<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-to-challenge-the-appointment-of-kg-bopaiah-as-pro-tem-speaker-in-the-sc-137972">Karnataka crisis: Congress to challenge KG Bopaiah's appointment as pro-tem Speaker in Supreme Court</a>

Congress to challenge the appointment of KG Bopaiah as pro-tem Speaker in the Supreme Court on Friday. According to television reports, Congress is moving Supreme Court to challenge the Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision to appoint KG Bopiah as pro-tem speaker ahead of the floor test on Saturday 4 pm.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-pm-modis-visit-to-jk-pakistan-summons-indian-high-commissioner-over-unprovoked-ceasefire-violations-along-loc-137934">Pakistan summons Indian High Commissioner over 'unprovoked ceasefire violations' along LoC</a>

As PM Modi prepares to visit J&K on Saturday, Pakistan today summoned Indian High Commissioner over "unprovoked ceasefire violations" allegedly carried out by Indian forces along the Line of Control(LoC).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-allows-karti-chidambaram-to-travel-abroad-137929">Supreme Court allows Karti Chidambaram to travel abroad</a>

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, to travel to offshore locations in United Kingdom, Germany and Spain with certain conditions, including that he would not open or close a bank account abroad.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-offering-200-billion-package-to-slash-us-trade-gap-137953">China denies offering $200 billion </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-offering-200-billion-package-to-slash-us-trade-gap-137953">package</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-offering-200-billion-package-to-slash-us-trade-gap-137953"> to slash US trade gap</a>

China denied on Friday that it had offered a package to slash the US trade deficit by up to $200 billion, hours after it dropped an anti-dumping probe into US sorghum imports in a conciliatory gesture as top negotiators meet in Washington.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congo-faces-very-high-risk-from-ebola-outbreak-who--137926">Congo faces 'very high' risk from Ebola outbreak: WHO</a>

Democratic Republic of Congo faces a "very high" public health risk from Ebola because the disease has been confirmed in a patient in a big city, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, raising its assessment from "high" previously.

&nbsp

Karnataka crisis: Congress to challenge KG Bopaiah's appointment as pro-tem Speaker in Supreme Court Congress to challenge the appointment of KG Bopaiah as pro-tem Speaker in the Supreme Court on Friday. According to television reports, Congress is moving Supreme Court to challenge the Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision to appoint KG Bopiah as pro-tem speaker ahead of the floor test on Saturday 4 pm. Pakistan summons Indian High Commissioner over 'unprovoked ceasefire violations' along LoC As PM Modi prepares to visit J&K on Saturday, Pakistan today summoned Indian High Commissioner over "unprovoked ceasefire violations" allegedly carried out by Indian forces along the Line of Control(LoC). Supreme Court allows Karti Chidambaram to travel abroad The Supreme Court on Friday allowed Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, to travel to offshore locations in United Kingdom, Germany and Spain with certain conditions, including that he would not open or close a bank account abroad. China denies offering $200 billion package to slash US trade gap China denied on Friday that it had offered a package to slash the US trade deficit by up to $200 billion, hours after it dropped an anti-dumping probe into US sorghum imports in a conciliatory gesture as top negotiators meet in Washington. Congo faces 'very high' risk from Ebola outbreak: WHO Democratic Republic of Congo faces a "very high" public health risk from Ebola because the disease has been confirmed in a patient in a big city, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, raising its assessment from "high" previously.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The benchmark Sensex slumped 300 points to end at 34,848.30 today on across-the-board selling amid political uncertainty in Karnataka and negative global cues.

The broader NSE Nifty too cracked below the 10,600-level.

No let-up in selling by foreign funds and surging crude oil prices in global markets dragged down the key indices.

Investors remained on the sidelines amid doubts whether the B S Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka will be able to prove its majority in the house tomorrow, brokers said.

The Supreme Court today ordered a floor test in the Karnataka Assembly at 4 PM tomorrow, reducing the 15-day window given by the Governor to Yeddyurappa to prove majority.

Yeddyurappa was sworn-in as the chief minister yesterday.

Falling for the fourth straight session, the 30-share Sensex opened lower and stayed in the negative terrain for the major part of the session, hitting a low of 34,821.62 before ending at 34,848.30 - down by 300.82 points, or 0.86 per cent.&nbsp

The barometer had lost 407.59 points in the previous three sessions.

The 50-share NSE Nifty settled 86.30 points, or 0.81 per cent, lower at 10,596.40. During the session, it moved between 10,589.10 and 10,674.95.

During the week, the Sensex lost 687.49 points, or 1.93 per cent, while the Nifty dropped 210.10 points, or 1.94 per cent.&nbspState-run banks remained under selling pressure on disappointing quarterly results due to a jump in provisions for bad loans. 
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The barometer had lost 407.59 points in the previous three sessions.

The benchmark Sensex slumped 300 points to end at 34,848.30 today on across-the-board selling amid political uncertainty in Karnataka and negative global cues. The broader NSE Nifty too cracked below the 10,600-level. No let-up in selling by foreign funds and surging crude oil prices in global markets dragged down the key indices. Investors remained on the sidelines amid doubts whether the B S Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka will be able to prove its majority in the house tomorrow, brokers said. The Supreme Court today ordered a floor test in the Karnataka Assembly at 4 PM tomorrow, reducing the 15-day window given by the Governor to Yeddyurappa to prove majority. Yeddyurappa was sworn-in as the chief minister yesterday. Falling for the fourth straight session, the 30-share Sensex opened lower and stayed in the negative terrain for the major part of the session, hitting a low of 34,821.62 before ending at 34,848.30 - down by 300.82 points, or 0.86 per cent. The barometer had lost 407.59 points in the previous three sessions. The 50-share NSE Nifty settled 86.30 points, or 0.81 per cent, lower at 10,596.40. During the session, it moved between 10,589.10 and 10,674.95. During the week, the Sensex lost 687.49 points, or 1.93 per cent, while the Nifty dropped 210.10 points, or 1.94 per cent.&nbspState-run banks remained under selling pressure on disappointing quarterly results due to a jump in provisions for bad loans.

Karnataka effect: Sensex closes 300 points down

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav and other alliance leaders met with the Bihar Governor Satyapal Malik today&nbspto prove their majority in&nbspthe state assembly.&nbsp

The parties handed over letters to the governor showing RJD as the single largest party in the assembly.&nbsp

The meeting was organised&nbspto demand&nbspan invitation from the governor for forming the&nbspgovernment in the state.&nbsp

The parties which joined the RJD in the meeting included Congress and CPI (ML).

RJD's Tejashwi Yadav had said yesterday that their party will hold a one-day protest against the ''murder of democracy''. He also said he will request Bihar Governor to dissolve the state government and like Karnataka invite the single largest party which in Bihar is RJD. &nbsp

A similar meeting was organised by the Congress MLAs in Goa where they met the Goa governor and handed over a memorandum to her stating their majority.

The opposition's move has come after the BJP staked claim of the Karnataka state after emerging as the single largest party,&nbspless than the majority mark.&nbsp

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RJD and other alliance parties-Congress and CPI(ML) hand over letters to Governor Satyapal Malik stating that RJD is the single largest party hence should be invited to form Government <a href="https://t.co/NdTSuvBsB0">pic.twitter.com/NdTSuvBsB0</a>
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Patna: Tejashwi Yadav and other alliance leaders met Bihar Governor Satyapal Malik, hand over letters stating that RJD is the single largest party and hence should be invited to form Government <a href="https://t.co/K24yHxu3nH">pic.twitter.com/K24yHxu3nH</a>
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The meeting was organised to demand an invitation from the governor for forming the government in the state

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav and other alliance leaders met with the Bihar Governor Satyapal Malik today&nbspto prove their majority in&nbspthe state assembly. The parties handed over letters to the governor showing RJD as the single largest party in the assembly. The meeting was organised&nbspto demand&nbspan invitation from the governor for forming the&nbspgovernment in the state. The parties which joined the RJD in the meeting included Congress and CPI (ML). RJD's Tejashwi Yadav had said yesterday that their party will hold a one-day protest against the ''murder of democracy''. He also said he will request Bihar Governor to dissolve the state government and like Karnataka invite the single largest party which in Bihar is RJD. A similar meeting was organised by the Congress MLAs in Goa where they met the Goa governor and handed over a memorandum to her stating their majority. The opposition's move has come after the BJP staked claim of the Karnataka state after emerging as the single largest party,&nbspless than the majority mark. RJD and other alliance parties-Congress and CPI(ML) hand over letters to Governor Satyapal Malik stating that RJD is the single largest party hence should be invited to form Government pic.twitter.com/NdTSuvBsB0 — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018 × Patna: Tejashwi Yadav and other alliance leaders met Bihar Governor Satyapal Malik, hand over letters stating that RJD is the single largest party and hence should be invited to form Government pic.twitter.com/K24yHxu3nH — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018 ×

RJD, alliance parties meet Bihar governor, submit letter proving majority

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

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

Congress stakes claim over Goa, submits memorandum to governor

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

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

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

At least 215 of the 222 newly-elected MLAs in Karnataka are crorepatis, says a report by Karnataka Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms.&nbsp

The report was filed on the basis of self-sworn affidavits submitted by 221 of the MLAs.&nbsp

The report says the assets owned by the Karnataka MLAs work out to an average of Rs 35 crore. And that half the MLAs own assets worth over Rs 10 crore.&nbsp

The report adds that the Congress tops the list of richie-rich MLAs — 99% of its MLAs are crorepatis.&nbsp

The BJP is a notch lower, but just a notch. 98% of its MLAs are crorepatis.&nbsp

The JD(S) comes third at 95%.&nbsp

The report adds that the assets of re-elected MLAs grew by an average of 90 per cent.

And that the average Karnataka MLA has become 3 times wealthier in the last 10 years.&nbsp

The report adds that the number of MLAs with criminal cases against them has also gone up.

