voice against what is being done by BJP across India. We need to oppose their dictatorship. If something is not done now, then soon there will be no Constitution. The Britishers came to India and treated us like slaves. Now BJP is doing the same".

"The BJP leaders will not follow any of the Consitution rules as they feel Prime Minister Narendra Modi is bigger than Constitution."If the Consitution is same for all, then why Karnataka is different from what happened in Bihar?" he asked.

The former deputy chief minister of Bihar was addressing ' Samvidhan Bachao Andolan' rally in Patna on Friday.

The opposition's move has come after the BJP staked claim of the Karnataka state despite not having the&nbspmajority mark required to form the government.

He said, 'All the opposition parties need to come together and raise voice against what is being done by BJP across India. We need to oppose their dictatorship'

After RJD leader&nbspTejashwi Yadav met with the Bihar governor Satyapal Malik demanding an invitation from him to form the government in the state, the leader also urged all the opposition parties to come together and collectively oppose the BJP led central government. Calling the BJP government a "dictatorship" he compared the party with Britishers. He said, " All the opposition parties need to come together and raise voice against what is being done by BJP across India. We need to oppose their dictatorship. If something is not done now, then soon there will be no Constitution. The Britishers came to India and treated us like slaves. Now BJP is doing the same". "The BJP leaders will not follow any of the Consitution rules as they feel Prime Minister Narendra Modi is bigger than Constitution."If the Consitution is same for all, then why Karnataka is different from what happened in Bihar?" he asked. The former deputy chief minister of Bihar was addressing ' Samvidhan Bachao Andolan' rally in Patna on Friday. The opposition's move has come after the BJP staked claim of the Karnataka state despite not having the&nbspmajority mark required to form the government.

Tejashwi Yadav urges opposition to join together against BJP

To avoid any attempt of horse trading by the Bhartiya Janata Party the Congress and JD(S) shifted their MLAs from Bengaluru to Hyderabad, JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy said.&nbsp;

He said, "We have to take some caution. To stop horse-trading, they(MLAs) are moving together. All MLAs (JD(S) and Congress) are travelling on the bus, they are going to stay in the same place".

The Congress MLAs&nbsp;have been shifted to Hyderabad's Taj Krishna Hotel.

According to a media report, the MLAs of the two parties were shifted to Hyderabad by bus as the HAL airport in Bengaluru denied them permission to fly to Hyderabad, the media stated.

Earlier JD(S) MLA Shivarame Gowda had said that some of the Congress and JD(S) MLAs were going to Kochi while others to Hyderabad.

The two parties decided to shift their MLAs from Bengaluru after the removal of the police force from outside their resort.

The Congress MLAs stayed at Eagleton Resort while the JD(S) MLAs at&nbsp;Shangri-La Hotel in Bengaluru.

The security deployed outside the Eagleton Resort was withdrawn on Thursday. Following this, the Congress leader accused the BJP members of entering the resort and offering money to their MLAs.

Congress leader claimed that after the police were withdrawn from outside the resort, the BJP entered the hotel and offered money to their MLAs.

Apparently, the Congress and JD(S) have put their MLAs in the resort&nbsp;to keep them out of the reach of BJP.

The BJP, which has formed the government in Karnataka, needs to prove its majority within 15 days. The party needs the support of 7 more MLAs in order to reach the majority mark and&nbsp;continue with its governance in Karnataka.&nbsp;

In the elections held on May 12, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members. The Congress secured 78 seats, the JD(S) 37 and others three.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CORRECTION?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CORRECTION</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VISUALS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VISUALS</a>: Bus carrying Congress MLAs seen leaving Eagleton Resort in Bengaluru where the MLAs were staying. Congress' Ramalinga Reddy claimed that after the police was withdrawn from outside the resort,BJP came inside & offered money to the MLAs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/QsknkWvTMM">pic.twitter.com/QsknkWvTMM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997175647444156417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress MLAs changing buses on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabad</a> Highway. The MLAs along with JD(S) MLAs will be staying in Hyderabad <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/eUk3dFd4yq">pic.twitter.com/eUk3dFd4yq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997208920014782464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Karnataka Congress MLAs arrive at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabad</a>'s Taj Krishna Hotel, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) head Uttam Kumar Reddy also present. <a href="https://t.co/BTSwh4qtmU">pic.twitter.com/BTSwh4qtmU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997341536542015489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy said, 'We have to take some caution. To stop horse-trading, they(MLAs) are moving together. All MLAs (JD(S) and Congress) are travelling on the bus, they are going to stay in the same place'

