Karnataka passes bill to amend land reforms act, makes it easy to buy

 The Karnataka Legislative

Assembly on Saturday passed amendments to the land reforms act that liberalised farmland ownership, despite opposition Congress strongly opposing it, with some party members tearing copies of the bill, and staging a walkout calling it a "black law."

The contentious Karnataka Land Reforms (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020 that further amends the act of 1961, removing almost all restrictions on buying farm lands was passed by the assembly with a voice vote.

The bill passed today replaces an ordinance to this effect promulgated by the government in July.

The act passed today, repeals Section 79(A) that sets a limit of non-agricultural income at Rs 25 lakh to buy agricultural land, Section 79(B) that bars non-agriculturists from purchasing agricultural lands, and Section 79 (C) that deals with penalty for falsely claiming eligibility to hold agricultural land.

It also makes certain amendments to Section 80 and states that the Class-A irrigated land (irrigated with water from a dam) can be used only for agricultural purposes.

It also inserts a new Section 80 (A) which states that no conditions laid in this act shall be relaxed in respect of lands granted to persons belonging to the SC/STs, during the period of prohibition under the Karnataka SC and ST (Prohibition of Transfer of Certain Lands), Act, 1978.

Commending the bill for the consideration of the House, Revenue Minister R Ashoka, however, at the last moment withdrew amendment to Section 63 mentioned in the bill, that raised the cap on ownership of farmland.

"We will retain what is there in the original act, following the suggestion from members, I am bringing that amendment to the bill..ceiling for a family of four will remain 54 acres and for a larger family, it will be 108 acres," he said.

The government in the bill had proposed to increase the ceiling from 10 units (one unit of land is 5.4 acres) to 20 units for a family up to four people, and from 20 units to 40 units for large families above five people.

Farmers' organisations and opposition parties had expressed concern that an increase in the ceiling would enable large corporates to buy land in bulk, which will be detrimental to farmers and rural economy.

Noting that the amendments have been brought as the sections were not helpful to farmers, the Minister, speaking on the bill, said it was being used to harass farmers and others.

He said the bill will help those interested in agriculture but don't belong to agrarian families to do farming.

It will also help in bringing in new techniques and modernise agriculture, increase production of foodgrains and agriculture exports.

Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah, alleging that the government has brought this amendments in haste, said it is a deathknell to farmers.

He pointed out that farmers are holding protests against the bill and have called for Karnataka bandh on September 28.

The bill will destroy rural life and rural economy, especially small and marginal farmers, and also cause scarcity of food in the future as anyone including industries, recreation business, among others, can buy land,he claimed.

He alleged the government has colluded with corporate bodies and housing societies and claimed about 13,814 pending cases on violation of 79(A) (B) sections related to thousands of acres of land worth crores of rupees, would be dismissed with the passage of this bill.

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy said there were shortcomings with regard to Section 79(A) and (B) and he too personally had faced problems in purchase of agriculture land because of it.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, allaying fears expressed by various legislators, said interest of small and marginal farmers also farmers from SC/ST community will be protected.

"I assure that nothing will happen to even an acre of their land...," he said.

Bedlam prevaliled when Minister Ashoka stated that the Congress government in the past had favoured amendments to land reforms act and the then cabinet's subcommittee had even made recommendation to this effect.

Congress members took strong exception to his statement, with few of them even tearing copies of the bill and throwing it in the air inside the House.

Congress members then staged a walkout, following which the bill was passed by a voice vote.

Farmers organisations too have been protesting outside the House against the passage of this bill.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Karnataka most innovative state, Delhi tops UT segment: Niti Aayog

Karnataka has topped the first-ever innovation ranking of states, followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharasthra, a Niti Aayog sponsored report said on Thursday.
Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, on the other hand, trailed on the list.