Of the 221 MLAs analysed, 77 or 35% said they had criminal cases pending against them. In 2013, of 218 MLAs analysed 74 or 34% said they had criminal cases pending against them.&nbsp

The report, by Karnataka Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms, was filed on the basis of self-sworn affidavits submitted by 221 of the 222 MLAs

At least 215 of the 222 newly-elected MLAs in Karnataka are crorepatis, says a report by Karnataka Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms. The report was filed on the basis of self-sworn affidavits submitted by 221 of the MLAs. The report says the assets owned by the Karnataka MLAs work out to an average of Rs 35 crore. And that half the MLAs own assets worth over Rs 10 crore. The report adds that the Congress tops the list of richie-rich MLAs — 99% of its MLAs are crorepatis. The BJP is a notch lower, but just a notch. 98% of its MLAs are crorepatis. The JD(S) comes third at 95%. The report adds that the assets of re-elected MLAs grew by an average of 90 per cent. And that the average Karnataka MLA has become 3 times wealthier in the last 10 years. The report adds that the number of MLAs with criminal cases against them has also gone up. Of the 221 MLAs analysed, 77 or 35% said they had criminal cases pending against them. In 2013, of 218 MLAs analysed 74 or 34% said they had criminal cases pending against them.

In Karnataka, 97% newly-elected MLAs are crorepatis: Report

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the party formed a government in Karnataka and termed the entire episode as a conspiracy to destroy the Constitution, according to news agency ANI.

Addressing the media here, Mayawati accused the BJP of misusing the government ever since they came to power at the Centre.

"It is a conspiracy to destroy the constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, since they (BJP) came to power they have been misusing government machinery, thereby attacking democracy," ANI reported quoting Mayawati.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Yeddyurappa took oath as the 23rd chief minister of Karnataka after the Supreme Court early today morning decided not to put a stay on the swearing-in, while conducting a post-midnight hearing, wherein Congress and JD(S) pleaded for the same citing BJP`s inadequate strength in the assembly to stake claim at forming the state government.

Late last night, Congress and JD(S) challenged Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala`s decision in the top court to invite BJP to form the government even when the saffron party, with 105 MLAs, including one Independent MLA, is seven short of the halfway mark of 112.

They contended that they, with a total strength of 115 MLAs, are in a better position to form the government. Though Vala invited the BJP to form the government, he has given 15 days to the saffron party to prove its majority in the state assembly.&nbsp;

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

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the party formed a government in Karnataka and termed the entire episode as a conspiracy to destroy the Constitution, according to news agency ANI. Addressing the media here, Mayawati accused the BJP of misusing the government ever since they came to power at the Centre. "It is a conspiracy to destroy the constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, since they (BJP) came to power they have been misusing government machinery, thereby attacking democracy," ANI reported quoting Mayawati. Earlier in the day, Yeddyurappa took oath as the 23rd chief minister of Karnataka after the Supreme Court early today morning decided not to put a stay on the swearing-in, while conducting a post-midnight hearing, wherein Congress and JD(S) pleaded for the same citing BJP`s inadequate strength in the assembly to stake claim at forming the state government. Late last night, Congress and JD(S) challenged Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala`s decision in the top court to invite BJP to form the government even when the saffron party, with 105 MLAs, including one Independent MLA, is seven short of the halfway mark of 112. They contended that they, with a total strength of 115 MLAs, are in a better position to form the government. Though Vala invited the BJP to form the government, he has given 15 days to the saffron party to prove its majority in the state assembly.

Mayawati accuses BJP of conspiring to destroy Constitution

A little after BS Yeddyurappa was sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka, Congress leaders and the party's Karnataka MLAs began protesting outside the Vidhan Soudha.&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy and his father HD Deve Gowda joined them.&nbsp;

There was however one Congress MLA missing — Anand Singh.&nbsp;

Singh, a mining baron who joined the Congress from the BJP just before the Karnataka elections, was also missing from the Congress Legislature Party meeting yesterday.&nbsp;

"All MLAs are here except Anand Singh," Congress MP from Bangalore Rural DK Suresh said. &nbsp;

"He is in (the) clutches of Narendra Modi," Suresh added.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy was even more forthcoming.&nbsp;

"Modi government is misusing institutions of central government," he said.&nbsp;

"I know they are threatening MLAs.&nbsp;

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All MLAs are here except Anand Singh, he is in clutches of Narendra Modi: DK Suresh, Congress MP at Vidhan Soudha in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengaluru?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengaluru</a> <a href="https://t.co/2h8F3q0IKF">pic.twitter.com/2h8F3q0IKF</a>
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Modi govt is misusing institutions of central govt. I know they are threatening MLAs. Anand Singh (Cong MLA) told 'they are using ED, I had a case in ED & they are going to screw me. I'm sorry I have to protect my interest,' another Cong MLA who spoke to Singh told me-Kumaraswamy <a href="https://t.co/QrzW8eHeAR">pic.twitter.com/QrzW8eHeAR</a>
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Kumaraswamy then said Singh had told another Congress MLA that, "They are using ED, I had a case in ED and they are going to screw me. I'm sorry I have to protect my interest."&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy added that he had learnt what Anand Singh had said from the second Congress MLA.&nbsp;

Anand Singh, who joined the Congress from the BJP just before the elections, is not at the Congress-JD(S) protest at the Vidhan Soudha. He also did not attend the Karnataka Congress Legislature Party meeting yesterday

A little after BS Yeddyurappa was sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka, Congress leaders and the party's Karnataka MLAs began protesting outside the Vidhan Soudha. The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy and his father HD Deve Gowda joined them. There was however one Congress MLA missing — Anand Singh. Singh, a mining baron who joined the Congress from the BJP just before the Karnataka elections, was also missing from the Congress Legislature Party meeting yesterday. "All MLAs are here except Anand Singh," Congress MP from Bangalore Rural DK Suresh said. "He is in (the) clutches of Narendra Modi," Suresh added. Kumaraswamy was even more forthcoming. "Modi government is misusing institutions of central government," he said. "I know they are threatening MLAs. All MLAs are here except Anand Singh, he is in clutches of Narendra Modi: DK Suresh, Congress MP at Vidhan Soudha in #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/2h8F3q0IKF — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × Modi govt is misusing institutions of central govt. I know they are threatening MLAs. Anand Singh (Cong MLA) told 'they are using ED, I had a case in ED & they are going to screw me. I'm sorry I have to protect my interest,' another Cong MLA who spoke to Singh told me-Kumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/QrzW8eHeAR — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × Kumaraswamy then said Singh had told another Congress MLA that, "They are using ED, I had a case in ED and they are going to screw me. I'm sorry I have to protect my interest." Kumaraswamy added that he had learnt what Anand Singh had said from the second Congress MLA.

First Congress MLA seems to break from Cong-JD(S) ranks

As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress and Janata Dal(Secular) vie for power in Karnataka, the focus has turned to Governor Vajubhai Vala. Vala, an old BJP hand who is considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has put all appointments on hold till all results are out.

Vala was appointed as the Governor of Karnataka in August 2014, a few months after Narendra Modi stormed to power in New Delhi. He was serving as Gujarat Assembly speaker since January 2013 before he was sent to the southern state.

Vala, who represented the Rajkot West constituency in the Gujarat assembly for a record seven times, had been the state BJP president, Assembly Speaker and a Cabinet minister holding crucial portfolios.&nbsp;

Vala, who has earned a reputation of a crisis manager in the Gujarat unit of the BJP, was made state party chief after the rebellion by Shankarsinh Vaghela in the mid-90s that resulted in the fall of Keshubhai Patel government.

Vala, the son of a Rajkot businessman, started his career as a Sangh pracharak while still in school. He joined the Jana Sangh at 26 and eventually won a seat in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation in 1975, and in 1983, he became Rajkot mayor.

Vala, who has earned a reputation of a crisis manager in the Gujarat unit of the BJP, was made state party chief after the rebellion by Shankarsinh Vaghela in the mid-90s that resulted in the fall of Keshubhai Patel government.

As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress and Janata Dal(Secular) vie for power in Karnataka, the focus has turned to Governor Vajubhai Vala. Vala, an old BJP hand who is considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has put all appointments on hold till all results are out. Vala was appointed as the Governor of Karnataka in August 2014, a few months after Narendra Modi stormed to power in New Delhi. He was serving as Gujarat Assembly speaker since January 2013 before he was sent to the southern state. Vala, who represented the Rajkot West constituency in the Gujarat assembly for a record seven times, had been the state BJP president, Assembly Speaker and a Cabinet minister holding crucial portfolios. Vala, who has earned a reputation of a crisis manager in the Gujarat unit of the BJP, was made state party chief after the rebellion by Shankarsinh Vaghela in the mid-90s that resulted in the fall of Keshubhai Patel government. Vala, the son of a Rajkot businessman, started his career as a Sangh pracharak while still in school. He joined the Jana Sangh at 26 and eventually won a seat in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation in 1975, and in 1983, he became Rajkot mayor.

Governor Vala: Karnataka's future rests on a man who once gave up his seat for Narendra Modi

The drama in Karnataka will continue on Wednesday with both the JD(S)-Congress combine and the BJP meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala today to stake their claims to forming a government.&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy had met Governor Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah.&nbsp;

The Congress told Vala that it was giving the JD(S) its "unconditional support".&nbsp;

But the BJP's chief ministerial candidate got to Vala before Kumaraswamy, and he too staked his claim to forming the government.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-does-a-goa-in-karnataka-137130">Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa</a>

The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party.&nbsp;

The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, and Others 2.&nbsp;

Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp;

The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats.&nbsp;

But Yeddyurappa told Governor Vala yesterday that he should be the one invited to try and form a government since the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party in Karnataka.&nbsp;

Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah meanwhile quoted the Supreme Court as saying after the Goa election that "group having more seats than required are invited".&nbsp;

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Have called for a meeting tomorrow. Newly elected Congress & JD(S) MLAs will be there. We are supporting JD(S) to form govt & have sent this resolution to the Governor. SC said after Goa election that group having more seats than reqd. are invited, we have 117 seats: Siddarmaiah <a href="https://t.co/YT5IEaHO9H">pic.twitter.com/YT5IEaHO9H</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996468249381429248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Remember, in Goa and Manipur, which went to the polls last year, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers.&nbsp;

All eyes, in Karnataka and the country, then are on Governor Vala and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jdss-kumaraswamy-bjps-yeddyurappa-stake-claim-to-form-karnataka-govt-all-eyes-now-on-governor-137164">what he does next</a>.&nbsp;

Constitutional experts have said the decision is his but that he will have to be guided by the principle of inviting the combine/ party that he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. &nbsp;

