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

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

News brief: Big stories of the day

Two days after taking the oath Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa has resigned from his post on Saturday, ahead of the floor test in the Assembly.&nbsp;

The BJP Chief Minister, who was sworn in on Thursday could not gather the support of MLAs to prove majority in the state assembly during the floor test.

He made an emotional speech before he announced his resignation. He said that the people of Karnataka will now be "ruled by an unholy alliance".

The BJP was eight short of the majority mark in the 224-member Karnataka Assembly.&nbsp;

Following 72 hours of high drama, which involved a midnight session at the Supreme Court, leaked audio tapes, and hidden lawmakers, the BJP failed to secure seven MLAs that it needed to pass the floor test in the House.

BJP had won the first round of the legal battle after the results were out on May 15 but failed to gather the support of MLAs to prove majority in the Karnataka state Assembly.&nbsp;

Since the numbers are not in favour of the BJP, Yeddyurappa stepped down from his post today, saying that he is thankful for the love and support people gave him.&nbsp;

"The election results are now out. Today is the floor test. Think for once, if we had 113, the picture would have been different," BS Yeddyurappa said.&nbsp;

The results of the Karnataka Assembly Elections threw up a fractured mandate on the counting day and led to political instability in the state.&nbsp;

On May 15, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats, followed by the Congress with 78, JD(S) with 37. Three seats were bagged by independent candidates in the 224-member Assembly where elections were held for 222 seats.&nbsp;

For 2019, I promise, we will win 28 out of all 28 Lok Sabha seats. I won't relent. I will continue to fight. I thank people of Karnataka Yeddyurappa

Two days after taking the oath Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa has resigned from his post on Saturday, ahead of the floor test in the Assembly. The BJP Chief Minister, who was sworn in on Thursday could not gather the support of MLAs to prove majority in the state assembly during the floor test. He made an emotional speech before he announced his resignation. He said that the people of Karnataka will now be "ruled by an unholy alliance". The BJP was eight short of the majority mark in the 224-member Karnataka Assembly. Following 72 hours of high drama, which involved a midnight session at the Supreme Court, leaked audio tapes, and hidden lawmakers, the BJP failed to secure seven MLAs that it needed to pass the floor test in the House. BJP had won the first round of the legal battle after the results were out on May 15 but failed to gather the support of MLAs to prove majority in the Karnataka state Assembly. Since the numbers are not in favour of the BJP, Yeddyurappa stepped down from his post today, saying that he is thankful for the love and support people gave him. "The election results are now out. Today is the floor test. Think for once, if we had 113, the picture would have been different," BS Yeddyurappa said. The results of the Karnataka Assembly Elections threw up a fractured mandate on the counting day and led to political instability in the state. On May 15, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats, followed by the Congress with 78, JD(S) with 37. Three seats were bagged by independent candidates in the 224-member Assembly where elections were held for 222 seats.

Yeddyurappa resigns as Karnataka CM before trust vote, BJP fails to prove majority

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

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

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

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

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yeddyurappa-resigns-as-karnataka-cm-ahead-of-floor-test-bjp-fails-to-prove-majority-138218">Yeddyurappa resigns as Karnataka CM before trust vote, BJP fails to prove majority</a>

Two days after taking the oath Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa has resigned from his post on Saturday, ahead of the floor test in the Assembly.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-ahead-of-lifting-of-ban-on-woman-driving-7-womens-rights-activists-detained-138252">Saudi Arabia detains seven activists ahead of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-ahead-of-lifting-of-ban-on-woman-driving-7-womens-rights-activists-detained-138252">lifting</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-ahead-of-lifting-of-ban-on-woman-driving-7-womens-rights-activists-detained-138252"> of driving ban</a>

Weeks ahead of Saudi Arabia is to lift the ban from women driving, seven women's rights activists were arrested on Saturday by the authorities.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/royal-wedding-live-updates-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-to-wed-at-windsor-castle-today-138144">As it happened: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married in a star-studded ceremony</a>

From Oprah Winfrey to Priyanka Chopra to Prince Harry's ex Chelsy Davy, the royal wedding saw Hollywood royalty rub shoulders with British aristocracy.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/every-stone-weapon-raised-by-misguided-youths-destabilises-kashmir-pm-modi-138229">Every stone, weapon raised by misguided youths destabilises Kashmir: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed to those Kashmiri youth who have joined violence to return to their homes and live a life of dignity and peace.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-wary-as-eu-presents-measures-to-save-nuclear-deal-138187">Iran wary as EU presents measures to save </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-wary-as-eu-presents-measures-to-save-nuclear-deal-138187">nuclear</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-wary-as-eu-presents-measures-to-save-nuclear-deal-138187"> deal</a>

Iran said Saturday it would wait to see whether Europe produces tangible results in overcoming US sanctions before deciding whether to stay in the nuclear deal, as a top EU official visited Tehran to present plans to maintain trade ties.

&nbsp

Yeddyurappa resigns as Karnataka CM before trust vote, BJP fails to prove majority Two days after taking the oath Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa has resigned from his post on Saturday, ahead of the floor test in the Assembly. Saudi Arabia detains seven activists ahead of lifting of driving ban Weeks ahead of Saudi Arabia is to lift the ban from women driving, seven women's rights activists were arrested on Saturday by the authorities. As it happened: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married in a star-studded ceremony From Oprah Winfrey to Priyanka Chopra to Prince Harry's ex Chelsy Davy, the royal wedding saw Hollywood royalty rub shoulders with British aristocracy. Every stone, weapon raised by misguided youths destabilises Kashmir: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed to those Kashmiri youth who have joined violence to return to their homes and live a life of dignity and peace. Iran wary as EU presents measures to save nuclear deal Iran said Saturday it would wait to see whether Europe produces tangible results in overcoming US sanctions before deciding whether to stay in the nuclear deal, as a top EU official visited Tehran to present plans to maintain trade ties.

