Karnataka govt formation updates: Congress' G Parameshwara to take oath as deputy CM tomorrow

Congress’ KR Ramesh Kumar to be the speaker of Karnataka’s Vidhana Soudha

Congress's KR Ramesh Kumar to be the Speaker of the #Karnataka's Vidhana Soudha. pic.twitter.com/LV2q8xH15P

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018

Congress’ G Parameshwara to be sworn in as Karnataka deputy CM tomorrow

Congress's G Parameshwara to take oath as the #Karnataka Deputy CM tomorrow pic.twitter.com/1srzAqa4xi

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018

HD Kumaraswamy: Speaker and deputy speaker to be elected on 25 May

Today we took decision regarding the expansion (of the cabinet). Speaker & deputy speaker would be elected on 25 May. Portfolios would be decided day after tomorrow. Everything is alright, no differences: #Karnataka CM designate HD Kumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/x0BNHH1XGy

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018

BJP’s practice of losing elections but forming government stopped in Karnataka: Yechury

BJP's practice of losing elections but forming govt, this trend has stopped in Karnataka. Pinarayi Vijayan and I will attend the oath taking ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy tomorrow: Sitaram Yechury, CPI-M pic.twitter.com/zdAOhSOf4m

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018

Kumaraswamy visits Karnataka temples ahead of swearing-in

A day ahead of his swearing-in, Karnataka chief minister-designate HD Kumaraswamy visited the Hindu holy towns of Dharmasthala and Sringeri on Tuesday to pray for the success of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government.

The JD(S) leader returned to the southern state after a day-long visit on Monday to Delhi to discuss government formation with Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

“Although the people did not bless me and our party with a clear mandate, I have got an opportunity again to serve them by God’s grace and my parents’ blessings,” Kumaraswamy said.

Most non-BJP leaders to attend tomorrow’s swearing-in ceremony, says chief minister designate HD Kumaraswamy

Most of the leaders, other than BJP leaders, will attend oath taking ceremony tomorrow. Rahul Ji, Ghulam Nabi Aazad, Maywati Ji, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Chandrababu Naidu, Stalin, several people are coming: #Karnataka Chief Minister designate HD Kumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/AAu8YdVi2O

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018

Yechury to share stage with Congress leaders at Kumaraswamy swearing-in

Reflecting the new political line adopted by the CPM to unite all “secular-democratic” forces to take on the BJP, its general secretary Sitaram Yechury would share the stage with leaders of the Congress and other parties at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka chief minister-designate HD Kumaraswamy.

Yechury, who has been personally invited by Kumaraswamy, would travel to Bengaluru to attend the oath-taking ceremony. 

“The chief minister-designate, who had come to Delhi, spoke to me over the phone. I said there is no need for formality. He invited me to attend the swearing-in ceremony. I will attend it in Bengaluru on 23 May,” he said. 

At the CPM politburo meeting in Delhi on Monday, the party encouraged Yechury to attend the ceremony.

“At our party Congress, we had adopted the political line of uniting all secular forces to defeat the BJP. There is no problem in Yechury sharing the stage with (leaders of) all secular forces, including the Congress,” a senior leader said.

A group of Muslim organisations demand for a leader from Muslim community to be made deputy CM in the new Karnataka govt

A group of Muslim organisations brief media, demand that either 7-time Congress MLA Roshan Baig or some other leader from muslim community be made the Deputy CM in the new government in Karnataka. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/cO39oNqLhZ

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018

Speaker for Karnataka Assembly will be from the Congress, whose name is likely to be announced by evening,  ANI  reported

BJP questions electoral procedures after VVPAT machines found abandoned in Vijayapura

Eight boxes used for carrying Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail machines were found at a temporary shed in a village in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district, triggering a strong reaction from the BJP which said it indicated “grave irregularities” in conduct of the polls.

Reacting to the incident, BJP, which emerged as the single largest party but fell short of simple majority, said it “exposed the enormity of the irregularities in the elections.”

The state chief electoral officer (CEO) Sanjiv Kumar said today the boxes used for carrying Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, found in Managuli village, do not belong to the district or to Election Commission.

“The boxes are without machine and paper and without unique electronic tracking number… the Election Commission will initiate strict action against those who are trying to create confusion,” Kumar said, adding, no VVPAT machines were found.

The deputy commissioner of the district and the Superintendent of Police conducted on the spot inspection today following reports that empty boxes of VVPAT machines were spotted in the shed.

“These boxes do not belong to Vijayapura district and 2,744 VVPATs allotted to the district are safely kept in the strong room,” Kumar said.