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HD Deve Gowda reaches Ashoka Hotel for meeting with senior Congress leaders in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/GIDbPgSPpZ">pic.twitter.com/GIDbPgSPpZ</a>
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JD(S)' HD Deve Gowda & HD Kumaraswamy are in meeting with Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM">https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996419812120145920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Tomorrow at 10:30 am in BJP legislative party meeting, I am going to be elected as party leader. After that all MLAs are going to meet the Governor to request him to allow BJP to form govt. Now the ball is in the court of the Governor. We will do as he decides: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://t.co/6QbhizTr6z">pic.twitter.com/6QbhizTr6z</a>
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The JD(S) meanwhile has said they will be sticking with the Congress, but that the BJP has been trying to get in touch with them.&nbsp;

"We have already decided to go with Congress. That's the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision," the JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy told ANI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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I don't know what they (BJP) are offering but they are trying to call our people, but they are not responding. We are all together, no one can touch our party. Our party MLAs are loyal to the party: Saravana, JD(S) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/3q0OAehwWq">pic.twitter.com/3q0OAehwWq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996604732855803904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we'll give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister: Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur, Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/BIJYZHV7P7">pic.twitter.com/BIJYZHV7P7</a>
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JD(S) & Congress have the numbers. I hope, the governor will discharge his constitutional duties & invite HD Kumaraswamy to talk. If BJP puts pressure on the governor, it will be the death of Democracy: Danish Ali, JD(S). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/vNV3EBRAME">pic.twitter.com/vNV3EBRAME</a>
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&nbsp;

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

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

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

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had a role to play in stitching together the JD(S)-Congress combine in Karnataka, a news report has said.&nbsp;

The DNA newspaper reported Wednesday that it was at Priyanka's suggestion that Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered the Karnataka chief ministership to the JD(S).&nbsp;

Rahul had earlier turned down the idea of a pre-poll alliance with the JD(S).&nbsp;

He had in February called the JD(S) a "B team involved in an undercover arrangement with the BJP".&nbsp;

The JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka had begun with Sonia Gandhi calling Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who in turn called JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;

After it was agreed that Kumaraswamy would be the chief minister of a JD(S)-Congress government, things began to swing into motion.&nbsp;

The DNA report however added that the turn of events in Karnataka have again put a question mark over Rahul's ability to stitch together alliances. And that should the opposition stitch together a grand alliance to counter the BJP in the 2019 elections, the alliance partners might have trouble accepting Rahul as their prime ministerial candidate.&nbsp;

The DNA report added that the developments in Karnataka may lead to claims for former Congress president Sonia Gandhi — who has of late been having troubles with her health — to return to active politics.&nbsp;

The DNA newspaper reported Wednesday that it was at Priyanka's suggestion that Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered the Karnataka chief ministership to the JD(S)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had a role to play in stitching together the JD(S)-Congress combine in Karnataka, a news report has said. The DNA newspaper reported Wednesday that it was at Priyanka's suggestion that Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered the Karnataka chief ministership to the JD(S). Rahul had earlier turned down the idea of a pre-poll alliance with the JD(S). He had in February called the JD(S) a "B team involved in an undercover arrangement with the BJP". The JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka had begun with Sonia Gandhi calling Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who in turn called JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy. After it was agreed that Kumaraswamy would be the chief minister of a JD(S)-Congress government, things began to swing into motion. The DNA report however added that the turn of events in Karnataka have again put a question mark over Rahul's ability to stitch together alliances. And that should the opposition stitch together a grand alliance to counter the BJP in the 2019 elections, the alliance partners might have trouble accepting Rahul as their prime ministerial candidate. The DNA report added that the developments in Karnataka may lead to claims for former Congress president Sonia Gandhi — who has of late been having troubles with her health — to return to active politics.

Priyanka Gandhi had hand in stitching together JD(S)-Congress combine in Karnataka: Report

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

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

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

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

As Karnataka's political scenario gets intensive, the state's Congress Party leaders have alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying to "poach" their MLAs in an attempt to establish majority to form the government in Karnataka.

"They (BJP) are poaching our MLAs, and we know that. Every day, there is a lot of pressure. But it not so easy, as two parties have the necessary numbers. However, we are taking all necessary steps," said Congress leader DK Shivakumar.

On being asked whether Congress MLAs in Karnataka would be shifted elsewhere, Shivakumar claimed that a plan has been chalked out to safeguard the former.

Echoing a similar stance, another Congress leader, Ramalinga Reddy, also claimed that the BJP was "trying hard" to get his party MLAs on their side.

"We believe in all our MLAs. BJP is trying hard to get them. They don't believe in democracy they just want power. All the people are happy, nobody is unhappy here," he said.

Meanwhile, outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah re-iterated that the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance would form the government in the state.

"All the Congress MLAs are intact. Nobody is missing. We are confident of forming the government," he told reporters here, prior to the Congress party meeting at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office.

Results of the Karnataka Assembly polls announced on Tuesday evening showed that the BJP won 104 seats, emerging as the single largest party, while the Congress and JD (S) bagged 78 and 37 seats, respectively.

Soon after, the Congress announced that it would support the JD (S), taking their total seat share to 117, thus resulting in a fractured mandate.

As the results of the poll in the state have left the assembly in hung, the final decision will be taken by the Governor, Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala.

On a related note, JD(S) MLAs have gathered to attend the legislative party meeting, which is expected to begin shortly.

On being asked whether Congress MLAs in Karnataka would be shifted elsewhere, Shivakumar claimed that a plan has been chalked out to safeguard the former

As Karnataka's political scenario gets intensive, the state's Congress Party leaders have alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying to "poach" their MLAs in an attempt to establish majority to form the government in Karnataka. "They (BJP) are poaching our MLAs, and we know that. Every day, there is a lot of pressure. But it not so easy, as two parties have the necessary numbers. However, we are taking all necessary steps," said Congress leader DK Shivakumar. On being asked whether Congress MLAs in Karnataka would be shifted elsewhere, Shivakumar claimed that a plan has been chalked out to safeguard the former. Echoing a similar stance, another Congress leader, Ramalinga Reddy, also claimed that the BJP was "trying hard" to get his party MLAs on their side. "We believe in all our MLAs. BJP is trying hard to get them. They don't believe in democracy they just want power. All the people are happy, nobody is unhappy here," he said. Meanwhile, outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah re-iterated that the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance would form the government in the state. "All the Congress MLAs are intact. Nobody is missing. We are confident of forming the government," he told reporters here, prior to the Congress party meeting at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office. Results of the Karnataka Assembly polls announced on Tuesday evening showed that the BJP won 104 seats, emerging as the single largest party, while the Congress and JD (S) bagged 78 and 37 seats, respectively. Soon after, the Congress announced that it would support the JD (S), taking their total seat share to 117, thus resulting in a fractured mandate. As the results of the poll in the state have left the assembly in hung, the final decision will be taken by the Governor, Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala. On a related note, JD(S) MLAs have gathered to attend the legislative party meeting, which is expected to begin shortly.

BJP trying to poach MLAs, claim Karnataka Congress frontrunners

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

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

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

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated the workers on the party’s success in Karnataka election.

He also expressed grief over the loss of lives in Varanasi, after a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed this evening.&nbsp;

“I am happy about Karnataka’s victory but on the other hand, I am saddened by the loss of lives in Varanasi. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased and assure that the government will do whatever it can to support these families,” he said.

PM Modi said that language was never a barrier in Karnataka. Congress wanted North-South divide.

PM Modi said: "They say BJP is a party of Hindi speaking states. Are Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra states in North East Hindi speaking states? No, BJP represents India. There was no barrier between people of Karnataka & me. I’ll always cherish the affection I received from them."

PM Modi speaking at the BJP headquarters slammed the Mamata government over the West Bengal Panchayat violence calling it a ‘murder of democracy’. He said people were bullied and weren't even allowed to file nominations.&nbsp;

He said: “There is one more thing I want to talk about...the scenes from the Panchayat Elections in West Bengal. It was nothing but a murder of democracy. From the nomination stage to the day of polling, where was the spirit of democracy? People were bullied.”

He added: “People were disallowed to file nominations also. It is not only BJP people who suffered. People from all the leading parties except the one that rules Bengal suffered. This is serious. A land as great as West Bengal has to see such sights, it is unfortunate. It is not about who wins polls....all those who are democratic-minded, including friends in civil society, they must come together to strengthen the democratic spirit. We cannot see things only in partisan terms.”

PM Modi said that language was never a barrier in Karnataka. Congress wanted North-South divide.

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated the workers on the party’s success in Karnataka election. He also expressed grief over the loss of lives in Varanasi, after a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed this evening. “I am happy about Karnataka’s victory but on the other hand, I am saddened by the loss of lives in Varanasi. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased and assure that the government will do whatever it can to support these families,” he said. PM Modi said that language was never a barrier in Karnataka. Congress wanted North-South divide. PM Modi said: "They say BJP is a party of Hindi speaking states. Are Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra states in North East Hindi speaking states? No, BJP represents India. There was no barrier between people of Karnataka & me. I’ll always cherish the affection I received from them." PM Modi speaking at the BJP headquarters slammed the Mamata government over the West Bengal Panchayat violence calling it a ‘murder of democracy’. He said people were bullied and weren't even allowed to file nominations. He said: “There is one more thing I want to talk about...the scenes from the Panchayat Elections in West Bengal. It was nothing but a murder of democracy. From the nomination stage to the day of polling, where was the spirit of democracy? People were bullied.” He added: “People were disallowed to file nominations also. It is not only BJP people who suffered. People from all the leading parties except the one that rules Bengal suffered. This is serious. A land as great as West Bengal has to see such sights, it is unfortunate. It is not about who wins polls....all those who are democratic-minded, including friends in civil society, they must come together to strengthen the democratic spirit. We cannot see things only in partisan terms.”

PM Modi hails BJP’s showing in Karnataka, says Congress wanted North-South divide

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

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

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

Following the declaration of the results of the Karnataka assembly elections,&nbsp;Congress leader and incumbent chief minister Siddaramaiah has decided&nbsp;to meet the governor and submit his resignation to him.

Siddaramaiah will meet the governor&nbsp;Vajubhai Vala at 4 pm today.

The Congress chief ministerial candidate contested the polls from two constituencies,&nbsp;Chamundeshwari and Badami.

While he lost from Chamundeshwari, Siddaramaiah won from Badami by defeating BJP's B Sriramulu.