To avoid any attempt of horse trading by the Bhartiya Janata Party the Congress and JD(S) shifted their MLAs from Bengaluru to Hyderabad, JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy said. He said, "We have to take some caution. To stop horse-trading, they(MLAs) are moving together. All MLAs (JD(S) and Congress) are travelling on the bus, they are going to stay in the same place". The Congress MLAs have been shifted to Hyderabad's Taj Krishna Hotel. According to a media report, the MLAs of the two parties were shifted to Hyderabad by bus as the HAL airport in Bengaluru denied them permission to fly to Hyderabad, the media stated. Earlier JD(S) MLA Shivarame Gowda had said that some of the Congress and JD(S) MLAs were going to Kochi while others to Hyderabad. The two parties decided to shift their MLAs from Bengaluru after the removal of the police force from outside their resort. The Congress MLAs stayed at Eagleton Resort while the JD(S) MLAs at Shangri-La Hotel in Bengaluru. The security deployed outside the Eagleton Resort was withdrawn on Thursday. Following this, the Congress leader accused the BJP members of entering the resort and offering money to their MLAs. Congress leader claimed that after the police were withdrawn from outside the resort, the BJP entered the hotel and offered money to their MLAs. Apparently, the Congress and JD(S) have put their MLAs in the resort to keep them out of the reach of BJP. The BJP, which has formed the government in Karnataka, needs to prove its majority within 15 days. The party needs the support of 7 more MLAs in order to reach the majority mark and continue with its governance in Karnataka. In the elections held on May 12, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members. The Congress secured 78 seats, the JD(S) 37 and others three. #CORRECTION in #VISUALS: Bus carrying Congress MLAs seen leaving Eagleton Resort in Bengaluru where the MLAs were staying. Congress' Ramalinga Reddy claimed that after the police was withdrawn from outside the resort,BJP came inside & offered money to the MLAs #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/QsknkWvTMM — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × #WATCH Congress MLAs changing buses on #Hyderabad Highway. The MLAs along with JD(S) MLAs will be staying in Hyderabad #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/eUk3dFd4yq — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × Karnataka Congress MLAs arrive at #Hyderabad's Taj Krishna Hotel, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) head Uttam Kumar Reddy also present. pic.twitter.com/BTSwh4qtmU — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018 ×

Karnataka: Congress, JD(S) shift MLAs from Bengaluru 'to avoid horse trading'

The ruling BJP described as a "stunt" the Congress decision to stake claim to form the government in Goa and said the opposition party's "dream" to acquire power in the coastal state will never be fulfilled.

&nbsp;Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692">Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692"> after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP</a>

Seeking adoption of the Karnataka example in Goa, the Congress decided to stake claim to form government in the coastal state, where it had emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly polls held last year.

On Thursday Congress Legislature Party chief Chandrakant Kavlekar said, "the party will stake claim tomorrow by submitting to Governor Mridula Sinha a formal letter containing signatures of all the 16 MLAs that the party has now".

"The Congress had a chance to form the government after 2017 assembly results. But their legislators and party's national leaders were busy enjoying stay at a hotel," BJP state unit president Vinay Tendulkar said.

He said the Congress should have staked their claim to form government one and half year back after the outcome of the polls.

"Why are they doing it now?" he said.

Tendulkar said the Congress was "dreaming: about forming the government in the coastal state, but their "dream" will not be fulfilled.

