The results of the closely-contested Karnataka Assembly elections have sent the politicos in state in a tizzy. With the BJP emerging as the single largest party but falling short of a clear majority, efforts were on in state to woo Janata Dal (Secular) to form the government.
For now, the Congress seems to have emulated the precedent set by the BJP in previous elections. The party has quickly stitched a post-poll alliance with JD(S) to keep BJP out of power, much like what the saffron party did in Goa and Manipur elections.
The BJP, which won only 40 seats in 2013, has emerged as the single largest party by establishing a lead in 104 seats.
The ruling Congress, which had won 122 seats in 2013, is set to win 78 seats.
The JD(S) has finished third in the race with a tally of 37. Its ally BSP has won from Kollegal.
No party has managed to reach the halfway mark of 113 in the 224-seated Assembly. Of the 224 seats, elections have been postponed in R.R. Nagar and countermanded in Jayanagar. The elections to the two seats will now be held on 28 May.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tendered his resignation to Governor V.R. Vala.
Mr. Yeddyurappa, along with senior BJP leaders including Union Minister Ananth Kumar, met the Governor and staked a claim to form the government as the single largest party.
JD(S) state chief H.D. Kumaraswamy also met with the Governor to stake a claim to form the government with the Congress’s support.
The ball is in the Governor’s court now.
Leave a reply