The results of the elections declared BJP as the major winning party with 104 seats, Congress winning 78 while JDS 36 seats.

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CM Siddaramaiah to meet the Governor of Karnataka at 4 pm today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/euKZ0nMLO0">pic.twitter.com/euKZ0nMLO0</a>
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Siddaramaiah will meet the governor Vajubhai Vala at 4 pm today

Following the declaration of the results of the Karnataka assembly elections, Congress leader and incumbent chief minister Siddaramaiah has decided to meet the governor and submit his resignation to him. Siddaramaiah will meet the governor Vajubhai Vala at 4 pm today. The Congress chief ministerial candidate contested the polls from two constituencies, Chamundeshwari and Badami. While he lost from Chamundeshwari, Siddaramaiah won from Badami by defeating BJP's B Sriramulu. The results of the elections declared BJP as the major winning party with 104 seats, Congress winning 78 while JDS 36 seats. CM Siddaramaiah to meet the Governor of Karnataka at 4 pm today. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/euKZ0nMLO0 — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 ×

Karnataka results: Siddaramaiah to meet governor to submit his resignation today

The counting of votes is underway in Karnataka and the BJP has taken the lead. The party is currently leading in&nbsp;106&nbsp;seats, while the Congress is leading in 76.&nbsp;

Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this time. (Voting was postponed in Bengaluru's RR Nagar seat where close to 10,000 voter IDs were recovered from a flat. Voting was also postponed in another seat where a candidate died.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

The halfway mark then is 112 seats.&nbsp;

Should the Congress lose Karnataka, it will be left in power in only two Indian states and one union territory.

The two states are Punjab and Mizoram. The UT is Puducherry.&nbsp;

The BJP on the other will end up ruling 21 states (including Karnataka) out of 29.&nbsp;

Watch: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-bjp-leaders-hail-victory-congress-disappointed-in-karnataka-election-136924#">BJP leaders hail victory, Congress disappointed in Karnataka election</a>

The Congress recently lost Himachal Pradesh, while the BJP retained Gujarat, the latest in a string of defeats since 2014 when Prime Minister Modi came to power at the Centre.&nbsp;

While campaigning for the 2014 general elections, Modi had promised a "Congress-mukt Bharat".&nbsp;

In 2017, the Congress lost Goa and Manipur — despite emerging as the single-largest party in both states.&nbsp;

In the 2014 general elections, the Congress won only 44 Lok Sabha — marking a new low.

The next state elections coming up in 2018 are Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The BJP is in power in all three and will therefore have to fight the anti-incumbency factor there.

Also see: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-election-results-what-didnt-work-for-congress-136929">Karnataka election results: What didn't work for Congress</a>

In Karnataka, Modi's last-minute blitzkrieg seems to have paid off. The BJP is currently leading in 11 of the 19 constituencies that Modi campaigned in.

Of the 16 constituencies that Rahul Gandhi campaigned in, the Congress is leading in 6.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-karnataka-election-results-counting-underway-as-bjp-congress-wait-for-results-136866">Watch the live updates of the Karnataka elections here.</a>

The BJP is currently leading in 106 seats in Karnataka. The two states the Congress still rules in are Punjab and Mizoram. The union territory is Puducherry

The counting of votes is underway in Karnataka and the BJP has taken the lead. The party is currently leading in 106 seats, while the Congress is leading in 76. Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this time. (Voting was postponed in Bengaluru's RR Nagar seat where close to 10,000 voter IDs were recovered from a flat. Voting was also postponed in another seat where a candidate died.) The halfway mark then is 112 seats. Should the Congress lose Karnataka, it will be left in power in only two Indian states and one union territory. The two states are Punjab and Mizoram. The UT is Puducherry. The BJP on the other will end up ruling 21 states (including Karnataka) out of 29. Watch: BJP leaders hail victory, Congress disappointed in Karnataka election The Congress recently lost Himachal Pradesh, while the BJP retained Gujarat, the latest in a string of defeats since 2014 when Prime Minister Modi came to power at the Centre. While campaigning for the 2014 general elections, Modi had promised a "Congress-mukt Bharat". In 2017, the Congress lost Goa and Manipur — despite emerging as the single-largest party in both states. In the 2014 general elections, the Congress won only 44 Lok Sabha — marking a new low. The next state elections coming up in 2018 are Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The BJP is in power in all three and will therefore have to fight the anti-incumbency factor there. Also see: Karnataka election results: What didn't work for Congress In Karnataka, Modi's last-minute blitzkrieg seems to have paid off. The BJP is currently leading in 11 of the 19 constituencies that Modi campaigned in. Of the 16 constituencies that Rahul Gandhi campaigned in, the Congress is leading in 6. Watch the live updates of the Karnataka elections here.

Should Congress lose Karnataka, it will be left in power in only two states, 1 UT

PM Modi joined the Karnataka campaign in the last leg with just 10 days to go, in that little time the Indian prime minister addressed over 20 rallies and put the Namo app to good use reaching out to farmers, Dalits and the general public.

However, throughout the 10 days, Modi's prime focus was Rahul Gandhi, the eligibility of the Congress president for prime ministership in the next election and attacking Karnataka's Congress chief minister&nbsp;Siddaramaiah.

It felt more like it was May 2019 General Elections then Karnataka assembly polls being fought in May, 2018.

As prime minister Modi hardly ever spoke about his "vision" for the state which the BJP thinks is its&nbsp;gateway to the south.

In this, the prime minister played to the gallery i.e. the ever-present TV cameras relaying his message Live to every drawing room in the country, not just in Karnataka.&nbsp;

The prime minister looked distracted fighting an assembly poll on a "national scale" - a fact which was picked up by chief minister Siddaramaiah who said both Modi and Adityanath had parachuted into Karnataka at the last moment, a fact which could not be contradicted.

Modi may be BJP's chief "vote-catcher" but it can't feed off his charisma alone, it would be like exposing the "trump card" ahead of the big election in 2019.

The party also has to assess the fact that Karnataka is not Uttar Pradesh or Gujarat where Modi's name already has a resonance. In Karnataka local issues matter - a Modi cannot act like "Mr Fixit" for the BJP.

Exit polls already show a hung assembly coming up in Karnataka on 15th, if so, the BJP would have to accept the fact that they have played the Modi card way too often and not addressed the core issues of the state merely having Yeddyurappa to tag along with the prime minister will not get the party a majority.

Neither is every assembly poll a Modi vs Rahul debate or of Sonia's foreign origin. It is time BJP started looking out for "horses for courses",&nbsp;finding a "local star" is the key.

The BJP cannot make the same mistake as parachuting Kiran Bedi in Delhi or pull someone from deep within its rank at the last moment to pitch as CM of a state that trick may not work for too long.

One thing is clear - the BJP has to watch its next step&nbsp;as the countdown begins for General Elections in 2019 otherwise risk playing the old Modi card which the electorate has already seen and experienced, and they know all too well what Brand Modi will bring to the table.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Exit polls already show a hung assembly coming up in Karnataka on 15th, if so, the BJP would have to accept the fact that they have played the Modi card way too often

PM Modi joined the Karnataka campaign in the last leg with just 10 days to go, in that little time the Indian prime minister addressed over 20 rallies and put the Namo app to good use reaching out to farmers, Dalits and the general public. However, throughout the 10 days, Modi's prime focus was Rahul Gandhi, the eligibility of the Congress president for prime ministership in the next election and attacking Karnataka's Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah. It felt more like it was May 2019 General Elections then Karnataka assembly polls being fought in May, 2018. As prime minister Modi hardly ever spoke about his "vision" for the state which the BJP thinks is its gateway to the south. In this, the prime minister played to the gallery i.e. the ever-present TV cameras relaying his message Live to every drawing room in the country, not just in Karnataka. The prime minister looked distracted fighting an assembly poll on a "national scale" - a fact which was picked up by chief minister Siddaramaiah who said both Modi and Adityanath had parachuted into Karnataka at the last moment, a fact which could not be contradicted. Modi may be BJP's chief "vote-catcher" but it can't feed off his charisma alone, it would be like exposing the "trump card" ahead of the big election in 2019. The party also has to assess the fact that Karnataka is not Uttar Pradesh or Gujarat where Modi's name already has a resonance. In Karnataka local issues matter - a Modi cannot act like "Mr Fixit" for the BJP. Exit polls already show a hung assembly coming up in Karnataka on 15th, if so, the BJP would have to accept the fact that they have played the Modi card way too often and not addressed the core issues of the state merely having Yeddyurappa to tag along with the prime minister will not get the party a majority. Neither is every assembly poll a Modi vs Rahul debate or of Sonia's foreign origin. It is time BJP started looking out for "horses for courses", finding a "local star" is the key. The BJP cannot make the same mistake as parachuting Kiran Bedi in Delhi or pull someone from deep within its rank at the last moment to pitch as CM of a state that trick may not work for too long. One thing is clear - the BJP has to watch its next step as the countdown begins for General Elections in 2019 otherwise risk playing the old Modi card which the electorate has already seen and experienced, and they know all too well what Brand Modi will bring to the table. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Assembly elections: Why PM Modi, Adityanath will lose & Karnataka will win

Hebbal assembly constituency in Karnataka will hold re-polling as the votings were disrupted in the constituency due to EVM failure.

The re-polling in the constituency will take place on May 14.

The re-polling will be done in&nbsp;station number 2 of the constituency.

The polling in Karnataka assembly election ended with&nbsp;70 per cent voter turnout across the state.

The Badami constituency where Congress chief minister&nbsp;contested against BJP's Sriramulu, witnessed&nbsp;less voter turnout. Polling booth number 142, 143 and 144 in Tippu Nagar of the constituency experienced less voting as the residents of the region had moved out of the districts due to lack of employment.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a>: Re-polling to take place in Hebbal assembly constituency's Polling Station Number 2 after polling was stopped due to EVM failure. <a href="https://t.co/IS14p1hvVe">pic.twitter.com/IS14p1hvVe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995275050918920192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The re-polling will be done in station number 2 of the constituency

Hebbal assembly constituency in Karnataka will hold re-polling as the votings were disrupted in the constituency due to EVM failure. The re-polling in the constituency will take place on May 14. The re-polling will be done in station number 2 of the constituency. The polling in Karnataka assembly election ended with 70 per cent voter turnout across the state. The Badami constituency where Congress chief minister contested against BJP's Sriramulu, witnessed less voter turnout. Polling booth number 142, 143 and 144 in Tippu Nagar of the constituency experienced less voting as the residents of the region had moved out of the districts due to lack of employment. #KarnatakaElections2018: Re-polling to take place in Hebbal assembly constituency's Polling Station Number 2 after polling was stopped due to EVM failure. pic.twitter.com/IS14p1hvVe — ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2018 ×

Karnataka elections: Hebbal constituency to undergo repolling due to EVM failure

Over 3.5 crore&nbsp;people registered their votes in the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-election-live-updates-voting-begins-as--siddaramaiah-tries-to-break-33-year-old-jinx-136233"> Karnataka assembly elections</a> that ended on May 12.

