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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

<p>To avoid any attempt of horse trading by the Bhartiya Janata Party the Congress and JD(S) shifted their MLAs from Bengaluru to Hyderabad, JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "We have to take some caution. To stop horse-trading, they(MLAs) are moving together. All MLAs (JD(S) and Congress) are travelling on the bus, they are going to stay in the same place".</p>

<p data-aria-label-part="0" lang="en">The Congress MLAs&nbsp;have been shifted to Hyderabad's Taj Krishna Hotel.</p>

<p>According to a media report, the MLAs of the two parties were shifted to Hyderabad by bus as the HAL airport in Bengaluru denied them permission to fly to Hyderabad, the media stated.</p>

<p>Earlier JD(S) MLA Shivarame Gowda had said that some of the Congress and JD(S) MLAs were going to Kochi while others to Hyderabad.</p>

<p>The two parties decided to shift their MLAs from Bengaluru after the removal of the police force from outside their resort.</p>

<p>The Congress MLAs stayed at Eagleton Resort while the JD(S) MLAs at&nbsp;Shangri-La Hotel in Bengaluru.</p>

<p>The security deployed outside the Eagleton Resort was withdrawn on Thursday. Following this, the Congress leader accused the BJP members of entering the resort and offering money to their MLAs.</p>

<p>Congress leader claimed that after the police were withdrawn from outside the resort, the BJP entered the hotel and offered money to their MLAs.</p>

<p>Apparently, the Congress and JD(S) have put their MLAs in the resort&nbsp;to keep them out of the reach of BJP.</p>

<p>The BJP, which has formed the government in Karnataka, needs to prove its majority within 15 days. The party needs the support of 7 more MLAs in order to reach the majority mark and&nbsp;continue with its governance in Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the elections held on May 12, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members. The Congress secured 78 seats, the JD(S) 37 and others three.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CORRECTION?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CORRECTION</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VISUALS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VISUALS</a>: Bus carrying Congress MLAs seen leaving Eagleton Resort in Bengaluru where the MLAs were staying. Congress' Ramalinga Reddy claimed that after the police was withdrawn from outside the resort,BJP came inside & offered money to the MLAs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/QsknkWvTMM">pic.twitter.com/QsknkWvTMM</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress MLAs changing buses on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabad</a> Highway. The MLAs along with JD(S) MLAs will be staying in Hyderabad <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/eUk3dFd4yq">pic.twitter.com/eUk3dFd4yq</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Karnataka Congress MLAs arrive at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabad</a>'s Taj Krishna Hotel, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) head Uttam Kumar Reddy also present. <a href="https://t.co/BTSwh4qtmU">pic.twitter.com/BTSwh4qtmU</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997341536542015489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy said, 'We have to take some caution. To stop horse-trading, they(MLAs) are moving together. All MLAs (JD(S) and Congress) are travelling on the bus, they are going to stay in the same place'

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


He was thrown out of the JD(S) in 2005 for anti-party activities following his sharp differences with its leadership over HD Kumaraswamy's growing clout in the party

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

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

<p>Despite their electoral loss, the Congress has been able to upset the BJP’s applecart by ensuring that Kumaraswamy becomes the Chief Minister of the state. BJP has cried foul saying that it is unethical but the fact that BJP made governments in Manipur, Meghalaya and Goa does not cut much ice in the public domain. Despite the loss, the Congress by allowing JD(S) to step in will allow regional parties to further collaborate with each other closely. The case in example is the way the SP and the BSP cooperated with each other during the Phulpur and the Gorakhpur by-elections. It will also boost the morale of the Congress which has been outmanoeuvred and outwitted by BJP continuously in the last four years. It will help them retain the state in partnership and ensure that the party prepares well for the upcoming assembly election in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The success will add shine to Rahul Gandhi’s leadership for being proactive and ready with a plan B which was not done in the case of Goa and Manipur.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
That is where the bright side to this story ends as one doesn’t know till when the honeymoon between the JD(S) and the Congress will last. The present result shows that the JD(S) did well at the expense of the Congress Party in Mysore Karnataka.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Congress despite increasing its voter base in the state received less seats than the BJP. It also lost large number of rural seats and the party did not do well in coastal, central and Hyderabad Karnataka.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The downside to the development is that the BJP can take the high moral ground and cry injustice. Karnataka being the bigger state will draw more attention than Manipur and Goa. BJP did very well in the rural areas and the 100+ seats that they got show that Prime Minister Narendra Modi still has the capacity to turn elections around. Atal Bihari Vajpayee could not politically function as prime minister despite being the single largest party as other regional parties ganged up against him. It was 1999, he was able to set the stage after being PM for 13 days and 13 months as the Opposition realised that the more they ganged up against him, the more sympathy he generated. On top of it, he was able to build an umbrella coalition which the Congress did not possess.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Karnataka elections have shown that the BJP is organisationally powerful and understands that it needs to expand in areas to compensate for a saturated performance in Western and Northern India in the 2014 elections. There are places where they have succeeded but in the East and deep South, they have not been able to cut much ice.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Despite the Congress being weak, it will embolden regional parties to come together and tie up against the BJP. This could pose to be the real challenge for the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It can put the Congress in a secondary role but urgency to put the BJP in a corner to survive can lead to the party's political isolation. In politics, position of strength can also create isolation as other political units can band to prevent overt hegemony. This should remain the BJP’s big fear.</p>