Congress’ DK Shivakumar with Vijayanagara MLA Anand Singh in Bengaluru

Senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar met Congress Vijayanagara MLA Anand Singh at Hilton hotel in Bengaluru's Domlur. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/xFny038AOu

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal to fly to Bengaluru in the evening to facilitate talks with JD(S)

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal to fly to Bengaluru on Tuesday evening to facilitate talks with the JD(S) ahead of HD Kumaraswamy's swearing-in on Wednesday. #CMKumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/06fSLWb0kp

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 22, 2018

SC refuses early hearing into petition challenging tomorrow’s swearing-in

The Supreme Court refused to give an early hearing into the petition filed by Hindu Mahasabha that challenged the oath taking ceremony and appointment of HD Kumarswamy as the Karnataka chief minister, stating it was unconstitutional,  ANI  reported.

First objective is speaker’s election: Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge

Our first objective is speaker's election, vote of confidence the next. Other things will be discussed only after these two are sorted: Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress on distribution of portfolios in Congress-JD(S) government in #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/t7xui4YJeZ

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018

Pinarayi Vijayan to attend swearing-in ceremony tomorrow

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will attend the swearing in ceremony of Janata Dal(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy as Karnataka chief minister on 23 May.

Vijayan will be attending the ceremony, accepting the invitation of former prime minister and JDS supremo Deve Gowda and his son, Kumaraswamy, sources in the Chief Minister’s office told PTI.

The JD(S) is a partner of the ruling CPM-led LDF in Kerala.

The party’s nominee, Mathew P Thomas, is the water resources minister in the state cabinet.

RECAP: Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar dismisses audio tapes of phone conversations as “fake”

In a development that could leave the Congress red-faced in Karnataka, its MLA Shivaram Hebbar on Monday dismissed as “fake” an audio clip released by the party to allege that the BJP offered money and ministerial berth to him for cross-voting during the floor test in the Assembly.

The Congress had released three audio tapes in run up to the floor test, claiming that the BJP leaders were trying to ‘poach’ on the party MLAs by offering ‘blandishments’ so that the BS Yeddyurappa government is saved. One of the audio tapes released by the party allegedly had a conversation between Hebbar’s wife and BJP leaders, who allegedly offered money and ministerial post to woo him to vote for the BJP.

In the audio tape in question, BS Yeddyurappa’s son BY Vijayendra and his close associate BJ Puttuswamy are heard speaking purportedly to Hebbar’s wife, offering money and ministerial position to her husband if he cross-voted in favour of the BJP during the floor test.

Not the first time EC was told about irregularities in conduct of elections: BS Yeddyurappa

This is not the first time that irregularities in the conduct of elections were brought to the notice of Election Commission, and officials holding elections at ground level. Prior to polling we brought many such irregularities to notice of concerned officials, but in vain: BS Yeddyurappa told the CEC, accoding to  ANI

BS Yeddyurappa on the abandoned VVPAT machines in Karnataka

I am of firm belief that Election Commission has taken a serious note of
VVPAT machines found abandoned in a shed near Managuli village in Vijayapur district. It indicates grave irregularities in conduct of assembly polls in Karnataka: BS Yeddyurappa in letter to CEC (file pic) pic.twitter.com/wf5V1WhnXu

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018

Congress president Rahul Gandhi met HD Kumaraswamy at New Delhi on Monday night

I had a warm and cordial meeting this evening, in Delhi, with Shri H D Kumaraswamy ji. We discussed the political situation in Karnataka and other matters of mutual interest. I will be attending his swearing in as CM of Karnataka, on Wednesday, in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/sZAwX8mQut

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2018

BJP chief Amit Shah slams Congress’ alliance with JD(S)

Apart from Congress being defeated, another good thing that Karnataka verdict has done to the Congress party is to have their faith reposed in constitutional institutions, that they demolished throughout their rule: Shri @AmitShah #ShahSlamsUnholyAlliance pic.twitter.com/Qt0RZ4uj1D

— BJP (@BJP4India) May 21, 2018

Kumaraswamy to take floor test within 24 hours of taking oath tomorrow

Kumaraswamy is expected to take the floor test within 24 hours after being sworn in. Both Congress and JD(S) MLAs will remain confined to their hotels till the floor test, according to reports from Bengaluru.

Kumaraswamy was invited by Governor Vajubhai Vala to take the reins of power after the three-day BJP government collapsed last Saturday with BS Yeddyurappa, unable to muster the required number for a majority, stepping down as the chief minister without facing the floor test in the state Assembly.

No bargain with Congress: HD Kumaraswamy

“There is no bargain. We will cordially work out things. We must work together. I am here to take their (Congress leaders) advice,” said Kumaraswamy when asked by newsmen ahead of the meeting how the Congress and the JD(S) will address the issue of ministry formation.

“We are going to give a stable government. All these issues are not yet discussed. We have not discussed any future course of action”.

