Tug of war continues between JDS-Congress alliance and BJP post result

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)