<p>Rajiv Gandhi faced a similar situation. The only difference is that the man opposing him was VP Singh who was the toast of the year and the man defending the fort was Rajiv Gandhi who was reeling under the charge of corruption. In 2019, there is no such face or leadership in the Opposition. Neither is there any consensus but political climate does exist for everyone to come together to fight an ever-expanding BJP.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Despite their electoral loss, the Congress has been able to upset the BJP’s applecart by ensuring that Kumaraswamy becomes the Chief Minister of the state

Despite their electoral loss, the Congress has been able to upset the BJP’s applecart by ensuring that Kumaraswamy becomes the Chief Minister of the state. BJP has cried foul saying that it is unethical but the fact that BJP made governments in Manipur, Meghalaya and Goa does not cut much ice in the public domain. Despite the loss, the Congress by allowing JD(S) to step in will allow regional parties to further collaborate with each other closely. The case in example is the way the SP and the BSP cooperated with each other during the Phulpur and the Gorakhpur by-elections. It will also boost the morale of the Congress which has been outmanoeuvred and outwitted by BJP continuously in the last four years. It will help them retain the state in partnership and ensure that the party prepares well for the upcoming assembly election in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The success will add shine to Rahul Gandhi’s leadership for being proactive and ready with a plan B which was not done in the case of Goa and Manipur. That is where the bright side to this story ends as one doesn’t know till when the honeymoon between the JD(S) and the Congress will last. The present result shows that the JD(S) did well at the expense of the Congress Party in Mysore Karnataka. The Congress despite increasing its voter base in the state received less seats than the BJP. It also lost large number of rural seats and the party did not do well in coastal, central and Hyderabad Karnataka. The downside to the development is that the BJP can take the high moral ground and cry injustice. Karnataka being the bigger state will draw more attention than Manipur and Goa. BJP did very well in the rural areas and the 100+ seats that they got show that Prime Minister Narendra Modi still has the capacity to turn elections around. Atal Bihari Vajpayee could not politically function as prime minister despite being the single largest party as other regional parties ganged up against him. It was 1999, he was able to set the stage after being PM for 13 days and 13 months as the Opposition realised that the more they ganged up against him, the more sympathy he generated. On top of it, he was able to build an umbrella coalition which the Congress did not possess. The Karnataka elections have shown that the BJP is organisationally powerful and understands that it needs to expand in areas to compensate for a saturated performance in Western and Northern India in the 2014 elections. There are places where they have succeeded but in the East and deep South, they have not been able to cut much ice. Despite the Congress being weak, it will embolden regional parties to come together and tie up against the BJP. This could pose to be the real challenge for the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It can put the Congress in a secondary role but urgency to put the BJP in a corner to survive can lead to the party's political isolation. In politics, position of strength can also create isolation as other political units can band to prevent overt hegemony. This should remain the BJP’s big fear. Rajiv Gandhi faced a similar situation. The only difference is that the man opposing him was VP Singh who was the toast of the year and the man defending the fort was Rajiv Gandhi who was reeling under the charge of corruption. In 2019, there is no such face or leadership in the Opposition. Neither is there any consensus but political climate does exist for everyone to come together to fight an ever-expanding BJP.

Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa

<p>The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress told Vala that it was offering the JD(S) unconditional support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The JD(S) has won fewer seats than both the BJP and the Congress but the Congress offered it outside support earlier in the day, telling the JD(S) that it could pick a chief minister of its choice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy decided to opt for the post himself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Baiju Narajan of the JD(S) meanwhile said G Parameshwara of Congress would be the deputy chief minister.</p>

<p>Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.)</p>

<p>The halfway mark then is 111 seats, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That would give the JD(S)-Congress combine a total of 115 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Intriguingly, the BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa got to the Raj Bhavan just before Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Just now we met governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly," Yeddyurappa said after meeting Vala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On his way to the governor,&nbsp; Yeddyurappa said "100 per cent we will form the government."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">HD Kumaraswamy, Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Mallikarjun Kharge at Raj Bhawan in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/swRZKUbpsT">pic.twitter.com/swRZKUbpsT</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996362783770918912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just now we met Governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/D9RLMU9zVY">pic.twitter.com/D9RLMU9zVY</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">100 percent we will form the government: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/06633TqFBv">pic.twitter.com/06633TqFBv</a></p>
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<p>What happens next depends on Governor Vala. He can invite whichever combine or single party he thinks commands majority support in the house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Zee News report quoting sources though said Tuesday evening that the governor may first invite BJP's Yeddyurappa to form a&nbsp;government in Karnataka and that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on May 17.</p>


The BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa met Governor Vajubhai Vala shortly before Kumaraswamy

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai 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 chief minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress told Vala that it was offering the JD(S) unconditional support. The JD(S) has won fewer seats than both the BJP and the Congress but the Congress offered it outside support earlier in the day, telling the JD(S) that it could pick a chief minister of its choice. Kumaraswamy decided to opt for the post himself. Baiju Narajan of the JD(S) meanwhile said G Parameshwara of Congress would be the deputy chief minister. Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.) The halfway mark then is 111 seats, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority. Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3. That would give the JD(S)-Congress combine a total of 115 seats. Intriguingly, the BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa got to the Raj Bhavan just before Kumaraswamy. "Just now we met governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly," Yeddyurappa said after meeting Vala. On his way to the governor, Yeddyurappa said "100 per cent we will form the government." HD Kumaraswamy, Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Mallikarjun Kharge at Raj Bhawan in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/swRZKUbpsT — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Just now we met Governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly: BS Yeddyurappa #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/D9RLMU9zVY — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × 100 percent we will form the government: BS Yeddyurappa #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/06633TqFBv — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × What happens next depends on Governor Vala. He can invite whichever combine or single party he thinks commands majority support in the house. A Zee News report quoting sources though said Tuesday evening that the governor may first invite BJP's Yeddyurappa to form a government in Karnataka and that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on May 17.

JD(S)'s Kumaraswamy meets Karnataka Governor, stakes claim to form government

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


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

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

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

<p>With a day left for the Karnataka election results, speculation in the south Indian state is running wild. With a whole spectrum of exit polls predicting every possible outcome, the results this time are truly shrouded in mystery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So what are the possible outcomes in these hard-fought Karnataka elections?&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The stakes are particularly high for the Congress, being the incumbent in the state. Relegated to just three states nationally, the grand old party would want to return to power with a full majority.&nbsp;<br />
With indications of a hung assembly being thrown up well in advance, the Congress strategy led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was focused on consolidating the AHINDA vote base comprising minorities, Dalits and SC/STs. The three communities form 60% of the state's population. If Congress fails to get a full majority or something close to it, it will be forced to look at coalition options.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Siddaramaiah's bitter relationship with the JD(S) and its supremo HD Deve Gowda could prove to be a roadblock for talks between the two parties. In the event of talks happening, Siddaramaiah can bid his chief ministership goodbye.&nbsp;</p>

<p>HD Kumaraswamy would want to be the king, not kingmaker, least of all for Siddaramaiah. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In another scenario, the Congress might look for a more neutral face to lead its charge in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-okay-with-dalit-chief-minister-if-congress-high-command-says-so-karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-136619">I am okay with Dalit chief minister if Congress high command says so, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah</a></p>