After the meeting, Kumaraswamy told reporters he had invited both Sonia and Rahul for the swearing-in ceremony in Bengaluru and they have agreed to come. KC Venugopal, AICC in-charge of Karnataka, was also present at the meeting.

JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy to be sworn-in as CM tomorrow for the second time in 12 years

Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn-in as chief minister on Wednesday for the second time in 12 years, flew into the capital this afternoon and began his engagements with a meeting with pre-poll ally BSP chief Mayawati. BSP bagged 1 seat.

State Conmgress chief G Parameshwara might be made deputy CM

Congress has mooted two deputy chief ministers for the numerically strong party in order to strike a balance with the JD(S) but the regional party is believed to be not in favour of this proposal. KPCC chief G Parameshwara is among the frontrunners for the deputy chief minister’s post.

Updates for Tuesday, 22 March begin here

Arvind Kejriwal to attend swearing-in ceremony

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal will attend the swearing-in ceremony AAP leader Arunoday Prakash has confirmed.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to attend swearing-in ceremony

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka CM designate HD Kumaraswamy on 23 May. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/VuIwVnn6Kp

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

Rahul Gandhi to attend swearing-in ceremony​

Congress president Rahul Gandhi confirmed his presence at the swearing-in ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy as Karnataka chief minister on 23 May.  He said he had a “cordial” meeting with the JD(S) leader, with whom he discussed the political situation in Karnataka. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was also present at the meeting.

“I had a warm and cordial meeting this evening, in Delhi, with Shri H D Kumaraswamy ji. We discussed the political situation in Karnataka and other matters of mutual interest.  I will be attending his swearing in as CM of Karnataka, on Wednesday, in Bengaluru,” he said on Twitter. The Congress and the JD(S) will hold a meeting tomorrow in Bengaluru, where the modalities over power sharing would be worked out. 

PTI

Rahul Gandhi says he had ‘warm and cordial’ meeting with HD Kumaraswamy

I had a warm and cordial meeting this evening, in Delhi, with Shri H D Kumaraswamy ji. We discussed the political situation in Karnataka and other matters of mutual interest. I will be attending his swearing in as CM of Karnataka, on Wednesday, in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/sZAwX8mQut

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2018

JD(S)-Congress government will be stable one: Kumaraswamy

Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said on Monday evening he was confident that the yet-to-be sworn in coalition government with the Congress in Karnataka will be stable.

IANS

Shiv Sena slams BJP again on Karnataka govt formation

The Shiv Sena said on Monday that the BJP’s attempt to save the BS Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka was not the way to make the country “Congress-free”.

Stressing the need to save democracy in the country, the BJP’s bickering ally said no government can use the Constitution to enforce its decisions on people.

In an editorial in its mouthpiece ‘Saamana’, the Sena also alleged that “the governor” and the President sometimes act like agents of the government.

PTI

8 empty boxes used for carrying VVPAT machines found in shed in Vijayapura

Eight boxes used for carrying Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail machines have been found at a temporary shed in a village in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district, triggering a strong reaction from the BJP which said it indicated “grave irregularities” in conduct of the polls.

Reacting to the incident, BJP, which emerged as the single largest party but fell short of simple majority, said it “exposed the enormity of the irregularities in the elections.”

The state chief electoral officer (CEO) Sanjiv Kumar said today the boxes used for carrying Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, found in Managuli village yesterday, do not belong to the district or to Election Commission.

PTI

Congress to decide on Deputy CM candidate tomorrow

HD Kumaraswamy spoke to reporters on the question of who will become Deputy chief minister of Karnataka. ANI quoted him as saying that Rahul Gandhi has given permission to Congress general secretary KC Venugopal to .finalise everything.’ He further said that Rahul would carry out a discussion with local leaders and finalise the issue.

Kumaraswamy meets Rahul and Sonia Gandhi

#Karnataka CM designate HD Kumaraswamy met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. JD(S) Danish Ali and Congress's KC Venugopal also present. pic.twitter.com/Qqqf3PFJQ4

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha moves SC

Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha moves Supreme Court against Karnataka governor’s decision inviting Congress-JD(Secular) to form government, reports PTI.

Kumaraswamy arrives at residence of Rahul Gandhi

#Karnataka CM designate HD Kumaraswamy arrived at the residence of Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/5mKXrJgxq9

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

‘We will give stable govt’

“Modalities of formation of new govt to be worked out after meeting Sonia and Rahul Gandhi,” HD Kumaraswamy tells PTI.

Kumaraswamy leaves Karnataka Bhavan

#Karnataka CM designate HD Kumaraswamy leaves from Karnataka Bhawan. He will shortly meet Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/wc2dPx9gkx

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

‘Dirty politics thrives on private lives’
 

Ever since the Congress-JDS combine managed to outmanoeuvre the BJP in Bengaluru, pictures are doing the rounds of Kumaraswamy with Radhika, a Kannada actor who was supposed to have been “married” to the already-married Kumaraswamy for about a decade until they split up a couple of years ago.