The India Innovation Index 2019, developed on the lines of Global Innovation Index (GII), looks into the innovation ecosystem of Indian states and union territories to help policymakers design policies to drive innovation across regions.
The report was released by Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar and Chief Executive Officer Amitabh Kant here.
The ranking was done in three categories -- 'Major States', 'North East and Hill States' and 'Union Territories (UTs)/City and Small States'. Sikkim topped in the North-East category, while Delhi was at the top in the UT segment.
Telangana, Haryana, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh were among the other states that topped the innovation index.
The report, which has captured trends and done deep-drive analyses of various factors that drive innovation at the country, state and pillar levels, envisages to help policymakers and corporates identify some of the issues at a sustainable level in India.
The index has been grouped under two major heads, enablers -- factors that will drive innovation in states and UTs, and performance -- that will measure the actual outcomes in the innovation competitiveness of states.
In terms of attracting investment, the top position was again bagged by Karnataka among major states, followed by Maharashtra, Haryana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Telangana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Bihar, Jharkhand and Punjab were the least attractive states for investment.
Among North East and Hill States, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura were the top three states; while among the UTs, Lakshadweep, Delhi and Goa were the top three regions.
"For a country as large as India, the sate of innovation needs to be understood at the regional level for effective policy formulation. A policy just at the national level is not enough. Each state needs to formulate its own policy, based on its unique resources and strengths and which caters to the specific needs," the report said.
Kumar said innovation has always been a driver of change and progress in any economy as it disrupts traditional practices and businesses.
"The first ever India Innovation Index will help create a conducive ecosystem for innovation to flourish across the country. Such an index will not only help to devise their own strategy for fostering an innovation climate, it will also enable them to benchmark their performance with other states," Kumar pointed out.
Amitabh Kant said that India Innovation Index is another initiative that has been launched by the Niti Aayog to analyse and enhance the innovation environment at the state level in India.
"The index will be useful to states and union territories by benchmarking their performance against their peers to understand reasons for differential performance and devise better strategies towards creating an environment that fosters innovation," Kant said.

Speaker disqualifies 14 rebel MLAs; Yediyurappa says will win trust vote

Karnataka Assembly speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Sunday disqualified 14 more rebel MLAs under the anti-defection law till the end of the assembly term in 2023, a day ahead of Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa seeking the trust vote in the assembly to prove his majority.
Eleven Congress MLAs and three JDS lawmakers faced the axe from the speaker, who pronounced his ruling at a hurriedly called news conference, two days after Yediyurappa took the oath as chief minister after the collapse of the Congress-JDS coalition government.

The Speaker's action would have no bearing on the fate of the Yediyurappa government, as with disqualification of the errant MLAs with immediate effect, their absence would reduce the effective strength of the House, making it a smooth affair for the BJP.
A day ahead of seeking the trust vote in the Karnataka assembly, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Sunday expressed confidence about proving the majority.
He also said that the finance bill prepared by the previous Congress-JD(S) government would be tabled by him in the assembly on Monday, without any changes.
"On Monday hundred per cent I will prove the majority," Yediyurappa told reporters here.
The finance bill (appropriation bill) needs to be passed "urgently", as otherwise "we will not be able to draw funds even to pay salaries," he said.
"So tomorrow after moving the confidence motion,we will first take up the finance bill. I have not even changed a comma or full stop in it. I will be tabling the finance bill prepared by the (previous) Congress-JD(S) government," he added.
The absence of 20 MLAS--17 rebels, also one each legislator from Congress, BSP and Independent--during the vote of confidence motion moved by the Congress-JDS coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy had led to its downfall after weeks of drama marked by murky political intrigues and court battle.
With the disqualification of 17 rebel MLAs --14 from the Congress and three from JDS -- on Sunday, the effective strength of the 224-member assembly excluding the Speaker, who has a casting vote in case of a tie, is 207. The magic figure required will be 104.
BJP along with the support of one independent has 106 members, Congress 66 (including nominated), JD(S) 34 and one BSP member, who has been expelled by the party for not voting for the Kumaraswamy government during the trust vote.
"I have used my judicial conscience... I am 100 per cent hurt" said the Speaker, when asked about his controversial decision on disqualification being called into question and allegations about his conduct in the entire issue.

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They (Congress-JD-S) fell under their own weight due to internal reasons...The BJP is synonymous with stability. Wherever we go, we bring stability
BJP Working President J P Nadda

