Bengaluru: In a cliff hanger hanger situation the Bhratiya Janata Party which has emerged the single largest party in the May 12 Assembly elections staked claim to form the government in Karnataka, even as the JD(S)-Congress combine followed suit to Raj Bhavan to impress upon Governor Vajubhai Vala to invite them to be sworn in based on their numerical strength.
On a day of swift developments the fiercely fought election for the 15th Karnataka Assembly saw fortunes swing like a sea-saw with the BJP, which was heading to secure a simple majority, was pushed back to end up with 104, nine short of a simple majority. The Party which had already won 93 seats was leading in 11 and would end up with a final tally of 104.
The Congress which in the afternoon decided to support the Janata Dal (Secular) in the afternoon and dashed a letter to former Prime Minister and JD(S) National President H D Devegowda extending its unconditional support to head the next government saw its leaders headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah meeting the Governor along with JD(S) State President H D Kumaraswamy and staking claim.
Mr Siddaramaiah later told newsmen that the JD(S)-Congress combine had the necessary numerical strength to form the government. The JD(S) had a final tally of 38, including one secured by its alliance partner BSP, while the Congress is likely to end up with 78 seats. It had won 73 seats and was leading in five. two other independents had won and Congress claimed that they were supporting the JD(S) Congress alliance.(UNI)