Kumaraswamy speaks to Sitaram Yechury

Karnataka CM designate HD Kumaraswamy had a telephonic conversation with CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and invited him to attend his swearing in ceremony on May 23. (file pics) pic.twitter.com/saFSBn6zi2

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

Kumaraswamy arrives at Karnataka Bhawan

Delhi: #Karnataka CM designate HD Kumaraswamy arrived at Karnataka Bhawan. pic.twitter.com/VYRx7wVSp6

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

Kumaraswamy meets BSP chief Mayawati

Kumaraswamy met BSP chief Mayawati in Delhi on Monday. He is scheduled to meet Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi later in the evening.

Image credit: PTI

Ashok Gehlot, KC Venugopal, Ghulam Nabi Azad brief Rahul Gandhi ahead of meet with Kumaraswamy

Ghulam Nabi Azad told ANI that he, along with Ashok Gehlot and KC Venugopal, briefed Rahul Gandhi on recent political developments in Karnataka. Further strategy will be decided when Kumaraswamy meets Rahul Gandhi, he added.

Difficult times ahead, says G Parameshwara

KPCC president G Parameshwara said difficult times were ahead, but there was a need to stop the BJP from coming to power in the southern state. He said he understood the sentiments of many who were averse to a tie-up between the Congress and JD(S). However, the need to keep communal forces away from power made the Congress lend support to JD(S), Parameshwara said.

“I do understand the sentiments of many people that we should not have gone with the JD(S). But there was a need to stop the BJP from coming to power again in Karnataka. Keeping this in mind, our seniors took a decision to support the JD(S). We all must accept their decision,” he said. – PTI

Kumaraswamy meets BSP chief Mayawati in Delhi

Kumaraswamy says no seat sharing arrangement finalised yet

Kumaraswamy told News18 that no seat sharing arrangement has been finalised yet with the Congress. He is scheduled to meet Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi today.

#EXCLUSIVE -- No seat sharing arrangements finalised yet. They will get clearer after talks. This is not a crucial meeting, it is a courtesy meeting: Karnataka CM-elect @hd_kumaraswamy to CNN-News18's @Zebaism #CMKumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/yahqfPDkvk

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 21, 2018

‘Mandate was for Congress and JD(S)’

Congress leader Anand Sharma said that the Karnataka mandate was for the Congress and the JD(S). His remarks came after BJP chief Amit Shah said that the mandate in the state was against the Congress.

BJP used all means to win but, they failed: Anand Sharma

Congrss’ Anand Sharma said that the BJP used all means to win Karnataka but, they failed.

#LIVE -- BJP used all means to win the Karnataka elections but they failed: @AnandSharmaINC, Congress Leader pic.twitter.com/xSmWmx4hSE

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 21, 2018

‘BJP should apologise to the people of Karnataka’

Congress’ Anand Sharma on Monday said that the BJP should apologise to the people of Karnataka for trying to use unfair means to come to power.

HD Kumaraswamy arrives in Delhi, to meet Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi

HD Kumaraswamy has arrived in Delhi and is likely to meet Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. – PTI

Karnataka mandate was against Congress: Amit Shah

Asserting that the mandate in Karnataka Assembly polls was against the Congress, BJP president Amit Shah said the party has found a new way of portraying defeat as its victory. Shah also asked the Congress to explain to the people of Karnataka why they were celebrating even when most of their ministers had lost election.

“Only Congress and JD(S) are celebrating, people of Karnataka are not (celebrating),” he told reporters.  The mandate given by people of Karnataka was against the Congress. There was no confusion about it, he said.

‘Karnataka has become Congress-free’

“Congress has made a big deal of BJP losing 9 seatsin since 2019. Karnataka has now become Congress-free,” says Shah.

‘Congress misused Article 356’

  “History shows Congress misused Article 356 most times,” says Shah.

‘Congress didn’t stake claim in Goa, Manipur’

“The Congress didn’t stake their claim to form the government in Goa and Manipur despite being the single largest party. So, the governor invited us,” says Shah.

‘Congress made false claims’

“Congress falsely claimed that BS Yeddyurappa  asked for seven days from the governor. If it was the case, they should have asked for the letter. Congress lawyer lied in court,” says Shah.

‘JD(S)-Congress alliance an opportunistic one’

“Congress and JD(S) formed an alliance against the people’s mandate. This is what I call an unholy alliance,” says Shah.

‘Congress has changed mind about SC, EC, EVM’s

“Hope they would now remember same things in other elections also,” says Shah. “Congress leaders have accepted that audio tapes released were false and to influence the case in the Supreme Court”.

