The Janata Dal (Secular) party President H. D. Kumaraswamy sent a letter to the Karnataka Governor asking for a meeting to discuss the new alliance with Congress. The present ruling party in Karnataka is determined to stay in power. As soon as the BJP failed to meet the majority line, the Congress contacted the JD(S) for an alliance.
The BJP won 104 seats while the Congress won 77 seats and JD(S) have 39 seats. Two of the seats were won by independent candidates. The Congress and JD(S) alliance will secure majority seats to form a coalition Government. The JD(S) agreed to Congress’ offer after they stated the JD(S) candidate would serve as Chief Minister.
While the Congress tries to win the elections by using the backdoor, the BJP has also decided to take action. The BJP CM candidate B. S. Yeddyurappa announced he will meet the Governor along with Union Minister Ananth Kumar. Yeddyurappa said, “We are the single largest party in the state. The mandate is in our favor and against Congress.” Two of the independent candidates who won seats have agreed to support the Congress.
The counting of votes for the Karnataka Assembly Elections began today. There are three chief minister candidates hoping to gain power in the State. They are the present CM from Congress Siddaramaiah, the BJP candidate B. S. Yeddyurappa and the Janata Dal (Secular) candidate H. D. Kumaraswamy.
A party requires 112 seats out of the 222 to form the Government in Karnataka. Since 1985, no political party has regained power after their first term.
The voting for the 222 seats was held on Saturday and one of the Constituency’s polling was canceled after the BJP candidate suddenly passed away. This election is very important for the Congress as it is one of the four states under their control. If Congress loses this election bouncing back in the General Elections will be difficult. Apart from Karnataka, the Congress rule in Punjab, Puducherry and Mizoram.