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

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'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-congress-jds-shift-mlas-from-bengaluru-to-avoid-horse-trading-137827">Karnataka: Congress, JD(S) shift MLAs from Bengaluru 'to avoid horse trading'</a>

To avoid any attempt of horse trading by the Bhartiya Janata Party the Congress and JD(S) were shifting their MLAs from Bengaluru to Hyderabad, JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy said.&nbsp;

He said, "We have to take some caution. To stop horse-trading, they(MLAs) are moving together. All MLAs (JD(S) and Congress) are travelling on the bus, they are going to stay in the same place".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-plea-challenging-invitation-to-yeddyurappa-to-be-chief-minister-137831">Supreme Court to hear </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-plea-challenging-invitation-to-yeddyurappa-to-be-chief-minister-137831">plea</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-plea-challenging-invitation-to-yeddyurappa-to-be-chief-minister-137831"> challenging invitation to Yeddyurappa to be chief minister</a>

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa faces his first big test in the Supreme Court today. The top court will resume hearing a petition challenging Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's invitation to Yeddyurappa to become chief minister.

In the May 12 polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JD(S) 37 and others three.

The BJP insists it should stake claim to form the government by virtue of being the single largest party while the Congress, which has struck a post-poll alliance with the JD(S), says they have 116 seats, four more than the half-way mark.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-1-bsf-soldier-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-137822">Jammu and Kashmir: 1 BSF soldier killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan</a>

A soldier from the Border Security Force lost his life in a ceasefire violation after the Pakistani troops opened fire in the RS Pura sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

The soldier killed in the violation hailed from Jharkhand and is survived by a three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son.&nbsp;

The ceasefire violation across the international border also led to injuries of two civilians and one soldier.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-placate-north-koreas-kim-over-uncertain-summit-137825">Trump seeks to placate North Korea's Kim over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-placate-north-koreas-kim-over-uncertain-summit-137825">uncertain</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-placate-north-koreas-kim-over-uncertain-summit-137825"> summit</a>

US President Donald Trump sought on Thursday to placate North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un after Pyongyang threatened to scrap an unprecedented summit, saying Kim`s security would be guaranteed in any deal and his country would not suffer the fate of Muammar Gaddafi`s Libya, unless that could not be reached.

In rambling remarks in the White House`s Oval Office in which he also sharply criticized China over trade, Trump said that as far as he knew the meeting with Kim was still on track, but that the North Korean leader was possibly being influenced by Beijing after two recent visits he made there.&nbsp;

Trump distanced himself from comments by his national security adviser John Bolton that North Korea angrily denounced when casting doubt on the summit, which is planned for June 12 in Singapore.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-panchayat-polls-tmc-races-ahead-bjp-main-rival-137829">West Bengal panchayat polls: TMC races ahead, BJP main rival</a>

The ruling Trinamool Congress is headed for a massive victory in West Bengal's rural polls, bagging 20,848 seats in the three-tier polls, while the BJP emerged as its main rival, according to the results declared till 1 am.

State Election Commission (SEC) sources said the TMC was ahead in another 148 gram panchayat seats for which counting was in progress.

The BJP has won 5,636 seats and is leading in 21 seats, they said.

 
&nbsp;

Karnataka: Congress, JD(S) shift MLAs from Bengaluru 'to avoid horse trading' To avoid any attempt of horse trading by the Bhartiya Janata Party the Congress and JD(S) were shifting 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". Supreme Court to hear plea challenging invitation to Yeddyurappa to be chief minister Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa faces his first big test in the Supreme Court today. The top court will resume hearing a petition challenging Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's invitation to Yeddyurappa to become chief minister. In the May 12 polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JD(S) 37 and others three. The BJP insists it should stake claim to form the government by virtue of being the single largest party while the Congress, which has struck a post-poll alliance with the JD(S), says they have 116 seats, four more than the half-way mark. Jammu and Kashmir: 1 BSF soldier killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan A soldier from the Border Security Force lost his life in a ceasefire violation after the Pakistani troops opened fire in the RS Pura sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The soldier killed in the violation hailed from Jharkhand and is survived by a three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son. The ceasefire violation across the international border also led to injuries of two civilians and one soldier. Trump seeks to placate North Korea's Kim over uncertain summit US President Donald Trump sought on Thursday to placate North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un after Pyongyang threatened to scrap an unprecedented summit, saying Kim`s security would be guaranteed in any deal and his country would not suffer the fate of Muammar Gaddafi`s Libya, unless that could not be reached. In rambling remarks in the White House`s Oval Office in which he also sharply criticized China over trade, Trump said that as far as he knew the meeting with Kim was still on track, but that the North Korean leader was possibly being influenced by Beijing after two recent visits he made there. Trump distanced himself from comments by his national security adviser John Bolton that North Korea angrily denounced when casting doubt on the summit, which is planned for June 12 in Singapore. West Bengal panchayat polls: TMC races ahead, BJP main rival The ruling Trinamool Congress is headed for a massive victory in West Bengal's rural polls, bagging 20,848 seats in the three-tier polls, while the BJP emerged as its main rival, according to the results declared till 1 am. State Election Commission (SEC) sources said the TMC was ahead in another 148 gram panchayat seats for which counting was in progress. The BJP has won 5,636 seats and is leading in 21 seats, they said.

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

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

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

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

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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997347178577367042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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 reach Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Mridula Sinha <a href="https://t.co/UDPhn69vM0">pic.twitter.com/UDPhn69vM0</a>
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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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&nbsp;

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".

&nbsp;

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

The Supreme Court today refused to stay BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa's swearing-in as Karnataka Chief Minister after a rare pre-dawn hearing which saw the Congress-JD (S) combine making a last-ditch attempt to stall the saffron party's surge in the southern state.

The top court, which commenced the hearing at 2.11 am and ended at 5.28 am, however made it clear that the swearing-in and the government formation in the state would be subject to the final outcome of the case before it.

A special bench comprising Justices AK Sikri, SA Bobde and Ashok Bhushan directed the Centre to place before it two communications, sent by Yeddyurappa to Governor Vajubhai Vala in which he had staked claim to form the government, saying their perusal was necessary to decide the case.

The top court also issued notices to Karnataka government and Yeddyurappa seeking their replies on the plea filed by Congress-JD (S) combine and posted the matter for hearing tomorrow.

"This Court is not passing any order staying the oath taking ceremony of BS Yeddyurappa. In case, he is given oath in the meantime, that shall be subject to further orders of this court and final outcome of the writ petition," the bench said. 
 
While senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Congress-JD (S) combine, persisted with his arguments that the swearing-in ceremony should be stayed or deferred, the bench said, "we are not staying the oath taking ceremony".

Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, and senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing three BJP MLAs Govind M Karjol, CM Udasi and Basavaraj Bommai, opposed the arguments to defer or stay the swearing-in ceremony, which was scheduled yesterday for today morning.

"We do not know what transpired in the meeting between the BJP leader (Yeddyurappa) and the Governor. I do not think BS Yeddyurappa is served or represented here. The whole thing is in a grey area and in a realm of speculation," Venugopal said.

Rohatgi also questioned the manner in which the petition was filed in the midnight and said, "Heavens will not fall if somebody is sworn-in. This is not a matter of life or death or as if someone is going to be hanged".

He said that constitutional obligation of the Governor was to invite a party to form a new government and his action could always be judicially reviewed and the court may order for restoration of status-quo ante also as was done in the case of Arunachal Pradesh.

"Courts should not stop a constitutional functionary (Governor) from discharging his constitutional duty. In this country, action will be amenable but office of the Governor cannot be injuncted," Rohatgi said.

At the outset, Singhvi referred to the number of seats won by the BJP, Congress and JD (S) and said the Congress-JD (S) combine has the majority in the house with 117 MLAs while the BJP had only 104 seats which was below the majority mark of 112 at present.

He also questioned the Governor's decision to give 15 days time to Yeddyurppa to prove majority in the house and claimed that this might lead to "horse trading" and "poaching" of MLAs.

Singhvi said that they were not sure how much time Yeddyurppa himself had sought from the Governor to prove the majority but as per their information, the BJP leader had sought seven days time.

He urged the court to defer the swearing-in, scheduled to be held at 9.30 am today, till 4.30 pm and said the Centre or BJP should be asked to place before the bench the letters sent by Yeddyurppa to the Governor.

However, the Attorney General told the bench, "We really do not know what was the basis of which the Governor invited him (Yeddyurppa)".

He said that swearing-in should not be deferred or stayed as it was for a constitutional office and no purpose would be served by stopping it since it was "purely a reversable situation".

"Let this matter be heard. Let floor test take place. No irreversible damage will be done," Venugopal said.

"Here, there are three major parties. BJP is the single largest party, Congress is second and JD (S) is third. Now, the Congress-JD (S) combine outweigh the BJP. Then, in this situation, on what basis he (Yeddyurppa) has staked claim to form the government? We do not have those letters. It's only on surmises. The arithmetic is such that defies on what basis it was done," the bench observed.

To this, Venugopal raised a doubt on the authenticity of the signatures of MLAs submitted by Congress-JD (S) combine leader HD Kumaraswamy and said, "They may have given signed letter which may not be genuine".

Singhvi, while contending that "humongous things are happening in terms of money", expressed gratitude that three judges of the apex court were hearing the matter at 2 am.

"If a Governor passes an order (inviting Yeddyurppa to form government) at 9.30 pm and the oath taking ceremony is at 9.30 am, I have no option but to make your night black. I am extremely grateful that three judges of the Supreme Court are sitting in the court at 2 am to hear the matter. It is a victory of democracy irrespective of what is the outcome. The democracy has won," he told the bench.

Meanwhile, senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani mentioned before the Chief Justice of India bench of Dipak Misra, justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud his application for urgent hearing against the Karnataka Governor for inviting BS Yeddyurappa for making government. The bench directed him to mention it tomorrow before an appropriate bench.

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Sr lawyer Ram Jethmalani mentioned before CJI Bench of Dipak Misra, justices AM Khanwilkar&DY Chandrachud his application for urgent hearing against Karnataka Guv for inviting BS Yedurappa for making govt. The Bench directed him to mention it tomorrow before an appropriate bench. <a href="https://t.co/DGANrJ3jvu">pic.twitter.com/DGANrJ3jvu</a>
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&nbsp;

In the May 12 polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JD(S) 37 and others three.

The court heard the plea in a marathon session from 2.11 am to 5.28 am Thursday morning. It did not stay the swearing in but made very clear that it was subject to the final outcome of the hearing