‘Don’t think it’s a confused mandate’

“We fell short by just seven seats. We had to stake claim as this was an anti-Congress mandate. Even the JD(S) campaign was against the Congress. In 13 seats, BJP lost with a margin which was even less than than NOTA,” says Shah.

‘Half their ministers lost’

“Half of Congress ministers lost. The chief minister himself lost the election from one constituency. How is the JD(S) celebrating after winning 37 seats? From 122 seats, the Congress is down to 78 seats. Why is the Congress celebrating?” asks Shah.

‘Nothing wrong in trying to form government’

“I see nothing wrong in the BJP’s attempt to form the government as we got the mandate,” says Shah. “As the single largest party, we had the right to form the government. Had we not gone to form the government, we would have gone against the mandate of the people."

Amit Shah calls results “anti-Congress mandate”

“BJP  has been given a mandate. It was an anti-Congress mandate,” says Shah. “Congress government was a failure in  Karnataka  and that was our main issue in the polls."

Amit Shah lashes out at Congress

"Three thousand seven hundred farmers committed suicide," says Shah. “Siddaramiah government was a failure. Atrocities against Dalits and women were on the rise”.

Amit Shah speaks at press conference 

“BJP has emerged as single largest party and improved its tally. I congratulate the people of Karnataka for making us victorious. We improved the vote percentage and our tally increased from 40 to 104,” says the BJP president.

WATCH: Amit Shah talks about Karnataka Assembly Election results

Watch LIVE: Press conference by BJP National President Shri @AmitShah on Karnataka elections results. #ShahSlamsUnholyAlliance https://t.co/IsoxuWiXQk pic.twitter.com/yy5NqIRLFv

— BJP LIVE (@BJPLive) May 21, 2018

Kumaraswamy to personally invite leaders for swearing-in ceremony

JD(S) leader Danish Ali told ANI that Kumaraswamy is coming to Delhi to personally invite leaders for his swearing-in ceremony. He also said that Kumaraswamy will meet Congress chief Rahul Rahul, Sonia Gandhi and Mayawati to invite them.

Congress leaders brief Rahul Gandhi ahead of meeting with Kumaraswamy

Top Congress leaders briefed party president Rahul Gandhi on Monday about the latest political developments in Karnataka, before the crucial deliberations on power-sharing arrangement with HD Kumaraswamy.

According to party sources, AICC general secretaries Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ashok Gehlot and KC Venugopal met Gandhi Monday morning and apprised him about the sense prevailing among the party MLAs in the state. – PTI

Sitaram Yechury also receives invite for Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in

#CMKumaraswamy -- CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury received an invite from JD(S) for @hd_kumaraswamy's swearing-in ceremony pic.twitter.com/GoxZUqMjYI

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 21, 2018

Apart from Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav likely to attend Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony

Apart from Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav is also expected to attend Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony, according to a Deccan Chronicle report. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is also invited, according to report.

Siddaramaiah, twin Bengaluru polls, trust deficit set to complicate matters for HD Kumaraswamy

The honeymoon period is usually a time for celebration but HD Kumaraswamy is still a prisoner of numbers. The Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) legislators are still housed in resorts and hotels, with their managers unwilling to take any chances with the fickle-minded loyalty gene. Only after the trust vote is done and dusted on Thursday will these MLAs be free birds.

Read full article by TS Sudhir here

President’s rule would have been right thing to do in Karnataka: Former CEC

Imposition of President’s Rule would have been the right thing to do in Karnataka, where Assembly elections threw up a hung verdict with no party getting absolute majority to form the government, former Chief Election Commissioner TS Krishnamurthy told PTI.

BJP president Amit Shah to address press conference at 4 pm

BJP National President Shri @AmitShah will address a press conference at 4 pm today in New Delhi. Watch LIVE at https://t.co/vpP0MI6iTu and https://t.co/6OZR86CVth pic.twitter.com/LyaSK2BvPY

— BJP (@BJP4India) May 21, 2018

WATCH: Congress maligning BJP’s image, never spoke to any woman, says saffron party leader BJ Puttaswamy

#EXCLUSIVE - Congress is maligning BJP's image. This is not a strong case. I am denying the allegations. I never spoke to any woman: BJ Puttaswamy, BJP. #CongressTapeRow pic.twitter.com/ediJcGtREY

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 21, 2018

Arvind Kejriwal, Mayawati, MK Stalin to attend swearing-in

According to CNN-News18, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, BSP chief Mayawati and DMK working president MK Stalin have given their nod to attend JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy’s oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday.