<p>Some of the names doing the rounds include that that of veteran leader and MP Mallikarjuna Kharge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kharge missed out on becoming chief minister in 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KPCC President G Parameshwar has also nursed CM ambitions, and even said that he will welcome the high command's decision to have a Dalit chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The other leader who has shown chief ministerial ambitions is Energy Minister DK Shivakumar.&nbsp;His chequered image had kept him out of the race last time and his demand for the deputy CM's post was not met.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last but not least, Congress could consider the non-controversial figures of Industry Minister RV Deshpande and KPCC working president Dinesh Gundurao.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, the Congress has not officially declared a CM candidate, but merely made Siddaramaiah in charge.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This issue has been created in media to create differences between us. We are clear that high command will decide on it. It's just a matter of 12 hours: Mallikarjun Kharge on Siddaramaiah's comment, 'I can sacrifice CM's post for a Dalit' <a href="https://t.co/ewchYMHcXM">pic.twitter.com/ewchYMHcXM</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995900129235238917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;Let's move on to the BJP. Their chief ministerial candidate is BS Yeddyurappa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Like for Siddaramaiah, these elections could be the last for the 75-yearr-old Yeddyurappa should he fail to bring the party back to power.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
If the BJP does get into talks with the JD(S) following a post-poll hung assembly, then Yeddyurappa's chief ministership might be in trouble.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike the absolute mess that the BJP and JD(S) had together created in 2007, this time around Kumaraswamy might demand the position all for himself — owing to Yeddyurappa's diminished stature.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Just as important to remember is that coalition governments have been extremely unstable in Karnataka, with most coalition chief ministers not completing a full term.&nbsp;</p>

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Siddaramaiah's bitter relationship with JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda could prove to be a stumbling block to talks. In the event of a BJP-JD(S) coalition, Kumarasway might demand the job for himself owing to Yeddyurappa's diminished stature

With a day left for the Karnataka election results, speculation in the south Indian state is running wild. With a whole spectrum of exit polls predicting every possible outcome, the results this time are truly shrouded in mystery. So what are the possible outcomes in these hard-fought Karnataka elections? The stakes are particularly high for the Congress, being the incumbent in the state. Relegated to just three states nationally, the grand old party would want to return to power with a full majority. With indications of a hung assembly being thrown up well in advance, the Congress strategy led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was focused on consolidating the AHINDA vote base comprising minorities, Dalits and SC/STs. The three communities form 60% of the state's population. If Congress fails to get a full majority or something close to it, it will be forced to look at coalition options. But Siddaramaiah's bitter relationship with the JD(S) and its supremo HD Deve Gowda could prove to be a roadblock for talks between the two parties. In the event of talks happening, Siddaramaiah can bid his chief ministership goodbye. HD Kumaraswamy would want to be the king, not kingmaker, least of all for Siddaramaiah. In another scenario, the Congress might look for a more neutral face to lead its charge in the state. Also read: I am okay with Dalit chief minister if Congress high command says so, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Some of the names doing the rounds include that that of veteran leader and MP Mallikarjuna Kharge. Kharge missed out on becoming chief minister in 2013. KPCC President G Parameshwar has also nursed CM ambitions, and even said that he will welcome the high command's decision to have a Dalit chief minister. The other leader who has shown chief ministerial ambitions is Energy Minister DK Shivakumar. His chequered image had kept him out of the race last time and his demand for the deputy CM's post was not met. Last but not least, Congress could consider the non-controversial figures of Industry Minister RV Deshpande and KPCC working president Dinesh Gundurao. Interestingly, the Congress has not officially declared a CM candidate, but merely made Siddaramaiah in charge. This issue has been created in media to create differences between us. We are clear that high command will decide on it. It's just a matter of 12 hours: Mallikarjun Kharge on Siddaramaiah's comment, 'I can sacrifice CM's post for a Dalit' pic.twitter.com/ewchYMHcXM — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × Let's move on to the BJP. Their chief ministerial candidate is BS Yeddyurappa. Like for Siddaramaiah, these elections could be the last for the 75-yearr-old Yeddyurappa should he fail to bring the party back to power. If the BJP does get into talks with the JD(S) following a post-poll hung assembly, then Yeddyurappa's chief ministership might be in trouble. Unlike the absolute mess that the BJP and JD(S) had together created in 2007, this time around Kumaraswamy might demand the position all for himself — owing to Yeddyurappa's diminished stature. Just as important to remember is that coalition governments have been extremely unstable in Karnataka, with most coalition chief ministers not completing a full term.