While the state recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent, the figures are expected to go up as the pollings continued in some areas.

Some polling stations of Hebbal constituency also experienced non-functional EVMs and will, therefore, conduct re-polling.

Polling in Bengaluru's Raja Rajeshwari Nagar segment has been postponed to May 28 following the discovery of voter ID cards.

The elections in Bengaluru's Jayanagar seat were cancelled following the death of BJP contestant BN Vijaya Kumar.

The elections in the state are crucial for both the ruling Congress as well as the BJP. Both the parties are showing confidence in securing a victory in the state.

While the state recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent, the figures are expected to go up as the pollings continued in some areas

Over 3.5 crore people registered their votes in the Karnataka assembly elections that ended on May 12. While the state recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent, the figures are expected to go up as the pollings continued in some areas. Some polling stations of Hebbal constituency also experienced non-functional EVMs and will, therefore, conduct re-polling. Polling in Bengaluru's Raja Rajeshwari Nagar segment has been postponed to May 28 following the discovery of voter ID cards. The elections in Bengaluru's Jayanagar seat were cancelled following the death of BJP contestant BN Vijaya Kumar. The elections in the state are crucial for both the ruling Congress as well as the BJP. Both the parties are showing confidence in securing a victory in the state.

Karnataka polls end with over 70% voter turnout

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In an interview to a Pakistani media,&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-sc-disqualifies-nawaz-sharif-from-holding-office-for-life-130297">ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif&nbsp</a>has admitted to Pakistan's role in the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-election-live-updates-voting-begins-as--siddaramaiah-tries-to-break-33-year-old-jinx-136233">Karnataka polls 2018 live: 64% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm across state</a>

Polling for Karnataka assembly election ends with over 64% voter turnout reported till 5 pm.

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Hailing Nepal's successful journey from bullets to ballots, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that India is ready to be the "sherpa" (mountain guide) to help Nepal scale the mountain of success.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-defence-minister-gets-additional-portfolio-of-foreign-affairs-136362">Pakistan: Defence minister gets </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-defence-minister-gets-additional-portfolio-of-foreign-affairs-136362">additional</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-defence-minister-gets-additional-portfolio-of-foreign-affairs-136362"> portfolio of foreign affairs</a>

Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khurram Dastagir Khan, was given the additional portfolio of foreign affairs ministry on Friday.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's trip to Singapore for talks with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump poses logistical challenges that are likely to include using Soviet-era aircraft to carry him and his limousine, as well as dozens of security and other support staff.

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After his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yeddyurappa-is-mentally-disturbed-says-karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah--136333"> comments on BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa</a>, Siddaramaiah has now targetted the party president Amit Shah and called him "a comedy show".&nbsp;&nbsp;

He said that they were not worried about&nbsp;losing the elections as Amit Shah is like "a comedy show and Modi's "image had drastically&nbsp;declined".

He said, " This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image is drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore&nbsp;we are not worried."&nbsp;

Earlier the Congress leader Siddaramaiah&nbsp;had&nbsp;called BS Yeddyurappa ''mentally disturbed".&nbsp;

Dismissing&nbsp;the claims made by Yeddyurappa about his party winning 150 seats and forming the government in the state on May 17, Siddaramaiah called him "mentally disturbed".

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This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image has drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore we are not worried: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElection2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElection2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/gmdl3lYlB6">pic.twitter.com/gmdl3lYlB6</a>
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&nbsp;

He said, 'This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image is drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore we are not worried'

After his comments on BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa, Siddaramaiah has now targetted the party president Amit Shah and called him "a comedy show". He said that they were not worried about losing the elections as Amit Shah is like "a comedy show and Modi's "image had drastically declined". He said, " This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image is drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore we are not worried." Earlier the Congress leader Siddaramaiah had called BS Yeddyurappa ''mentally disturbed". Dismissing the claims made by Yeddyurappa about his party winning 150 seats and forming the government in the state on May 17, Siddaramaiah called him "mentally disturbed". This Amit Shah is like a comedy show and Narendra Modi's image has drastically declined, his speeches are completely hollow and have made no impact on the voters of Karnataka. Therefore we are not worried: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah#KarnatakaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/gmdl3lYlB6 — ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2018 ×

'Amit Shah is like a comedy show': Siddaramaiah

Almost five crore citizens of Karnataka will visit polling booths to exercise their franchise to elect their representatives to the state assembly on Saturday.

The election in Karnataka is considered crucial for the Congress Party, as it would be looking to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) juggernaut from expanding its footprints in the south.

Since the 2014 general election, the Congress has been defeated by the BJP in over a dozen states, drastically shrinking its political footprint.

The BJP is making an all-out bid to oust the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka and is looking to come back to power in the state with BS&nbsp;Yeddyurappa, its chief ministerial candidate.

Interestingly, no incumbent government has been re-elected in Karnataka since 1985.

The Janata Dal (Secular) is looking to establish itself once again in Karnataka politics and is expected to give a tough fight to both the BJP and the Congress.

Voting for the 224-member assembly will begin at 7 am across Karnataka on Saturday morning, except in Jayanagar constituency, following the demise of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate B&nbsp;N&nbsp;Vijayakumar on May 4.

The polling will continue till 6 pm in 58,546 polling stations each, equipped with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails. (VVPATs).

A total of 2,654 candidates are in the fray and 4.96-crore electorate, including 2.44 crore women, will cast their votes.

Over 15 lakh people are first-time voters in the 18-19 age group.

Tight security is in place to ensure smooth and peaceful polling across the 224 assembly constituencies spread across 30 districts.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded 223 candidates, while Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) have fielded 222 and 201 seats respectively.

Out of the 224 seats, 36 of them are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs), while 15 of them are for Scheduled Tribes (STs).

The majority mark for any party to form the government is 112 in the 225-member assembly. While elections are held for 224 seats, one member is nominated by the state governor from the Anglo-Indian community.

Votes will be counted and results declared on May 15.

Of the 2,564 candidates analysed, about 883 (34 per cent) are crorepati candidates.

Party wise, nearly all the candidates of both the national parties, Congress and the BJP, are crorepatis.

Congress has 207 (94 per cent) crorepati candidates, while the BJP has 208 (93 per cent) millionaire contestants.

Not far behind is the Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), with its 154 (77 per cent) crorepati contestants.

In addition to crorepati candidates, 645, or 24 per cent, contestants are such who have criminal cases registered against them.

Further, 25 per cent seats have been declared red alert constituencies.This means there 56 assembly constituencies wherein three or more candidates with declared criminal cases are contesting in the Karnataka election.

Meanwhile, the smallest constituency in terms of area is Dasarahalli seat in Bengaluru Urban district.

It measures just 8.91 sq km in size and has 2.3 lakh male and 2 lakh female voters.

PN&nbsp;Krishnamurthy from Congress and R&nbsp;Manjunatha from JD(S) will fight two-time BJP MLA S Muniraju for the seat.

The biggest constituency in terms of area is the Haliyal seat located in Uttara Kannada district in north Karnataka.

Congress leader RV&nbsp;Deshpande, who is the Medium and Heavy Industries Minister is the incumbent MLA from this seat.

He will face KR&nbsp;Ramesh of JD(S) and Sunil V&nbsp;Hegde of the BJP respectively to defend his seat.

In terms of the size of the electorate, Sringeri is the smallest constituency. It is a prominent religious town situated in the hilly Chikkamagaluru district in south Karnataka and has been a BJP bastion since 2004.

It has 1.6 lakh voters. Sitting MLA DN&nbsp;Jeevaraj of the BJP will take on Congress` TD&nbsp;Rajegowda and JD(S)` HG&nbsp;Venkatesh.

While in Bengaluru South, which has the biggest electorate of 5.5 lakh voters, will witness the contest among BJP`s incumbent MLA M.

Krishnappa, Congress` R.K. Ramesh and JD(S)` R. Prabhakar Reddy.

In 2013, the Congress won with an absolute majority. It won 122 seats, 10 more than the majority mark of 112, while the BJP and JD(S) won 40 seats each.

The voter turnout recorded then was 71.29 percent.

Other parties bagged 22 seats in the 224-seat legislative assembly.

Siddaramaiah was sworn in as the new chief minister after the election.