There will be sacrifice, all can’t become ministers, says Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy

We are 100% happy, give and take policy is there, even in Bengaluru's Municipal Corporation alliance is functioning smoothly for 3 years. Ofcourse some ppl in both parties will have to sacrifice,as all cant become ministers: Ramalinga Reddy, Congress on reports of a rift with JDS pic.twitter.com/1L0JWa9eyg

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

Yeddyurappa, Sreeramulu spoke to me, says Congress MLA BC Patil

After Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar said the audio clip on BJP bribing the legislators, released by the party was “false and fabricated”, another Congress MLA, BC Patil said that the BJP did call him and offered him a ministerial position. “They (BJP) offered me minister post and all. It’s a fact. I don’t know about Hebbar (Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar who reportedly claimed that Congress lied about bribe tape), I can talk about myself. Yeddyurappa, Sreeramulu and Muralidhar Rao spoke to me,” he told ANI. 

They (BJP) offered me Minister post & all, it's a fact. I don't know about Hebbar (Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar who reportedly claimed that Congress lied about bribe tape), I can talk about myself. Yeddyurappa, Sriramulu & Muralidhar Rao spoke to me: BC Patil, Cong MLA #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/pJoFIr0d3X

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

No resentment within Congress over alliance with JD(S), says Kumaraswamy

Responding to a question on if there was any resentment within the Congress party over the alliance with JD(S) in Karnataka, chief-minister designate HD Kumaraswamy replied: “Who told you? This is all bogus and fake news. This is not true.” 

Who told you? This is all bogus & fake news. This is not true: #Karnataka CM designate Kumaraswamy on reports of resentment within Congress over alliance with JD(S) pic.twitter.com/szWoiA0SIj

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

Arvind Kejriwal to attend HD Kumaraswamy’s oath-taking ceremony

#Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to attend oath taking ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy on May 23. He was invited by HD Deve Gowda #Karnataka (File pic) pic.twitter.com/3pdxtjpv4h

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

Lingayat body writes letter to Kumaraswamy, demands Veerashaiva leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa be made home minister

The All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha wrote a letter on Monday to JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy , demanding that Veerashaiva leader and Congress MLA Shamanuru Shivashankarappa be made the home minister in the new Karnataka government and five other leaders from the community be made ministers in the Cabinet, reported ANI.

Today’s meeting to discuss how to run a stable govt: Kumaraswamy

Ahead of Monday’s meet with Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, chief minister designate HD Kumaraswamy said, “Today’s meeting is not crucial. It is a cordial meeting. I want to discuss and take their suggestions on how to run a smooth government (in Karnataka).”

Time will tell if Congress-JD(S) alliance will last, says DK Shivakumar

#WATCH Congress leader DK Shivakumar says, 'Time will answer. I don't want to answer it now. We have various issues, options before us, I can't tell right now', when asked if Congress-JD(S) government will complete full term #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/wnDiKqg2Yj

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

WATCH: Had to swallow personal bitterness against JD(S) to create ‘secular’ govt, says DK Shivakumar

#WATCH Congress leader DK Shivakumar says, 'Rahul Gandhi has taken decision that there should be secular govt here. That's what the entire country needs & that's why we have taken this stand (alliance with JDS). I had to swallow all this bitterness, this is my duty' #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/Q1fuL5nbCI

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

Congress MLA rubbishes audio clip released by party of BJP bribing a Congress MLA 

Congress MLA from Yellapur Shivaram Hebbar has rubbished claims made by his own party, and said the audio released where a BJP leader allegedly attempted to bribe an MLA ahead of Saturday’s trust vote was “false and fabricated”, reported CNN-News18. 

Meanwhile, another Congress MLA VS Ugrappa said the audio released was a string operation by mediapersons.

WATCH: ‘Congress got more seats, so deserves more Cabinet berths,’ says DK Shivakumar

#EXCLUSIVE - Didn't have numbers so we gave up CM's post. Congress has more seats, deserves more berths: Congress' DK Shivkumar on Karnataka government formation pic.twitter.com/o1SB54Dfgo

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 21, 2018

‘Have given up Karnataka chief minister’s post’: DK Shivakumar

Addressing a press meet ahead of HD Kumaraswamy’s meeting with Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress MLA DK Shivakumar said he is confident of getting more berths in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government. “We have given up the Karnataka chief minister’s post. We are also confident of getting more berths. The Congress is focusing on building a youth-based party. Their worries are our issues. Social media has helped mobilise the country’s youth. Rajiv Gandhi believed in the youth, and that’s why he reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years,” he said.

Karnataka to witness nine bypolls in the next few months

Karnataka is set to witness nine by-elections in the upcoming months as members of legislative councils (MLCs) and members of Parliament (MPs) have won seats in the Assembly election, where a Congress-JD(S) alliance emerged after a political slugfest. 

Bypolls will be necessitated for five winners from BJP (KS Eshwarappa, V Somanna, Basavaraj Patil Yatnal, BS Yeddyurappa, B Sreeramulu) two from JD(S) (C S Puttaraju and HD Kumaraswamy) and two from Congress (Byrathi S Suresh and Mahantesh Shivanand Koujalgi), reported The Times of India.