The Supreme Court today refused to stay BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa's swearing-in as Karnataka Chief Minister after a rare pre-dawn hearing which saw the Congress-JD (S) combine making a last-ditch attempt to stall the saffron party's surge in the southern state. The top court, which commenced the hearing at 2.11 am and ended at 5.28 am, however made it clear that the swearing-in and the government formation in the state would be subject to the final outcome of the case before it. A special bench comprising Justices AK Sikri, SA Bobde and Ashok Bhushan directed the Centre to place before it two communications, sent by Yeddyurappa to Governor Vajubhai Vala in which he had staked claim to form the government, saying their perusal was necessary to decide the case. The top court also issued notices to Karnataka government and Yeddyurappa seeking their replies on the plea filed by Congress-JD (S) combine and posted the matter for hearing tomorrow. "This Court is not passing any order staying the oath taking ceremony of BS Yeddyurappa. In case, he is given oath in the meantime, that shall be subject to further orders of this court and final outcome of the writ petition," the bench said. While senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Congress-JD (S) combine, persisted with his arguments that the swearing-in ceremony should be stayed or deferred, the bench said, "we are not staying the oath taking ceremony". Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, and senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing three BJP MLAs Govind M Karjol, CM Udasi and Basavaraj Bommai, opposed the arguments to defer or stay the swearing-in ceremony, which was scheduled yesterday for today morning. "We do not know what transpired in the meeting between the BJP leader (Yeddyurappa) and the Governor. I do not think BS Yeddyurappa is served or represented here. The whole thing is in a grey area and in a realm of speculation," Venugopal said. Rohatgi also questioned the manner in which the petition was filed in the midnight and said, "Heavens will not fall if somebody is sworn-in. This is not a matter of life or death or as if someone is going to be hanged". He said that constitutional obligation of the Governor was to invite a party to form a new government and his action could always be judicially reviewed and the court may order for restoration of status-quo ante also as was done in the case of Arunachal Pradesh. "Courts should not stop a constitutional functionary (Governor) from discharging his constitutional duty. In this country, action will be amenable but office of the Governor cannot be injuncted," Rohatgi said. At the outset, Singhvi referred to the number of seats won by the BJP, Congress and JD (S) and said the Congress-JD (S) combine has the majority in the house with 117 MLAs while the BJP had only 104 seats which was below the majority mark of 112 at present. He also questioned the Governor's decision to give 15 days time to Yeddyurppa to prove majority in the house and claimed that this might lead to "horse trading" and "poaching" of MLAs. Singhvi said that they were not sure how much time Yeddyurppa himself had sought from the Governor to prove the majority but as per their information, the BJP leader had sought seven days time. He urged the court to defer the swearing-in, scheduled to be held at 9.30 am today, till 4.30 pm and said the Centre or BJP should be asked to place before the bench the letters sent by Yeddyurppa to the Governor. However, the Attorney General told the bench, "We really do not know what was the basis of which the Governor invited him (Yeddyurppa)". He said that swearing-in should not be deferred or stayed as it was for a constitutional office and no purpose would be served by stopping it since it was "purely a reversable situation". "Let this matter be heard. Let floor test take place. No irreversible damage will be done," Venugopal said. "Here, there are three major parties. BJP is the single largest party, Congress is second and JD (S) is third. Now, the Congress-JD (S) combine outweigh the BJP. Then, in this situation, on what basis he (Yeddyurppa) has staked claim to form the government? We do not have those letters. It's only on surmises. The arithmetic is such that defies on what basis it was done," the bench observed. To this, Venugopal raised a doubt on the authenticity of the signatures of MLAs submitted by Congress-JD (S) combine leader HD Kumaraswamy and said, "They may have given signed letter which may not be genuine". Singhvi, while contending that "humongous things are happening in terms of money", expressed gratitude that three judges of the apex court were hearing the matter at 2 am. "If a Governor passes an order (inviting Yeddyurppa to form government) at 9.30 pm and the oath taking ceremony is at 9.30 am, I have no option but to make your night black. I am extremely grateful that three judges of the Supreme Court are sitting in the court at 2 am to hear the matter. It is a victory of democracy irrespective of what is the outcome. The democracy has won," he told the bench. Meanwhile, senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani mentioned before the Chief Justice of India bench of Dipak Misra, justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud his application for urgent hearing against the Karnataka Governor for inviting BS Yeddyurappa for making government. The bench directed him to mention it tomorrow before an appropriate bench. Sr lawyer Ram Jethmalani mentioned before CJI Bench of Dipak Misra, justices AM Khanwilkar&DY Chandrachud his application for urgent hearing against Karnataka Guv for inviting BS Yedurappa for making govt. The Bench directed him to mention it tomorrow before an appropriate bench. pic.twitter.com/DGANrJ3jvu — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × In the May 12 polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JD(S) 37 and others three.

Congress plea against Yeddyurappa swearing in: Next hearing in SC tomorrow

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

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

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

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

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

JD(S) on the other hand has played to its strength ahead in 40 seats currently leading in southern Karnataka.

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

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

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;

Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah.&nbsp;

The Congress told Vala that it was offering the JD(S) unconditional support.&nbsp;

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;

Kumaraswamy decided to opt for the post himself.&nbsp;

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.&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)+ in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;

That would give the JD(S)-Congress combine a total of 115 seats.&nbsp;

Intriguingly, the BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa got to the Raj Bhavan just before Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;

"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;

On his way to the governor,&nbsp; Yeddyurappa said "100 per cent we will form the government."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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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>
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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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996358625600782336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996354476708577280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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What happens next depends on Governor Vala. He can invite whichever combine or single party he thinks commands majority support in the house.&nbsp;

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.

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

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

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

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

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

The Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged as the single largest party in the Karnataka Assembly but has fallen short of the halfway mark to form a government.

In a quick turn of events, sources in the Congress said the party is willing to support the Janata Dal (Secular).

Reacting to the current political situation in the state BJP's CM face BS Yeddyurappa has said: Counting is still on. We are waiting to asses all possibilities. The majority of voters have given us their mandate.

"I don't want to discuss the possible JD(S)-Congress alliance," he added.

"The people have rejected the Congress and accepted BJP. People are moving towards 'Congress-mukt Karnataka'. Now they're trying to grab power despite facing rejection," he said at a press conference.

Yeddyurappa accused the Congress of disrespecting the mandate of the people, which was in the BJP's favour and called this move a "back-door politics"

"Congress is trying to subvert the mandate through dubious means. This kind of back-door politics by the Congress should be condemned," he said. 
&nbsp;

In a quick turn of events, sources in the Congress said the party is willing to support the Janata Dal (Secular).

The Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged as the single largest party in the Karnataka Assembly but has fallen short of the halfway mark to form a government. In a quick turn of events, sources in the Congress said the party is willing to support the Janata Dal (Secular). Reacting to the current political situation in the state BJP's CM face BS Yeddyurappa has said: Counting is still on. We are waiting to asses all possibilities. The majority of voters have given us their mandate. "I don't want to discuss the possible JD(S)-Congress alliance," he added. "The people have rejected the Congress and accepted BJP. People are moving towards 'Congress-mukt Karnataka'. Now they're trying to grab power despite facing rejection," he said at a press conference. Yeddyurappa accused the Congress of disrespecting the mandate of the people, which was in the BJP's favour and called this move a "back-door politics" "Congress is trying to subvert the mandate through dubious means. This kind of back-door politics by the Congress should be condemned," he said.

Congress doing 'back-door politics', people chose BJP: Yeddyurappa

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.

&nbsp;

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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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&nbsp;

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

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;

So what are the possible outcomes in these hard-fought Karnataka elections?&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
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; 
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;

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;

HD Kumaraswamy would want to be the king, not kingmaker, least of all for Siddaramaiah. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In another scenario, the Congress might look for a more neutral face to lead its charge in the state.&nbsp;

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>

Some of the names doing the rounds include that that of veteran leader and MP Mallikarjuna Kharge.&nbsp;

Kharge missed out on becoming chief minister in 2013.&nbsp;

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;

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;

Last but not least, Congress could consider the non-controversial figures of Industry Minister RV Deshpande and KPCC working president Dinesh Gundurao.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the Congress has not officially declared a CM candidate, but merely made Siddaramaiah in charge.&nbsp;

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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>
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&nbsp;Let's move on to the BJP. Their chief ministerial candidate is BS Yeddyurappa.&nbsp;

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; 
&nbsp; 
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;

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; 
&nbsp; 
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;

&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Karnataka chief ministerial candidate B.S. Yeddyurappa on Sunday said that his party would resister resounding victory in the state and decimated the Congress government with an overwhelming majority.