"The BJP had staked the claim to form government successfully (in 2017), as the party had the majority with more than 21 (MLAs) supporting it," he said, adding that the Congress move was just a "stunt".

Meanwhile, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), one of the constituents of the BJP-led NDA government, dared the Congress to parade all the 16 MLAs of the party in public before meeting the governor.

MGP chief Dipak Dhavalikar said the Congress had already missed the bus and was trying in vain to gain power.

"Do they have 16 MLAs with them? They should parade them before people before going to meet the governor," he said.

Dhavlikar said it would be a different matter altogether if the Congress had to stake claim for power in case the incumbent government runs into minority.

The BJP-led government in Goa is headed by Manohar Parrikar, who is currently undergoing treatment in the US for a pancreatic ailment.

In the Assembly elections held in February last year, the Congress had bagged 17 seats, becoming the single largest party in the 40-member House but fell short of the majority mark by four seats.

The BJP, which had bagged 13 seats, firmed up an alliance with the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), both of which had secured three seats each, and also took the support of three Independents.

Subsequently, the Goa governor had invited the BJP-led coalition to form the government.

The Congress currently has 16 members in the Goa Assembly as one of its legislators Vishwajeet Rane joined the BJP last year. Rane later won the bypoll from Valpoi Assembly constituency on a BJP ticket.

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats in the Karnataka Assembly, was invited by the governor despite the JD(S)-Congress combine staking claim, citing the support of 117 MLAs.

Seeking adoption of the Karnataka example in Goa, the Congress decided to stake claim to form government in the coastal state, where it had emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly polls held last year

The ruling BJP described as a "stunt" the Congress decision to stake claim to form the government in Goa and said the opposition party's "dream" to acquire power in the coastal state will never be fulfilled. Also read: Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form government after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP Seeking adoption of the Karnataka example in Goa, the Congress decided to stake claim to form government in the coastal state, where it had emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly polls held last year. On Thursday Congress Legislature Party chief Chandrakant Kavlekar said, "the party will stake claim tomorrow by submitting to Governor Mridula Sinha a formal letter containing signatures of all the 16 MLAs that the party has now". "The Congress had a chance to form the government after 2017 assembly results. But their legislators and party's national leaders were busy enjoying stay at a hotel," BJP state unit president Vinay Tendulkar said. He said the Congress should have staked their claim to form government one and half year back after the outcome of the polls. "Why are they doing it now?" he said. Tendulkar said the Congress was "dreaming: about forming the government in the coastal state, but their "dream" will not be fulfilled. "The BJP had staked the claim to form government successfully (in 2017), as the party had the majority with more than 21 (MLAs) supporting it," he said, adding that the Congress move was just a "stunt". Meanwhile, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), one of the constituents of the BJP-led NDA government, dared the Congress to parade all the 16 MLAs of the party in public before meeting the governor. MGP chief Dipak Dhavalikar said the Congress had already missed the bus and was trying in vain to gain power. "Do they have 16 MLAs with them? They should parade them before people before going to meet the governor," he said. Dhavlikar said it would be a different matter altogether if the Congress had to stake claim for power in case the incumbent government runs into minority. The BJP-led government in Goa is headed by Manohar Parrikar, who is currently undergoing treatment in the US for a pancreatic ailment. In the Assembly elections held in February last year, the Congress had bagged 17 seats, becoming the single largest party in the 40-member House but fell short of the majority mark by four seats. The BJP, which had bagged 13 seats, firmed up an alliance with the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), both of which had secured three seats each, and also took the support of three Independents. Subsequently, the Goa governor had invited the BJP-led coalition to form the government. The Congress currently has 16 members in the Goa Assembly as one of its legislators Vishwajeet Rane joined the BJP last year. Rane later won the bypoll from Valpoi Assembly constituency on a BJP ticket. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats in the Karnataka Assembly, was invited by the governor despite the JD(S)-Congress combine staking claim, citing the support of 117 MLAs.

Congress decision to stake claim to form govt in Goa a stunt: BJP

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