Party high command will take a call on number of Congress ministers in the govt: DK Shivakumar

#BREAKING - That is not my decision, the party high command will decide. It will be decided by Rahul Gandhi. There should be a secular govt since we didn't have the numbers: DK Shivkumar to @LineraP on Karnataka deputy CM post pic.twitter.com/eki1nO7ai0

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 21, 2018

Congress leaders in Karnataka will leave for New Delhi in a few hours along with JD(S)’s HS Kumaraswamy

#NewsAlert - That is not my decision, the party high command will decide. It will be decided by Rahul Gandhi. There should be a secular govt since we didn't have the numbers: DK Shivkumar on Karnataka deputy CM post pic.twitter.com/as5XrP2EKz

— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 21, 2018

Congress leaders Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar to leave for Delhi today for talks on Karnataka govt

Congress leaders in Karnataka will leave for New Delhi on Monday to discuss with the high command, the modalities related to government formation in the state with coalition partner the JD(S).

“Our CLP leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah, myself and senior leader DK Shivakumar will leave for Delhi (on Monday) and hold talks with Rahul Gandhi (Congress president) and Sonia Gandhi about modalities of government formation,” State Congress President G Parameshwara told reporters in Bengaluru on Sunday.- PTI

JD(S)-Congress set to form government in Karnataka: A look back at Kumaraswamy’s statements in lead-up

Monday’s meeting between Rahul and Kumaraswamy will, however, also be seen in the context of the rancorous campaigns the Congress and JD(S) ran against each other in the months preceding the polls. 

While Rahul termed JD(S) as BJP’s B-team, Kumaraswamy (who insisted that his party will go for re-elections in case of a hung Assembly) had said it will “not be a surprise if Congress gets only 25 seats” in the polls.

“I have said this many times, in the democratic set-up of this country, they (Congress) are more dangerous than the BJP. Today if we stand next to the BJP and just cough, the Congress will be washed out of Karnataka. Whatever little dignity the Congress has is thanks to the JD(S),” Kumaraswamy said in an interview.

He did not spare Siddaramaiah — who will now sit beside him in the government — in his criticism either. JD(S)’s election manifesto for this year’s Assembly elections, too, begins by slamming the Congress for its policy failures.

HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers at Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Haasan

Karnataka Chief Minister-designate HD Kumaraswamy offered prayers at Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Hassan. pic.twitter.com/wn63nmIrua

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

Leaders of non-BJP parties invited for Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony

Many prominent political leaders from the Opposition — like Congress president Rahul Gandhi, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, BSP chief Mayawati — have been invited for the swearing-in ceremony.

MK Stalin, Kumaraswamy on same page over Cauvery; JD(S) leader extends ‘full cooperation’ to Tamil Nadu

DMK working president MK Stalin on Sunday batted for ‘cordial ties’ with the new Karnataka government which will assume power in the southern state and asked the AIADMK regime to work for a solution to the Cauvery issue through talks. Subsequently JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy too favoured bilateral talks to solve the issue.

At Tiruchirapalli, Kumaraswamy said he favoured talks to solve the Cauvery issue amicably and assured his full cooperation to Tamil Nadu on the matter.  “Through bilateral talks it is better to solve it, because there are some problems from both sides,” he said and referred to farmers from both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu facing a distress situation. – PTI

Congress likely to bag 20-21 portoflios

Of the 34 member ministry, the Congress is likely to get 20-21 of them, media reports speculated. While most suggested Congress will receive a majority of the portfolios since the party won more seats than JD(S). According to a  New Indian Express report , the Congress will have around 18 to 20 portfoilios and JD(S) would have to settle for about 14 as Congress is the bigger alliance partner and the party has offered the chief minister’s post  to HD Kumaraswamy.

RECAP: ‘Inherent contradictions’ in JD(S)-Congress alliance will help BJP make comeback in Karnataka, claim its leaders

The BJP believes that it can make a comeback in Karnataka thanks to the “inherent contradictions” in the Congress-JD(S) alliance in the state. The marathon three-day political slugfest in the state culminated in BS Yeddyurappa resigning as chief minister on Saturday after he failed to muster support of seven additional MLAs to ensure he remained in office.

“We may have lost the battle, but we will win the war,” is how a party leader put it, referring to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in on 23 May instead of 21 May

 
After meeting the governor on Saturday after BS Yeddyurappa resigned as the chief minister, HD Kumaraswamy had said the swearing-in ceremony would take place tentatively between 12 noon and 1.50 pm at Kanteerava stadium on Monday. But, later he announced that the event would be held on 23 May as Monday happens to be the death anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Remembering his father, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the former prime minister taught him that hate was a prison for those who carried it. 