Addressing a press conference here, Yeddyurappa expressed confidence that there is a strong wave in favour of his party. 
"I have seen the exit polls. BJP will win more than 125-130 seats. Congress will not be able to cross 70 seats and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S) will not cross 24-25 seats. There is a silent and strong wave in favour of BJP and public anger against Siddaramaiah and Congress," he said.

"This will be known when the results would be declared on Tuesday. BJP will form the government with an absolute majority, while Congress will exit from Karnataka," he added.

When asked about Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's advice on not believing the exit polls, Yeddyurappa said, "I am not saying this. Congress knows that it will lose in the election. There is no question of a hung assembly. I am confident that the BJP will form the government."

The BJP leader, while reacting to Siddaramaiah's statement on calling him "mentally disturbed" added that he was making such statements because he would lose the Chamundeshwari and Badami seats where the Karnataka Chief Minister is contesting from.

Responding to Yeddyurappa's previous statement that he would form the government in the state on May 17, Siddaramaiah quipped on Saturday, "He's mentally disturbed now."

Asked about the possible formation of the BJP government in the state, Yeddyurappa further said, "He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is in touch with me and (BJP President) Amit Shah. Everybody is confident of winning with an absolute majority. We are 100 percent sure of forming the government on May 17."

The Assembly polls, which began at 7 a.m. at 58,546 polling stations earlier in the day concluded at 7 p.m. The Election Commission (EC) said that voter turnout recorded was 70 percent, compared to 71.4 percent in 2013 elections in Karnataka.

A total of 2,654 candidates, including 216 women candidates were in the fray for the assembly elections this year.

While Belagavi district had the highest number of voters (37,23,585), Kodagu district had the lowest voter share (4,33,846).

The election in two constituencies, Jayanagar and Rajarajeshwari Nagar, both in Bengaluru was postponed earlier.

In Jayanagar, the polling was also deferred due to the death of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, B N Vijay Kumar, on May 4. 
In Rajarajeshwari Nagar, the polling was postponed after a bundle of fake voter identity cards was found from a flat in Bengaluru's Jalahalli locality by the EC officials on May 8. Polling for this seat is scheduled for May 28, while counting of votes will take place on May 31.

The EC ordered the re-polling of the Hebbal assembly constituency's polling station number 2 in Bengaluru as the polling was stopped earlier on Saturday due to a technical glitch in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).

As per the EC, a total of 600 pink polling stations were set up across the state, which was completely managed by women. Meanwhile, wheelchairs were also made available in some stations, with youth volunteers engaged for the assistance of differently-abled voters. 
Tight security arrangements were made to ensure smooth and peaceful single-phase polling in 222 constituencies, including 36 reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SC) and 15 for the Scheduled Tribes (ST) and 26 in Bengaluru.

The counting of votes and announcement of results will take place on Tuesday.

The Election Commission (EC) said that voter turnout recorded was 70 percent, compared to 71.4 percent in 2013 elections in Karnataka.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Karnataka chief ministerial candidate B.S. Yeddyurappa on Sunday said that his party would resister resounding victory in the state and decimated the Congress government with an overwhelming majority. Addressing a press conference here, Yeddyurappa expressed confidence that there is a strong wave in favour of his party. "I have seen the exit polls. BJP will win more than 125-130 seats. Congress will not be able to cross 70 seats and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S) will not cross 24-25 seats. There is a silent and strong wave in favour of BJP and public anger against Siddaramaiah and Congress," he said. "This will be known when the results would be declared on Tuesday. BJP will form the government with an absolute majority, while Congress will exit from Karnataka," he added. When asked about Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's advice on not believing the exit polls, Yeddyurappa said, "I am not saying this. Congress knows that it will lose in the election. There is no question of a hung assembly. I am confident that the BJP will form the government." The BJP leader, while reacting to Siddaramaiah's statement on calling him "mentally disturbed" added that he was making such statements because he would lose the Chamundeshwari and Badami seats where the Karnataka Chief Minister is contesting from. Responding to Yeddyurappa's previous statement that he would form the government in the state on May 17, Siddaramaiah quipped on Saturday, "He's mentally disturbed now." Asked about the possible formation of the BJP government in the state, Yeddyurappa further said, "He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is in touch with me and (BJP President) Amit Shah. Everybody is confident of winning with an absolute majority. We are 100 percent sure of forming the government on May 17." The Assembly polls, which began at 7 a.m. at 58,546 polling stations earlier in the day concluded at 7 p.m. The Election Commission (EC) said that voter turnout recorded was 70 percent, compared to 71.4 percent in 2013 elections in Karnataka. A total of 2,654 candidates, including 216 women candidates were in the fray for the assembly elections this year. While Belagavi district had the highest number of voters (37,23,585), Kodagu district had the lowest voter share (4,33,846). The election in two constituencies, Jayanagar and Rajarajeshwari Nagar, both in Bengaluru was postponed earlier. In Jayanagar, the polling was also deferred due to the death of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, B N Vijay Kumar, on May 4. In Rajarajeshwari Nagar, the polling was postponed after a bundle of fake voter identity cards was found from a flat in Bengaluru's Jalahalli locality by the EC officials on May 8. Polling for this seat is scheduled for May 28, while counting of votes will take place on May 31. The EC ordered the re-polling of the Hebbal assembly constituency's polling station number 2 in Bengaluru as the polling was stopped earlier on Saturday due to a technical glitch in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). As per the EC, a total of 600 pink polling stations were set up across the state, which was completely managed by women. Meanwhile, wheelchairs were also made available in some stations, with youth volunteers engaged for the assistance of differently-abled voters. Tight security arrangements were made to ensure smooth and peaceful single-phase polling in 222 constituencies, including 36 reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SC) and 15 for the Scheduled Tribes (ST) and 26 in Bengaluru. The counting of votes and announcement of results will take place on Tuesday.