If hung verdict, both Siddaramaiah & Yeddyurappa may have to give up Karnataka CM ambitions

<p>Prime <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-bjp-registers-complaint-against-jignesh-mewani-prakash-raj-for-comments-on-pm-modi-133878">Minister Modi will begin his Karnataka poll </a>offensive today addressing rallies in three areas - Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi.</p>

<p>The PM will be addressing a rally in Vokkaliga-dominated&nbsp;Mysuru as BJP-led ex-chief minister Yeddyurappa attempts to run the last leg of the poll campaign from today.</p>

<p>The prime minister is expected to address more than a dozen rallies in five days.&nbsp;This will be PM Modi's first visit to the southern state since the Assembly election dates were announced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime minister will kickstart his election campaign from Chamarajanagar district, where he will address a public rally in Santhemaranahalli at 11am.</p>

<p>His next stop will be at Udupi at 3pm where he will visit Krishna Mutt and take blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing a public rally at AGM College Ground at 3pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later in the day, he will address another public gathering in Chikkodi at 6pm.</p>

<p>The Karantaka polls which are due to be held on May 12th is witnessing a heated battle&nbsp;between the ruling Congress and the BJP with the JD(U) determined to play the role of a "kingmaker".</p>

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi has already visited all 30 districts in the state, followed by BJP president Amit Shah. Modi's rallies today will be closely watched by political pundits with the polls just 11 days away.</p>

<p>Chief minister Siddaramaiah has left no stone unturned in pulling his weight during the election campaign openly attacking Modi and the BJP. The Karnataka chief minister will be fighting the state polls from two seats - Chamundeshwari and Badami.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Amit Shah had recently held a rally in &nbsp;Karnataka's Tumkur district, he also visited the Duggamma Temple in Davanagere. Rahul Gandhi had visited the area earlier. The Congress has already released its manifesto, however, the BJP is yet to release its vision statement.</p>

<p>The results of the Karnataka elections will be announced on May 15th for the 225-member state assembly.</p>

<p>There are &nbsp;2,655 candidates in the fray for the polls.</p>

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There are 2,655 candidates in the fray for the polls.

Prime Minister Modi will begin his Karnataka poll offensive today addressing rallies in three areas - Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi. The PM will be addressing a rally in Vokkaliga-dominated Mysuru as BJP-led ex-chief minister Yeddyurappa attempts to run the last leg of the poll campaign from today. The prime minister is expected to address more than a dozen rallies in five days. This will be PM Modi's first visit to the southern state since the Assembly election dates were announced. Prime minister will kickstart his election campaign from Chamarajanagar district, where he will address a public rally in Santhemaranahalli at 11am. His next stop will be at Udupi at 3pm where he will visit Krishna Mutt and take blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing a public rally at AGM College Ground at 3pm. Later in the day, he will address another public gathering in Chikkodi at 6pm. The Karantaka polls which are due to be held on May 12th is witnessing a heated battle between the ruling Congress and the BJP with the JD(U) determined to play the role of a "kingmaker". Congress president Rahul Gandhi has already visited all 30 districts in the state, followed by BJP president Amit Shah. Modi's rallies today will be closely watched by political pundits with the polls just 11 days away. Chief minister Siddaramaiah has left no stone unturned in pulling his weight during the election campaign openly attacking Modi and the BJP. The Karnataka chief minister will be fighting the state polls from two seats - Chamundeshwari and Badami. Amit Shah had recently held a rally in Karnataka's Tumkur district, he also visited the Duggamma Temple in Davanagere. Rahul Gandhi had visited the area earlier. The Congress has already released its manifesto, however, the BJP is yet to release its vision statement. The results of the Karnataka elections will be announced on May 15th for the 225-member state assembly. There are 2,655 candidates in the fray for the polls.

PM Modi to join Karnataka poll battle today, set to address rallies

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