‘Wanted to become king through people’s mandate, not like this,’ says Kumaraswamy

In an interview to  The Economic Times , JD(S) leader and chief minister-apparent said that although he wanted to be a king, not kingmaker, he hoped it had been done through the people’s mandate. “I wanted to become king through the mandate of the people, not like this,” he said. He went on to rue the fact that even in 2006, when he became the chief minister, it was due to political developments, as it is today. 

“Why didn’t the people of Karnataka understand what I feel? Why didn’t they have belief in me? I am feeling terrible about that. I am not a politician, I am an emotional being,” he added. He claimed he knew what people’s troubles and expectations were and thought after seeing the BJP and Congress in power, the people of Karnataka would have given him a chance. “But I (JDS) got lesser seats than last time,” he said.

WATCH: BJP leader Ram Madhav on ‘unholy alliance’ between Congress and JD(S)

#WATCH BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav says in Washington DC, "the latest example of corruption is how Congress attempted to go against people's mandate and formed an unholy alliance with JD(S) in #Karnataka" pic.twitter.com/gX8h3pwx6z

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018

RECAP: HD Kumaraswamy visits Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Tiruchirappalli on Sunday

Karnataka chief minister designate HD Kumaraswamy visited Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Tiruchirappalli, earlier today pic.twitter.com/DzB2z7zSs7

— ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2018

No rotational chief minister arrangement, will remain CM for five years, says Kumaraswamy

JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy has made it clear that this time around, there will be no rotational chief minister arrangement with the Congress, a decision which had soured JD(S)’ relations with the BJP coalition government in 2007. 

“I will not give up the chief minister’s post for anybody. I will be the chief minister for the entire five-year term. Congress has not raised the issue of a rotational chief minister,”  The New Indian Express  quoted Kumaraswamy as saying.

Lingayat body also demands deputy CM’s post for its president, larger role in cabinet

A Lingayat body has demanded the post of deputy chief minister for its president and a larger role in the Karnataka cabinet even as the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) continue to work on the modalities (read cabinet berth sharing formula) of their newly-forged alliance, according to several media reports.

Ahead of HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in on Wednesday, the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha has written an open letter demanding that the body’s president Shamanur Shivshankrappa be made deputy chief minister, CNN-News18 reported.

The letter stated that Shivshankrappa, who won on a Congress ticket from Davangere South Assembly constituency, should be made deputy chief minister as he resisted the BJP’s pressure to desert the Congress ahead of trust vote and join the saffron party.

Karnataka may have two deputy chief ministers, says Congress leader G Parameshwara

According to media reports, Karnataka chief minister-designate HD Kumaraswamy may have two deputy chief ministers. “We have received demand for having two Deputy Chief Minister posts. Party high command will take a final call on this,” state Congress president G Parameshwara told The New Indian Express.

Deal between Congress, JD(S) forced BJP to give up power in Karnataka, says Ram Madhav

Speaking to reporters in Washington DC, BJP leader Ram Madhav said there was a tacit deal between the Congress and JD(S) that forced BJP to relinquish power. “Mandate was against Congress. So we had hope that parties like JD(S) would keep that in mind and act appropriately. But that wasn’t the case. There was a tacit deal between Congress and JD(S) that led to a situation were we had to relinquish,” he told ANI. 

“We’ve done no mistake. It’s a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought. It is a different matter that we weren’t able to muster required numbers,” Madhav further added. 

Mandate was against Congress. So we had hope that parties like JD(S) would keep that in mind & act appropriately. But that wasn't the case. There was a tacit deal between Cong & JD(S) that led to a situation were we had to relinquish: Ram Madhav, BJP on #Karnataka election result pic.twitter.com/CHf3lrXK4L

— ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2018

We've done no mistake. It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought. It is a different matter that we weren't able to muster required numbers: Ram Madhav on #Karnataka election result pic.twitter.com/YVhtIwNO43

— ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2018

Kumaraswamy terms rumours of 30 months power sharing formula as ‘bogus’

Clarifying that no discussion has taken place so far on the allocation of ministerial berths, JD(S) leader and chief minister-designate HD Kumaraswamy termed reports on the power-sharing formula of 30 months each between the parties as “bogus”.

How will the power sharing agreement work?

While the Congress (78 seats) has more numbers than JD(S) (37 seats), but the chief minister’s post has been given to JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy. But at the same time, the Congress need to reassure party MLAs that they still hold the cards and it “is a compromise only up to a point”. The two parties also need to maintain amicability and not let any acrimony seep into the “unholy alliance” that the BJP is confident will collapse.

HD Kumaraswamy to meet Rahul, Sonia Gandhi today

JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy will be flying to Delhi on Monday to meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his mother and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

“I will discuss with them (Rahul and Sonia) on the cabinet expansion. So far, I’m not sure about the Congress stand. We want to make sure the government is a stable one,” Kumaraswamy said previously.