Karnataka polls: BJP will win over 125 seats, asserts Yeddyurappa

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.

&nbsp;

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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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&nbsp;

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

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

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-mother-more-indian-than-many-rahul-gandhi-135937">vitriol-filled campaign</a> for the Karnataka Assembly elections ended today with top leaders of the BJP and Congress, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, making a last-gasp effort to sway the voters in a likely cliffhanger.

From corruption to communalism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Rs 70 lakh Hublot watch, to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin, the electoral potboiler had it all.

Like all state polls since he assumed the reins of power in New Delhi, Modi helmed the BJP's adrenaline-charged campaign despite the party having declared B S Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate, while Rahul Gandhi helmed that of the Congress.

Though Modi remained out of the electoral scene for a long time after addressing a public meeting in February, he launched a blitzkrieg on May 1, addressing over a score of rallies in his bid to wrest the key southern state, which BJP chief Amit Shah dubbed as the party's "gateway to south", from the Congress.

Always high on energy during elections, he adddressed at least three rallies every day when he was in Karnataka, or else interacted with workers of the BJP's different frontal organisations through the 'Namo App'.

Though development remained part of the political discourse, it was overtaken by a slanging match between the two parties over corruption.

The prime minister and Amit Shah raised the issue of the killing of RSS and BJP workers by SDPI, a radical Islamist political party floated by the Popular Front of India, which Modi said was the "abc of communalism".

Shah claimed two of the candidates fielded by the Congress were, in fact, members of the SDPI.

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On day one of his campaign, Modi raked up the issue of Sonia's foreign origin at an election rally where he dared the Congress chief to speak for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Karnataka government in any language, including his "mother's mother tongue".

An emotional Rahul Gandhi hit back today at a press conference where he said,"My mother is an Italian. She has lived the larger part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many, many Indians I have seen."

Modi repeatedly addressed the Siddaramaiah ministry as "seedha rupaiah government (a government that takes bribes for work) and "10 per cent commission government".

Provoked, Siddaramaiah first called the Modi dispensation a "90 per cent commission government" and then served legal notices to Modi and Shah, demanding an apology and threatening to file Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation suit if they did not tender it.

Rally after election rally, Rahul Gandhi targeted BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa over corruption when he helmed the state while BJP was in power between 2008 and 2013.

"Will Modi ji tell the people of Karnataka why a man who spent time in jail for corruption is the BJP's CM candidate? Why the BJP has given 8 tickets to Reddy brothers and their associates who looted Rs 35,000 crore from the people of Karnataka?" he asked, as he sought to paint the saffron party into a corner.

The Congress president frequently referred to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi in his speeches, alleging the government allowed him to flee the country after defrauding the Punjab National Bank fraud.

Modi, who has powered the BJP to victory after victory in Assembly polls in states in the last four years, also invoked nationalism and B R Ambedkar, after he was in the Congress president's firing line over a string of attacks on Dalits. He slammed the Congress for raising questions about the Army's surgical strikes in PoK.

Though Modi did not campaign in Karnataka today, he addressed BJP's SC/ST/OBC and Slum Morcha workers through his Namo App and said, "There is no place for dalits and backward classes in the heart of the Congress." He accused the Congress of "insulting" Ambedkar, a Dalit icon.

Sonia Gandhi, who avoided the rough and tumble of elections for two years after she was taken ill during a roadshow in Varanasi ahead of the Uttar Pradesh polls, also addressed a rally in the Lingayat stronghold of

Vijayapura where she said "Modi is possessed by the devil of 'Congress mukt Bharat' (bhoot lag gaya hai)".

Apart from Shah, who vigourously campaigned across the state over the last two months, the BJP fielded its Hindutva mascot Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who toured the communally sensitive coastal belt of Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district.

Adityanath exhorted electors to elect a government that can protect people from "jihadi" forces.

After Rahul Gandhi publicly declared he was ready to become the prime minister if Congress emerged as the single largest party, Modi mocked him, calling him a "dynast" and wondering whether the nation will accept him as its leader.

The campaign was hit by a "fake" voter ID card scandal in it dying moments, but election officials said those appeared to be genuine.

Nearly 10,000 cards were recovered from a flat in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency on Tuesday, setting off a war of words between the Congress and BJP, with each alleging the owner of the apartment owed allegiance to the rival party.

The contentious issue of the Siddaramaiah government recommending religious minority status for the numerically strong Lingayat community took a back seat as the two parties appeared unsure about its electoral fallout.

Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker.

Polling for 223 seats of the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12. Election for the Jayanagar seat was countermanded after the death of the sitting BJP MLA and its candidate B N Jayakumar. Results will be declared on May 15.&nbsp;

Like Gujarat before it, the campaign for Karnataka has been rough and ugly with a number of personal attacks from either side. The results will be out on May 15