Interestingly, no incumbent government has been re-elected in Karnataka since 1985

Almost five crore citizens of Karnataka will visit polling booths to exercise their franchise to elect their representatives to the state assembly on Saturday. The election in Karnataka is considered crucial for the Congress Party, as it would be looking to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) juggernaut from expanding its footprints in the south. Since the 2014 general election, the Congress has been defeated by the BJP in over a dozen states, drastically shrinking its political footprint. The BJP is making an all-out bid to oust the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka and is looking to come back to power in the state with BS Yeddyurappa, its chief ministerial candidate. Interestingly, no incumbent government has been re-elected in Karnataka since 1985. The Janata Dal (Secular) is looking to establish itself once again in Karnataka politics and is expected to give a tough fight to both the BJP and the Congress. Voting for the 224-member assembly will begin at 7 am across Karnataka on Saturday morning, except in Jayanagar constituency, following the demise of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate B N Vijayakumar on May 4. The polling will continue till 6 pm in 58,546 polling stations each, equipped with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails. (VVPATs). A total of 2,654 candidates are in the fray and 4.96-crore electorate, including 2.44 crore women, will cast their votes. Over 15 lakh people are first-time voters in the 18-19 age group. Tight security is in place to ensure smooth and peaceful polling across the 224 assembly constituencies spread across 30 districts. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded 223 candidates, while Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) have fielded 222 and 201 seats respectively. Out of the 224 seats, 36 of them are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs), while 15 of them are for Scheduled Tribes (STs). The majority mark for any party to form the government is 112 in the 225-member assembly. While elections are held for 224 seats, one member is nominated by the state governor from the Anglo-Indian community. Votes will be counted and results declared on May 15. Of the 2,564 candidates analysed, about 883 (34 per cent) are crorepati candidates. Party wise, nearly all the candidates of both the national parties, Congress and the BJP, are crorepatis. Congress has 207 (94 per cent) crorepati candidates, while the BJP has 208 (93 per cent) millionaire contestants. Not far behind is the Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), with its 154 (77 per cent) crorepati contestants. In addition to crorepati candidates, 645, or 24 per cent, contestants are such who have criminal cases registered against them. Further, 25 per cent seats have been declared red alert constituencies.This means there 56 assembly constituencies wherein three or more candidates with declared criminal cases are contesting in the Karnataka election. Meanwhile, the smallest constituency in terms of area is Dasarahalli seat in Bengaluru Urban district. It measures just 8.91 sq km in size and has 2.3 lakh male and 2 lakh female voters. PN Krishnamurthy from Congress and R Manjunatha from JD(S) will fight two-time BJP MLA S Muniraju for the seat. The biggest constituency in terms of area is the Haliyal seat located in Uttara Kannada district in north Karnataka. Congress leader RV Deshpande, who is the Medium and Heavy Industries Minister is the incumbent MLA from this seat. He will face KR Ramesh of JD(S) and Sunil V Hegde of the BJP respectively to defend his seat. In terms of the size of the electorate, Sringeri is the smallest constituency. It is a prominent religious town situated in the hilly Chikkamagaluru district in south Karnataka and has been a BJP bastion since 2004. It has 1.6 lakh voters. Sitting MLA DN Jeevaraj of the BJP will take on Congress` TD Rajegowda and JD(S)` HG Venkatesh. While in Bengaluru South, which has the biggest electorate of 5.5 lakh voters, will witness the contest among BJP`s incumbent MLA M. Krishnappa, Congress` R.K. Ramesh and JD(S)` R. Prabhakar Reddy. In 2013, the Congress won with an absolute majority. It won 122 seats, 10 more than the majority mark of 112, while the BJP and JD(S) won 40 seats each. The voter turnout recorded then was 71.29 percent. Other parties bagged 22 seats in the 224-seat legislative assembly. Siddaramaiah was sworn in as the new chief minister after the election.

Karnataka votes as Congress attempts to prevent BJP juggernaut

Pooh-poohing BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa’s claim that his party will win 150 seats and form the government in the state on May 17, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called him ''mentally disturbed''.&nbsp;

''Yeddyurappa is mentally disturbed. Congress will get more than 120 seats. I am very confident.'' said the incumbent chief minister of the Congress party.&nbsp;

He also accused JD (S) of distributing money in Chamundeshwari constituency.&nbsp;

JD (S) has distributed a lot of money at Chamundeshwari constituency, the CM said and added that their candidate in the constituency claims that he is a society secretary, from where did he get so much money? he asked.

Accusing the&nbsp;BJP of is openly supporting JD (S), the CM said that they have&nbsp;fielded a dummy candidate in Chamundeshwari constituency. &nbsp;

Earlier on Saturday, after casting his vote, BS Yeddyurappa exuded confidence that his party will form the new government in Karnataka on May 17 after thumping victory.

BS Yeddyurappa is the BJP candidate from Shikaripura.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also expressed confidence of victory. Congress will win more than 130 seats and the corrupt and criminal Yeddy-Reddy gang will be rejected by the people of Karnataka.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot questioned the timing of Modi's temple visits in Nepal. Modi's Temple visits in Nepal are aimed at influencing the voters, the Congress leader said.&nbsp;

As there is a model code of conduct in Karnataka, PM Modi planned to pray at temples in Nepal instead, just to influence voters, he said and added that this is not a good trend for democracy. Why did he only choose today as the day? Gehlot asked.&nbsp;

''Over the years, I feel that malpractices have increased. Distribution of sarees. alcohol, dhotis and&nbsp;cookers have come out in open. It is not a good sign in democracy,'' former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde said after casting his vote at a polling booth in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: As voting in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> continues, CM Siddaramaiah says, 'Yeddyurappa is mentally disturbed. Congress will get more than 120 seats. I am very confident.' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/yE6isfZcYq">pic.twitter.com/yE6isfZcYq</a>
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JDS has distributed a lot of money, their candidate says he is a society secretary, so from where did he get so much money? Also, BJP is openly supporting JDS, they have put up a dummy candidate here: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Chamundeshwari constituency <a href="https://t.co/TzQmd44S70">pic.twitter.com/TzQmd44S70</a>
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&nbsp;

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said Modi's Temple visits in Nepal are aimed at influencing the voters.

Pooh-poohing BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa’s claim that his party will win 150 seats and form the government in the state on May 17, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called him ''mentally disturbed''. ''Yeddyurappa is mentally disturbed. Congress will get more than 120 seats. I am very confident.'' said the incumbent chief minister of the Congress party. He also accused JD (S) of distributing money in Chamundeshwari constituency. JD (S) has distributed a lot of money at Chamundeshwari constituency, the CM said and added that their candidate in the constituency claims that he is a society secretary, from where did he get so much money? he asked. Accusing the BJP of is openly supporting JD (S), the CM said that they have fielded a dummy candidate in Chamundeshwari constituency. Earlier on Saturday, after casting his vote, BS Yeddyurappa exuded confidence that his party will form the new government in Karnataka on May 17 after thumping victory. BS Yeddyurappa is the BJP candidate from Shikaripura. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also expressed confidence of victory. Congress will win more than 130 seats and the corrupt and criminal Yeddy-Reddy gang will be rejected by the people of Karnataka. Meanwhile, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot questioned the timing of Modi's temple visits in Nepal. Modi's Temple visits in Nepal are aimed at influencing the voters, the Congress leader said. As there is a model code of conduct in Karnataka, PM Modi planned to pray at temples in Nepal instead, just to influence voters, he said and added that this is not a good trend for democracy. Why did he only choose today as the day? Gehlot asked. ''Over the years, I feel that malpractices have increased. Distribution of sarees. alcohol, dhotis and cookers have come out in open. It is not a good sign in democracy,'' former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde said after casting his vote at a polling booth in Bengaluru. #WATCH: As voting in #Karnataka continues, CM Siddaramaiah says, 'Yeddyurappa is mentally disturbed. Congress will get more than 120 seats. I am very confident.' #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/yE6isfZcYq — ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2018 × JDS has distributed a lot of money, their candidate says he is a society secretary, so from where did he get so much money? Also, BJP is openly supporting JDS, they have put up a dummy candidate here: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Chamundeshwari constituency pic.twitter.com/TzQmd44S70 — ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2018 ×

'Yeddyurappa is mentally disturbed': Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

Campaigning in Karnataka has come to an end, with high-intensity rallies being carried out by both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to woo voters in their favour in both rural and urban areas.

According to Election Commission data, Karnataka consists of 70 urban and 154 rural assembly constituencies.

While nearly half of the urban constituencies are in Bengaluru city (28), the rest are spread across seven city corporations - 43 city municipal councils (CMCs), 65 town municipal councils (TMCs) and 92 town panchayats (TPs).

Drawing from the experience of the Gujarat assembly elections in December last year, it was observed then that the BJP held strong ground in urban Gujarat, while the Congress had the rural voter segment in its grip.

Assembly polls in Karnataka take place tomorrow, and it will be worth a watch to see whether the BJP can work its magic in rural and urban areas, or will they concede defeat to the grand old party for the second time.

While the election results in Gujarat depicted a clear urban-rural divide, a similar situation is hard to ascertain in Karnataka, based on the results of the past two elections.

A cursory glance at the 2008 and 2013 elections in Karnataka shows that results could go either way, thereby eliminating the possibility of a clear-cut pattern in voting.

Taking Bengaluru into account, which has the most urban constituencies, the BJP, in 2008, won in 17 out of 28 seats, while the Congress won nearly 60 percent of the rural seats in the state.

Tables, however, turned in 2013, with the Congress winning 13 seats, one more than the BJP.

It must also be noted that in 2008, campaigning largely focused on the rural population, while in 2013, the urban voter dominated the decision-making process.

While the rural population is looking forward to increased availability of electricity, clean drinking water, education and job opportunities, the urban voter is more concerned about commuting through the harrowing, traffic congested streets of India`s IT hub.

Opinion polls conducted across the state have shown that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah`s campaign is leaning towards the rural population, be it his emphasis on promoting Kannada or the importance of preserving the state`s culture and heritage.

While these may garner votes in the Congress` favour, the alarming rate of farmer suicides in this stratum could swing votes in either direction.

The BJP too has been capitalising on the opportunity to hold the Siddaramaiah government responsible for the plight of farmers and the lack of basic amenities, which may open doors for the former to woo rural voters.

Opinion polls have also stated that the BJP may secure a higher share of votes in urban Karnataka, as many feel that issues related to Bengaluru have not been tackled during the Congress reign, be it infrastructural congestion, growing traffic, pollution of lakes, inefficient management of garbage, delays in the Metro rail construction, all of which have contributed to a disruptive existence.

Although campaigning has been extensively rural-centric, the urban voters, along with the final stance of the Janata Dal (Secular) would be game-changers.

Karnataka will elect representatives to 224-seat assembly on May 15. A total of 2,655 candidates are in the fray and 4.96 lakh people, including 2.52 crore men and 2.44 crore women, will take part in the election.

Over 15 lakh are first-time voters in the 18-19 years age group.

The population of Karnataka in 2018 as per estimated data is over 68 million. The literacy rate is 75.36 percent as per latest data.

About 84 percent of its people are Hindu, 13 percent Muslim, 1.9 percent Christian, 0.16 percent Buddhist and 0.05 percent Sikh.

Kannada is the official language of the state and is spoken by 66.26 percent of the population.

The population density of the state is 319 persons per square kilometre. The number of people living per square kilometer in the city has extended to 4,378 in the year 2011 from 2,985 in 2001.

The BJP has fielded 224 candidates, while Congress and JD (S) have fielded 222 and 201 seats respectively.

The election is considered significant for the incumbent Congress, who wants to retain power in the southern state ahead of the next year`s general elections, while the BJP is going the extra mile to dethrone the Siddaramaiah government and come back to power after a decade under the leadership of former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa.