Cong-JD(S) in frenzy to get K'taka rebels back as BJP calls for trust vote

With the Karnataka political crisis continuing, coalition leaders Saturday were locked in hectic parleys to pacify rebel MLAs, as the BJP upped the ante and said it would press Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy to seek the trust vote Monday.
A day after Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy made a surprise announcement in the Assembly that he would seek a trust vote, efforts were intensified to reach out to the dissident legislators.
After almost day-long negotiations, it appeared that Congress had made some headway in pacifying one of its MLAs, M T B Nagaraj, who hinted that he might consider withdrawing his resignation, but fell short of making any final announcement till the evening.
The BJP, however, made it clear that it will press Kumaraswamy to seek the trust vote in the Assembly on Monday, a day prior to the Supreme Court hearing the petition of rebel MLAs, who have resigned.
Meanwhile, five more rebel Congress MLAs moved the Supreme Court Saturday against the Assembly Speaker Ramesh Kumar not accepting their resignation.
MLAs Anand Singh, K Sudhakar, N Nagaraj (MTB), Munirathna and Roshan Baig have sought impleadment in the already pending application filed by the 10 other rebels MLAs on which the hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
The coalition government is on a shaky wicket with 16 MLAs -- 13 of the Congress and three of the JD(S) -- resigning their assembly membership. Besides, two independent legislators, who were made ministers recently to provide stability, have quit the ministry and withdrawn support.
The independents H Nagesh and R Shankar, who are now supporting the BJP, have written to the speaker requesting him to allot them seats on the opposition side in the House.
As part of efforts to reach out to dissident MLAs, Congress' "troubleshooter" and minister D K Shivakumar reached Nagaraj's residence early Saturday morning and camped there for almost half-a-day, trying to pacify the Hoskote MLA.
ALSO READ: 14 rebel Karnataka MLAs camping in Mumbai head to Shirdi's Saibaba Temple
Subsequently, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara among other leaders too reached Nagaraj's house to persuade him to withdraw his resignation.
Nagaraj, who tendered his resignation on July 10, however, kept the Congress leaders on tenterhooks even after day long deliberations with him to rethink his decision.
Earlier in the day, flanked by Congress leaders, he had hinted that he might consider withdrawing his resignation and also said he would try to persuade others.
"Siddaramaiah (CLP leader) and Dinesh Gundu Rao (KPCC chief) called me and requested me to withdraw the resignation and stay in the party.
I have sought time to mull over it. I told them I will speak to Chikkaballapura MLA Sudhakar and persuade him to withdraw his resignation. We are planning to stay here only," Nagaraj told reporters.
Asked if all the differences were sorted out, Nagaraj said he had resigned due to certain "discontentment" and that there was disagreement in every political party.
"The party high-command is trying to persuade the MLAs. I will also try my best to help them in their efforts," he added before leaving for Siddaramaiah's residence with some party leaders.
On coming out from Siddaramaiahs house, Nagaraj said, "Negotiations are going on. He (Siddaramaiah) has spoken good things."
Asked whether he has changed his mind, he said "We all are trying for it only."

Later, Nagaraj returned to Siddaramaiah's residence, where chief minister H D Kumaraswamy joined the negotiations.
Speculation is rife that Chikkaballapura MLA Sudhakar, who too has resigned from the assembly, would join the other rebels staying in a Mumbai hotel.
Congress leadership has also made attempts to persuade other MLAs, sources said, adding Kumaraswamy himself was trying to persuade at least four rebel Congress MLAs to withdraw their resignations.
Trying to throw a spanner in their efforts, a group of BJP leaders,led by MLA S R Vishwanath and Bengaluru corporator Padmanabha Reddy, met seven time Congress MLA Ramalinga Reddy, who has resigned as legislator, at his residence.
Reddy refused to comment on the development, saying he would not speak on politics till July 15 as he had to appear before the Assembly speaker, regarding resignation., However he said he would attend the assembly on Monday.
Meanwhile, his daughter and Congress MLA Sowmya Reddy said she had no information about the meeting.
State BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa made it clear that his party will press Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy to seek trust vote in the Assembly on Monday.
The former chief minister asserted that the Congress-JD(S) coalition government has lost majority and its collapse was imminent.
In a surprise move, Kumaraswamy had on Friday announced in the state Assembly that he had voluntarily decided to seek a trust vote to end the "confusion" caused by resignations of rebel MLAs and requested the Speaker to fix time for the same.
According to sources, at the Business Advisory Committee meeting on Friday Kumaraswamy had proposed that the trust vote be held on Wednesday.
However, no decision was taken as the principal opposition BJP did not attend the meeting.
Expressing confidence on winning the trust vote, state Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao claimed that BJP did not move the no confidence motion as the party was not confident about the numbers.
"The government will survive and will continue under the leadership of Kumaraswamy. We will pass the trust vote, you can wait and see," he added.
In a bid to keep their flock together, both Congress and BJP have shifted their MLAs to hotels and resorts. JD(S) MLAs have been camping at a resort for the last couple of days.
The ruling coalition's strength in the House is 116 (Congress 78, JD(S) 37 and BSP one), besides the speaker.
With the support of the two independents, the opposition BJP has 107 MLAs in the 224-member House.
If the resignations of the 16 MLAs are accepted, the ruling coalition's tally will be reduced to 100.