The vitriol-filled campaign for the Karnataka Assembly elections ended today with top leaders of the BJP and Congress, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, making a last-gasp effort to sway the voters in a likely cliffhanger. From corruption to communalism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Rs 70 lakh Hublot watch, to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin, the electoral potboiler had it all. Like all state polls since he assumed the reins of power in New Delhi, Modi helmed the BJP's adrenaline-charged campaign despite the party having declared B S Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate, while Rahul Gandhi helmed that of the Congress. Though Modi remained out of the electoral scene for a long time after addressing a public meeting in February, he launched a blitzkrieg on May 1, addressing over a score of rallies in his bid to wrest the key southern state, which BJP chief Amit Shah dubbed as the party's "gateway to south", from the Congress. Always high on energy during elections, he adddressed at least three rallies every day when he was in Karnataka, or else interacted with workers of the BJP's different frontal organisations through the 'Namo App'. Though development remained part of the political discourse, it was overtaken by a slanging match between the two parties over corruption. The prime minister and Amit Shah raised the issue of the killing of RSS and BJP workers by SDPI, a radical Islamist political party floated by the Popular Front of India, which Modi said was the "abc of communalism". Shah claimed two of the candidates fielded by the Congress were, in fact, members of the SDPI. Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker × On day one of his campaign, Modi raked up the issue of Sonia's foreign origin at an election rally where he dared the Congress chief to speak for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Karnataka government in any language, including his "mother's mother tongue". An emotional Rahul Gandhi hit back today at a press conference where he said,"My mother is an Italian. She has lived the larger part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many, many Indians I have seen." Modi repeatedly addressed the Siddaramaiah ministry as "seedha rupaiah government (a government that takes bribes for work) and "10 per cent commission government". Provoked, Siddaramaiah first called the Modi dispensation a "90 per cent commission government" and then served legal notices to Modi and Shah, demanding an apology and threatening to file Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation suit if they did not tender it. Rally after election rally, Rahul Gandhi targeted BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa over corruption when he helmed the state while BJP was in power between 2008 and 2013. "Will Modi ji tell the people of Karnataka why a man who spent time in jail for corruption is the BJP's CM candidate? Why the BJP has given 8 tickets to Reddy brothers and their associates who looted Rs 35,000 crore from the people of Karnataka?" he asked, as he sought to paint the saffron party into a corner. The Congress president frequently referred to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi in his speeches, alleging the government allowed him to flee the country after defrauding the Punjab National Bank fraud. Modi, who has powered the BJP to victory after victory in Assembly polls in states in the last four years, also invoked nationalism and B R Ambedkar, after he was in the Congress president's firing line over a string of attacks on Dalits. He slammed the Congress for raising questions about the Army's surgical strikes in PoK. Though Modi did not campaign in Karnataka today, he addressed BJP's SC/ST/OBC and Slum Morcha workers through his Namo App and said, "There is no place for dalits and backward classes in the heart of the Congress." He accused the Congress of "insulting" Ambedkar, a Dalit icon. Sonia Gandhi, who avoided the rough and tumble of elections for two years after she was taken ill during a roadshow in Varanasi ahead of the Uttar Pradesh polls, also addressed a rally in the Lingayat stronghold of Vijayapura where she said "Modi is possessed by the devil of 'Congress mukt Bharat' (bhoot lag gaya hai)". Apart from Shah, who vigourously campaigned across the state over the last two months, the BJP fielded its Hindutva mascot Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who toured the communally sensitive coastal belt of Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district. Adityanath exhorted electors to elect a government that can protect people from "jihadi" forces. After Rahul Gandhi publicly declared he was ready to become the prime minister if Congress emerged as the single largest party, Modi mocked him, calling him a "dynast" and wondering whether the nation will accept him as its leader. The campaign was hit by a "fake" voter ID card scandal in it dying moments, but election officials said those appeared to be genuine. Nearly 10,000 cards were recovered from a flat in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency on Tuesday, setting off a war of words between the Congress and BJP, with each alleging the owner of the apartment owed allegiance to the rival party. The contentious issue of the Siddaramaiah government recommending religious minority status for the numerically strong Lingayat community took a back seat as the two parties appeared unsure about its electoral fallout. Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker. Polling for 223 seats of the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12. Election for the Jayanagar seat was countermanded after the death of the sitting BJP MLA and its candidate B N Jayakumar. Results will be declared on May 15.

Vitriol-filled campaign for Karnataka ends, elections on May 12

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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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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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

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-nation-today-is-experiencing-difficult-times-manmohan-singh-135172">Our nation today is experiencing difficult times: Manmohan Singh</a>

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh today launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its "disastrous policies" and "economic mismanagement", and said the country was facing crises that were avoidable.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-sends-defamation-notice-to-modi-amit-shah-and-bsy-demands-public-apology-135209">Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah sends </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-sends-defamation-notice-to-modi-amit-shah-and-bsy-demands-public-apology-135209">defamation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-sends-defamation-notice-to-modi-amit-shah-and-bsy-demands-public-apology-135209"> notice to Modi, Amit Shah and BSY, demands </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-sends-defamation-notice-to-modi-amit-shah-and-bsy-demands-public-apology-135209">public</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-sends-defamation-notice-to-modi-amit-shah-and-bsy-demands-public-apology-135209"> apology</a>

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sent a legal notice to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, and the BJP's chief minister candidate for Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/volcano-in-hawaii-destroys-26-houses-1700-people-forced-to-leave-home-135201">Hawaii volcano erupts, 1,700 people forced to flee homes</a>

Emergency authorities battling lava flows and gas erupting from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano told some residents to "Go now" as a new fissure opened and more structures were destroyed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-to-take-oath-as-russia-president-for-4th-term-135148">Vladimir Putin takes oath as Russia president for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-to-take-oath-as-russia-president-for-4th-term-135148">4th</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-to-take-oath-as-russia-president-for-4th-term-135148"> term </a>

Putin has taken oath as the president of Russia for the fourth time at the St. Andrew Hall in the Kremlin Palace in a traditional ceremony.&nbspPutin's fourth term comes after he won the presidential election in March, capturing 76 per cent votes.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-soldier-injured-after-terrorist-hurls-grenade-in-jks-pulwama-135183">1 injured after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-soldier-injured-after-terrorist-hurls-grenade-in-jks-pulwama-135183">grenade</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-soldier-injured-after-terrorist-hurls-grenade-in-jks-pulwama-135183"> thrown at CRPF, police personnel in J&K's Pulwama</a>

A CRPF personnel sustained injuries in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in an attack by terrorists on Monday. The soldier was injured after a terrorist hurled a grenade at police and CRPF personnel deployed&nbspat Tahab Chowk in Pulwama district.

&nbsp

&nbsp

Our nation today is experiencing difficult times: Manmohan Singh Former prime minister Manmohan Singh today launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its "disastrous policies" and "economic mismanagement", and said the country was facing crises that were avoidable. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah sends defamation notice to Modi, Amit Shah and BSY, demands public apology Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sent a legal notice to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, and the BJP's chief minister candidate for Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa. Hawaii volcano erupts, 1,700 people forced to flee homes Emergency authorities battling lava flows and gas erupting from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano told some residents to "Go now" as a new fissure opened and more structures were destroyed. Vladimir Putin takes oath as Russia president for 4th term Putin has taken oath as the president of Russia for the fourth time at the St. Andrew Hall in the Kremlin Palace in a traditional ceremony.&nbspPutin's fourth term comes after he won the presidential election in March, capturing 76 per cent votes. 1 injured after grenade thrown at CRPF, police personnel in J&K's Pulwama A CRPF personnel sustained injuries in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in an attack by terrorists on Monday. The soldier was injured after a terrorist hurled a grenade at police and CRPF personnel deployed&nbspat Tahab Chowk in Pulwama district.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-karnataka-polls-authorities-seize-cash-articles-worth-rs-152-crore-134795">Ahead of Karnataka polls, authorities seize cash, articles worth Rs 120 crore</a>

The Election Commission-appointed surveillance teams have seized cash, jewellery and other inducements worth over Rs 120 crore in the poll-bound Karnataka, a senior official said today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-slams-yeddyurappa-for-threatening-voters-134801">Congress slams Yeddyurappa for 'threatening' voters</a>

Congress party on Saturday slammed BJP for ''threatening voters in frustration. A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. Mr Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy and intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively," tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.