The JD(S), too, is looking to establish itself once again in the state`s politics and is being perceived as a game changer in the state.

Karnataka consists of 70 urban and 154 rural assembly constituencies.

Campaigning in Karnataka has come to an end, with high-intensity rallies being carried out by both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to woo voters in their favour in both rural and urban areas. According to Election Commission data, Karnataka consists of 70 urban and 154 rural assembly constituencies. While nearly half of the urban constituencies are in Bengaluru city (28), the rest are spread across seven city corporations - 43 city municipal councils (CMCs), 65 town municipal councils (TMCs) and 92 town panchayats (TPs). Drawing from the experience of the Gujarat assembly elections in December last year, it was observed then that the BJP held strong ground in urban Gujarat, while the Congress had the rural voter segment in its grip. Assembly polls in Karnataka take place tomorrow, and it will be worth a watch to see whether the BJP can work its magic in rural and urban areas, or will they concede defeat to the grand old party for the second time. While the election results in Gujarat depicted a clear urban-rural divide, a similar situation is hard to ascertain in Karnataka, based on the results of the past two elections. A cursory glance at the 2008 and 2013 elections in Karnataka shows that results could go either way, thereby eliminating the possibility of a clear-cut pattern in voting. Taking Bengaluru into account, which has the most urban constituencies, the BJP, in 2008, won in 17 out of 28 seats, while the Congress won nearly 60 percent of the rural seats in the state. Tables, however, turned in 2013, with the Congress winning 13 seats, one more than the BJP. It must also be noted that in 2008, campaigning largely focused on the rural population, while in 2013, the urban voter dominated the decision-making process. While the rural population is looking forward to increased availability of electricity, clean drinking water, education and job opportunities, the urban voter is more concerned about commuting through the harrowing, traffic congested streets of India`s IT hub. Opinion polls conducted across the state have shown that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah`s campaign is leaning towards the rural population, be it his emphasis on promoting Kannada or the importance of preserving the state`s culture and heritage. While these may garner votes in the Congress` favour, the alarming rate of farmer suicides in this stratum could swing votes in either direction. The BJP too has been capitalising on the opportunity to hold the Siddaramaiah government responsible for the plight of farmers and the lack of basic amenities, which may open doors for the former to woo rural voters. Opinion polls have also stated that the BJP may secure a higher share of votes in urban Karnataka, as many feel that issues related to Bengaluru have not been tackled during the Congress reign, be it infrastructural congestion, growing traffic, pollution of lakes, inefficient management of garbage, delays in the Metro rail construction, all of which have contributed to a disruptive existence. Although campaigning has been extensively rural-centric, the urban voters, along with the final stance of the Janata Dal (Secular) would be game-changers. Karnataka will elect representatives to 224-seat assembly on May 15. A total of 2,655 candidates are in the fray and 4.96 lakh people, including 2.52 crore men and 2.44 crore women, will take part in the election. Over 15 lakh are first-time voters in the 18-19 years age group. The population of Karnataka in 2018 as per estimated data is over 68 million. The literacy rate is 75.36 percent as per latest data. About 84 percent of its people are Hindu, 13 percent Muslim, 1.9 percent Christian, 0.16 percent Buddhist and 0.05 percent Sikh. Kannada is the official language of the state and is spoken by 66.26 percent of the population. The population density of the state is 319 persons per square kilometre. The number of people living per square kilometer in the city has extended to 4,378 in the year 2011 from 2,985 in 2001. The BJP has fielded 224 candidates, while Congress and JD (S) have fielded 222 and 201 seats respectively. The election is considered significant for the incumbent Congress, who wants to retain power in the southern state ahead of the next year`s general elections, while the BJP is going the extra mile to dethrone the Siddaramaiah government and come back to power after a decade under the leadership of former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa. The JD(S), too, is looking to establish itself once again in the state`s politics and is being perceived as a game changer in the state.

Urban-rural divide key to Karnataka poll outcome

Two days after the discovery of a huge cache of Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) at an apartment in Bengaluru, police on Thursday registered an FIR naming a sitting Congress MLA Munirathna as one of the accused.

Briefing reporters, the chief electoral officer of Karnataka Sanjeev Kumar said all the reports on the case had been submitted to the Election Commission of India.

Similarly, the deputy commissioner had visited the spot, gathered information and sent a report to headquarters.

He said the commission would take a decision soon whether to countermand the election in Rajarajeshwari Nagar assembly constituency where the seizures were made.

Declining to divulge more information, Kumar said, "Every detail of the FIR cannot be shared but what you are saying (about the sitting MLA being an accused) is a fact.."

Asked about the recommendation he has made to the ECI, Kumar said it was not something to be discussed as sharing the details would vitiate the process of decisionmaking.

The CEO said about 800 EPICs found in the apartment were verified and they were found to be 100 per cent genuine and original.

"Some of them are as old as 2012, which cannot be manufactured overnight."

Kumar also clarified that the integrity of the electoral list was not compromised.

"That can be completely ruled out because more than 800 have been thoroughly verified. There is no problem with the electoral roll," he said.

The CEO said the FIR was registered under various IPC sections and the Representation of People Act-1951.

Explaining the modus operandi, Kumar said a systematic survey was carried out in the RR Nagar constituency of each household with photographs of voters and their houses.

Details like their names, cases and even requirements like widow pension card, old age pension card and ration card was done, he said.

"Systematically, it is for influencing the voters. That is very much there. That is the precise case."

To a question whether a person accused of electoral malpractice can contest elections, Kumar said, "Let us not jump to conclusion. FIR is not a charge sheet. FIR is not even a conviction. There are three stages."

Munirathna, however, refuted the allegation.

"I have built many houses under Rajiv Awas Yojana. After giving so many facilities in the constituency, why did I or my party require to collect the voter ID?" he said.

He said such incidents used to take place in Hebbal assembly constituency in Bengaluru where voter IDs of the minorities were collected.

Following registration of the FIR, BJP national president Amit Shah accused Congress of making desperate attempts to win elections in an "undemocratic" way.

He said the developments in the last three days have sent a shockwave among those having faith in democracy.

"The way bogus EPIC were made in a flat at RR Nagar, the way counterfoils of forms for inclusion of voters were found, the way colour printers and computers were found there, it tells us how desperately the Congress wants to win the election," Shah said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Chief Electoral Officer said the commission would take a decision soon whether to countermand the election in Rajarajeshwari Nagar assembly constituency where the seizures were made

Two days after the discovery of a huge cache of Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) at an apartment in Bengaluru, police on Thursday registered an FIR naming a sitting Congress MLA Munirathna as one of the accused. Briefing reporters, the chief electoral officer of Karnataka Sanjeev Kumar said all the reports on the case had been submitted to the Election Commission of India. Similarly, the deputy commissioner had visited the spot, gathered information and sent a report to headquarters. He said the commission would take a decision soon whether to countermand the election in Rajarajeshwari Nagar assembly constituency where the seizures were made. Declining to divulge more information, Kumar said, "Every detail of the FIR cannot be shared but what you are saying (about the sitting MLA being an accused) is a fact.." Asked about the recommendation he has made to the ECI, Kumar said it was not something to be discussed as sharing the details would vitiate the process of decisionmaking. The CEO said about 800 EPICs found in the apartment were verified and they were found to be 100 per cent genuine and original. "Some of them are as old as 2012, which cannot be manufactured overnight." Kumar also clarified that the integrity of the electoral list was not compromised. "That can be completely ruled out because more than 800 have been thoroughly verified. There is no problem with the electoral roll," he said. The CEO said the FIR was registered under various IPC sections and the Representation of People Act-1951. Explaining the modus operandi, Kumar said a systematic survey was carried out in the RR Nagar constituency of each household with photographs of voters and their houses. Details like their names, cases and even requirements like widow pension card, old age pension card and ration card was done, he said. "Systematically, it is for influencing the voters. That is very much there. That is the precise case." To a question whether a person accused of electoral malpractice can contest elections, Kumar said, "Let us not jump to conclusion. FIR is not a charge sheet. FIR is not even a conviction. There are three stages." Munirathna, however, refuted the allegation. "I have built many houses under Rajiv Awas Yojana. After giving so many facilities in the constituency, why did I or my party require to collect the voter ID?" he said. He said such incidents used to take place in Hebbal assembly constituency in Bengaluru where voter IDs of the minorities were collected. Following registration of the FIR, BJP national president Amit Shah accused Congress of making desperate attempts to win elections in an "undemocratic" way. He said the developments in the last three days have sent a shockwave among those having faith in democracy. "The way bogus EPIC were made in a flat at RR Nagar, the way counterfoils of forms for inclusion of voters were found, the way colour printers and computers were found there, it tells us how desperately the Congress wants to win the election," Shah said.

Karnataka fake voter IDs: FIR registered against sitting Congress MLA

As political <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-from-scst-are-joining-bjp-in-huge-numbers-says-modi-in-final-karnataka-poll-push-on-namo-app-135833">temperature rises on last day </a>of campaigning in Karnataka, Congress president addressing a press conference at Bengaluru with chief minister Siddaramaiah, said that PM Modi has been silent about atrocities against Dalits.

Rahul Gandhi openly attacked the prime minister said: "PM Modi wants to speak about me, not Karnataka," adding,"the prime minister has said nothing about the future of Karnataka."

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Enjoyed meeting the regional & national press today in Bengaluru. We had a packed house! I’m sorry not everyone got a chance to ask a question due to the paucity of time. 
 
But, unlike our PM who hasn’t had a press conference in 4 yrs., I will be doing many more of these! <a href="https://t.co/tzNVHVLXdu">pic.twitter.com/tzNVHVLXdu</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/994488116923850752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"This election is not about Rahul Gandhi but on Karnataka," he added.

"PM Modi is silent on atrocities against Dalits," he said. Taking a potshot at the prime minister, Rahul said Modi has anger towards everyone.

PM Modi in his final address to Karnataka voters through the Namo app had said people from SC/ST were joining the BJP in "huge numbers".

"The BJP is working for the upliftment of the Dalits," he said. "Tribal people are supporting our development plans," he informed voters in Karnataka.

The Congress president said the BJP is doing nothing for farmers. "BJP does not understand the meaning of 'Hindu'," he said.