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Days after a historic inter-Korean summit Lee Min-bok, a defector who has been flying anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the North for 15 years, received a call from an official at Seoul's Unification Ministry urging him to halt his balloon campaign.

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Ahead of Karnataka polls, authorities seize cash, articles worth Rs 120 crore The Election Commission-appointed surveillance teams have seized cash, jewellery and other inducements worth over Rs 120 crore in the poll-bound Karnataka, a senior official said today. Congress slams Yeddyurappa for 'threatening' voters Congress party on Saturday slammed BJP for ''threatening voters in frustration. A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. Mr Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy and intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively," tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala. Putin opponents protest across Russia before presidential inauguration Critics of Vladimir Putin took to the streets of Russia on Saturday ahead of his inauguration for a fourth presidential term to register their opposition to what they say is his autocratic Tsar-like rule. South Korea faces dilemma over anti-North leaflets as ties thaw Days after a historic inter-Korean summit Lee Min-bok, a defector who has been flying anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the North for 15 years, received a call from an official at Seoul's Unification Ministry urging him to halt his balloon campaign. 2,000 French police on streets for anti-Macron protest Paris police are deploying in large numbers and activists are calling for calm as the French capital prepares for a mass protest on the anniversary of President Emmanuel Macron's inauguration.

Congress party on Saturday slammed BJP for ''threatening voters in frustration''.&nbsp;

"A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. Mr Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy and intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively," tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/tie-hands-legs-of-non-voters-make-them-vote-for-bjp-yeddyurappa-134790">Tie hands, legs of non-voters, make them vote for BJP: Yeddyurappa</a>

Earlier BJP Karnataka chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa advised people to tie hands and legs of the non-voters and make them vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar, BJP candidate from Kittur.

Addressing a public gathering at Belagavi, Yeddyurappa said, "Don't rest now. If you think that somebody isn't voting, go to their homes, tie up their hands and legs and bring them to vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar."

Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will lose both in Badami and in Chamundeshwari.

"Siddaramaiah will lose in Chamundi he will also lose in Badami against Sri Ramulu, Congress is now was sinking ship. That is why I am requesting you to vote in favour of the BJP," he added.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15.&nbsp;

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A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. 
 
Mr. Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy & intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively. <a href="https://t.co/3hGuFAsZ6p">https://t.co/3hGuFAsZ6p</a>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/992720229200547846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''Mr Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy and intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively," tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.

Congress party on Saturday slammed BJP for ''threatening voters in frustration''. "A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. Mr Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy and intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively," tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala. Also read: Tie hands, legs of non-voters, make them vote for BJP: Yeddyurappa Earlier BJP Karnataka chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa advised people to tie hands and legs of the non-voters and make them vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar, BJP candidate from Kittur. Addressing a public gathering at Belagavi, Yeddyurappa said, "Don't rest now. If you think that somebody isn't voting, go to their homes, tie up their hands and legs and bring them to vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar." Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will lose both in Badami and in Chamundeshwari. "Siddaramaiah will lose in Chamundi he will also lose in Badami against Sri Ramulu, Congress is now was sinking ship. That is why I am requesting you to vote in favour of the BJP," he added. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15. A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. Mr. Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy & intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively. https://t.co/3hGuFAsZ6p — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 5, 2018 ×

Congress slams Yeddyurappa for 'threatening' voters

The Election Commission-appointed surveillance teams have seized cash, jewellery and other inducements worth over Rs 120 crore in the poll-bound Karnataka, a senior official said today.

Cash amounting to over Rs 67.27 crore, over five lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 23.36 crore, gold valued at 43.17 crore and other items such as pressure cookers, sarees, sewing machines, gutkha, laptops and vehicles, among others, worth about Rs 18.57 crore, have been seized, he said.

The official said Rs 32.54 crore in cash, out of the total seizures of Rs 152.78 crore, has been released after verification.

The figure also includes seized narcotics worth more than Rs 39.80 lakh, according to official data since the declaration of the elections for the Karnataka Assembly.

The seizures have been made by various surveillance, police and Income Tax department teams that have been deployed in the state by the poll panel to check the use of black money and illegal inducements, the official said.

The state will go to polls on May 12. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 15.&nbsp;

The authorities also seized pressure cookers, sarees, sewing machines, gutkha, laptops and vehicles

The Election Commission-appointed surveillance teams have seized cash, jewellery and other inducements worth over Rs 120 crore in the poll-bound Karnataka, a senior official said today. Cash amounting to over Rs 67.27 crore, over five lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 23.36 crore, gold valued at 43.17 crore and other items such as pressure cookers, sarees, sewing machines, gutkha, laptops and vehicles, among others, worth about Rs 18.57 crore, have been seized, he said. The official said Rs 32.54 crore in cash, out of the total seizures of Rs 152.78 crore, has been released after verification. The figure also includes seized narcotics worth more than Rs 39.80 lakh, according to official data since the declaration of the elections for the Karnataka Assembly. The seizures have been made by various surveillance, police and Income Tax department teams that have been deployed in the state by the poll panel to check the use of black money and illegal inducements, the official said. The state will go to polls on May 12. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 15.

Ahead of Karnataka polls, authorities seize cash, articles worth Rs 120 crore

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.

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.

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;

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.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;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.

&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.

The results of the Karnataka elections will be announced on May 15th for the 225-member state assembly.

There are &nbsp;2,655 candidates in the fray for the polls.

<img alt="ModiMarketing1_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/ModiMarketing1_0.jpg" width="463" />

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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