On Congress's CM face Siddaramaiah, Rahul said there is no comparison between Yeddyurappa and&nbsp;Siddaramaiah, declaring that the ex-Karnataka CM has been to prison over corruption charges.

"We campaigned on the voice of the people and on fundamental issues in Karnataka," he said.

On the incidents of horrific rape in the country, he said, "rapes are absolutely a political issue."

Talking about India's relations with China, Rahul said Doklam was not brought up during Modi-Xi meet recently at Wuhan. "I can see changes in Russia's policy towards India,"&nbsp;he noted.

The Congress president said the BJP is doing nothing for farmers.

As political temperature rises on last day of campaigning in Karnataka, Congress president addressing a press conference at Bengaluru with chief minister Siddaramaiah, said that PM Modi has been silent about atrocities against Dalits. Rahul Gandhi openly attacked the prime minister said: "PM Modi wants to speak about me, not Karnataka," adding,"the prime minister has said nothing about the future of Karnataka." Enjoyed meeting the regional & national press today in Bengaluru. We had a packed house! I’m sorry not everyone got a chance to ask a question due to the paucity of time. But, unlike our PM who hasn’t had a press conference in 4 yrs., I will be doing many more of these! pic.twitter.com/tzNVHVLXdu — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 10, 2018 × "This election is not about Rahul Gandhi but on Karnataka," he added. "PM Modi is silent on atrocities against Dalits," he said. Taking a potshot at the prime minister, Rahul said Modi has anger towards everyone. PM Modi in his final address to Karnataka voters through the Namo app had said people from SC/ST were joining the BJP in "huge numbers". "The BJP is working for the upliftment of the Dalits," he said. "Tribal people are supporting our development plans," he informed voters in Karnataka. The Congress president said the BJP is doing nothing for farmers. "BJP does not understand the meaning of 'Hindu'," he said. On Congress's CM face Siddaramaiah, Rahul said there is no comparison between Yeddyurappa and Siddaramaiah, declaring that the ex-Karnataka CM has been to prison over corruption charges. "We campaigned on the voice of the people and on fundamental issues in Karnataka," he said. On the incidents of horrific rape in the country, he said, "rapes are absolutely a political issue." Talking about India's relations with China, Rahul said Doklam was not brought up during Modi-Xi meet recently at Wuhan. "I can see changes in Russia's policy towards India," he noted.

BJP doesn't understand meaning of 'Hindu', PM Modi silent on atrocities against Dalits, says Rahul Gandhi

PM Modi will returns to the Karnataka poll campaign in a final push today.

The Indian prime minister will address rallies in Bidar, Belgaum and Bangarapet on the second last day of his Karnataka campaign.

In a whirlwind tour, PM Modi will begin his rally from Bangarpet at 10: 30 am today and then he will cross over Chikmagalur at 1pm where Indira Gandhi had contested in 1978 after the Emergency and won.

The PM will then address another rally in Belagavi at 4pm and finally wind up in Bidar at 6pm.

BJP president will also hit the campaign trail for the last time before 10th May when the election campaign officially comes to an end. Amit Shah will be addressing rallies in Tumkur at the same as PM Modi at 10:30am.

The BJP president will also take part in a roadshow in Tumkur which will pass through several constituencies including in&nbsp;Bengaluru.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath will also be addressing rallies in another part of Karnataka as the BJP ramps up its effort in the poll-bound state.

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister take part in road shows in Terdal and will address a press conference at Denisson hotel at 12:45 pm.

CM Adityanath will end the day with a roadshow and a corner meeting at Gubbi around 4:30 pm 
&nbsp;

BJP president will also hit the campaign trail for the last time before 10th May when the election campaign officially comes to an end.

PM Modi will returns to the Karnataka poll campaign in a final push today. The Indian prime minister will address rallies in Bidar, Belgaum and Bangarapet on the second last day of his Karnataka campaign. In a whirlwind tour, PM Modi will begin his rally from Bangarpet at 10: 30 am today and then he will cross over Chikmagalur at 1pm where Indira Gandhi had contested in 1978 after the Emergency and won. The PM will then address another rally in Belagavi at 4pm and finally wind up in Bidar at 6pm. BJP president will also hit the campaign trail for the last time before 10th May when the election campaign officially comes to an end. Amit Shah will be addressing rallies in Tumkur at the same as PM Modi at 10:30am. The BJP president will also take part in a roadshow in Tumkur which will pass through several constituencies including in Bengaluru. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath will also be addressing rallies in another part of Karnataka as the BJP ramps up its effort in the poll-bound state. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister take part in road shows in Terdal and will address a press conference at Denisson hotel at 12:45 pm. CM Adityanath will end the day with a roadshow and a corner meeting at Gubbi around 4:30 pm

PM Modi, Amit Shah & CM Adityanath to address rallies in Karnataka today

The Election Commission has arrested two people in connection with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fake-voter-id-jds-urges-ec-to-ensure-fair-karnataka-polls-135704">recovery of fake voter ID cards from Karnataka's Bengaluru</a> ahead of the assembly election to be held on May 12.

The chief election officer Sanjiv Kumar&nbsphas also&nbspexpressed the possibility of more arrests in the case.

Calling the issue as a very serious matter, he said that the matter was being further investigated.

He also assured that no one had interfered with their system and&nbspthat no new voter ID cards were made from their end.

He said, " We are trying to reach the truth at the earliest. However, one thing is certain that nobody has broken into our system and no new voter ID cards have been made".

The EC had also called for a delegation meeting to discuss the recovery of over 9,000 voter ID cards. The meeting was attended by Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, JP Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan and SS Ahluwalia.

The Election Commission of Karnataka&nbsprecovered 9,746 Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) from an apartment in Bengaluru`s Jalahalli area of Raja Rajeshwari Nagar constituency&nbspon late Tuesday night.

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This is a very serious matter. 2 people have been arrested as of now, there is a possibility of more arrests. Case is currently being investigated: Sanjiv Kumar, Chief Election Officer on Fake voter ID issue <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/0JyDYckwI7">pic.twitter.com/0JyDYckwI7</a>
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&nbsp

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Voter IDs are proof of voter confidence & to reinstate that, elections to Rajarajeshwari constituency must be countermanded & we've put forward this demand to EC: Smriti Irani after BJP delegation met EC officials over voter IDs found at a flat in Jalahalli <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElection?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElection</a> <a href="https://t.co/GjRE4Zbm1G">pic.twitter.com/GjRE4Zbm1G</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994209663863480321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Chief election officer Sanjiv Kumar said, 'We are trying to reach the truth at the earliest. However, one thing is certain that nobody has broken into our system and no new voter ID cards have been made'

The Election Commission has arrested two people in connection with the recovery of fake voter ID cards from Karnataka's Bengaluru ahead of the assembly election to be held on May 12. The chief election officer Sanjiv Kumar&nbsphas also&nbspexpressed the possibility of more arrests in the case. Calling the issue as a very serious matter, he said that the matter was being further investigated. He also assured that no one had interfered with their system and&nbspthat no new voter ID cards were made from their end. He said, " We are trying to reach the truth at the earliest. However, one thing is certain that nobody has broken into our system and no new voter ID cards have been made". The EC had also called for a delegation meeting to discuss the recovery of over 9,000 voter ID cards. The meeting was attended by Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, JP Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan and SS Ahluwalia. The Election Commission of Karnataka&nbsprecovered 9,746 Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) from an apartment in Bengaluru`s Jalahalli area of Raja Rajeshwari Nagar constituency&nbspon late Tuesday night. This is a very serious matter. 2 people have been arrested as of now, there is a possibility of more arrests. Case is currently being investigated: Sanjiv Kumar, Chief Election Officer on Fake voter ID issue #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/0JyDYckwI7 — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 × Voter IDs are proof of voter confidence & to reinstate that, elections to Rajarajeshwari constituency must be countermanded & we've put forward this demand to EC: Smriti Irani after BJP delegation met EC officials over voter IDs found at a flat in Jalahalli #KarnatakaElection pic.twitter.com/GjRE4Zbm1G — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 ×

Karnataka elections: EC arrests 2 in connection with recovery of fake voter ID cards

In view of the recovery of over 9000 voter ID cards from Bengaluru, Janata Dal (Secular) secretary general Danish Ali on Wednesday urged the Election Commission to ensure free and fair assembly elections.

Ali while talking to ANI accused the Congress and BJP of following unethical means to win the Karnataka Assembly election to be held on May 12.

"We appeal to the EC that there should be no compromise with free and fair elections. It is a serious matter. All unethical means are being adopted by both national parties (Congress and BJP)," Ali said.

Earlier, the BJP alleged that around 20,000 fake Voters ID cards were recovered from Congress` Raja Rajeshwari Nagar constituency candidate Muniratna.

The party also demanded to countermand elections in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar constituency.

Following the allegation, the Election Commission of Karnataka, earlier on late Tuesday night confirmed that they have recovered 9,746 Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) from an apartment in Bengaluru`s Jalahalli area of Raja Rajeshwari Nagar constituency.

Sanjiv Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer for Karnataka, however, said that the significance of the counterfoils can only be verified after due investigation.

In view of the recovery of over 9000 voter ID cards from Bengaluru, Janata Dal (Secular) secretary general Danish Ali on Wednesday urged the Election Commission to ensure free and fair assembly elections

In view of the recovery of over 9000 voter ID cards from Bengaluru, Janata Dal (Secular) secretary general Danish Ali on Wednesday urged the Election Commission to ensure free and fair assembly elections. Ali while talking to ANI accused the Congress and BJP of following unethical means to win the Karnataka Assembly election to be held on May 12. "We appeal to the EC that there should be no compromise with free and fair elections. It is a serious matter. All unethical means are being adopted by both national parties (Congress and BJP)," Ali said. Earlier, the BJP alleged that around 20,000 fake Voters ID cards were recovered from Congress` Raja Rajeshwari Nagar constituency candidate Muniratna. The party also demanded to countermand elections in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar constituency. Following the allegation, the Election Commission of Karnataka, earlier on late Tuesday night confirmed that they have recovered 9,746 Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) from an apartment in Bengaluru`s Jalahalli area of Raja Rajeshwari Nagar constituency. Sanjiv Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer for Karnataka, however, said that the significance of the counterfoils can only be verified after due investigation.

Fake voter IDs: JD(S) urges EC to ensure fair Karnataka polls

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