Karnataka iron ore mines stuck with 6.5 million tonnes of unsold inventory

Iron ore miners in Karnataka are stuck with 6.5 million tonnes of unsold inventory as against 1.5 mt a year ago. And one of the reasons is that the steel companies are buying ore from other states, while Karnataka mines are not allowed to export outside the state. Unsold ore amounts to more than 20 per cent of the total production of iron ore in the state in FY19.
The miners are not able to sell the inventory in the state or domestic market since buyers prefer imported iron ore as they feel it is better on quality. This peculiar phenomenon not only has affected the miners, but also led to around Rs 400 crore loss to the state.

The global iron ore market is facing a deficit this year due to the anticipated reduced supply from the world's No. 1 iron ore miner Vale SA, whose operations in Brazil have been curtailed following a fatal tailings dam collapse in January. Adding to concerns about the shortfall, major iron ore producers in Australia have lowered their shipment estimates for this year, after a tropical cyclone in late March hit their operations.
According to Care Ratings, the global supply disruptions amount to about six per cent of the global iron ore seaborne market.
Miners, mainly from Chattisgarh and Odhisha, are able to utilise this opportunity, while their peers in Karnataka could not, since under the Supreme Court directions, all the iron ore produced by mines in Karnataka is sold through e-auctions to domestic steel companies on tonne-by-tonne basis. While, sellers are not allowed to export iron ore, buyers or the end-users have complete freedom to import iron ore from anywhere in the world or purchase from other states of India.
This peculiar phenomenon which is applicable only to the state of Karnataka, has resulted in iron ore sales failing to rise above 26.5 million tonnes against total FY19 production of 29.5 million tons in the state of Karnataka. The largest buyer of iron ore in Karnataka reduced its procurement of iron ore from 19Mt in 2017-18 to 13 Mt in 2018-19. "A whopping impact of Rs 400 crore in lower revenues to the state in form of lower sales resulting in lower royalty payment by mines and Rs 2,215 crore for miners from this reduction in local procurement," say miners.
"Due to e-auction, there is a unique restriction on sellers. No material can be sold without e-auction whereas buyers can buy from anywhere. This has resulted in lot of imported material in addition to material from other states getting into Karnataka and has resulted in huge unsold inventory in the state. The unsold inventory has caused a loss of around Rs 400 crore to the state exchequer," says one of the largest miner in the state.
Basant Poddar, former Chairman and member of FIMI South, added the iron ore sales in Karnataka have declined in 2018-19 due to high imports. This is a very strange situation where the local industry is not buying iron ore and exports are not permitted, which would otherwise fetch a higher price translating into higher revenues for the state and to the mining companies.
If import continues from abroad or from other states in 2019-20, it is nothing but a yet another bleak year for Karnataka mining industry, as it causes huge revenue loss to both state exchequer and miners, says FIMI.
Also, Karnataka Iron Ore mining fraternity is not able to market its ore freely. As restrictions have been placed on exports, mining companies can neither sell to pellet manufacturers like Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd (Pellet manufacturer for export) nor can export the ore. Exports would most definitely help in overall development of the country including foreign exchange as well as ensuring no stock build up. Paradoxically, when imports of iron ore are not restricted and has been happening in an unrestrained manner, the time has come for exports to be permitted as well, said the miners.
"On the other side, the e-auction process of sale is also not favouring the industry. The miners have to wait for 45-90 days to complete a sale. This is an absolute travesty of commerce. All over the world free trade of minerals exist, but not in Karnataka," said Poddar.

Karnataka bans Ola for 6 months, says company flouted licence terms

The Karnataka government has banned the services of ride-hailing company Ola for six months in the state, after the state transport department found that the firm was operating bike taxis ‘illegally’.
The order, issued by the department on March 18, said the licence granted to ANI Technologies (Ola’s parent company) had been suspended for six months, under the provisions of ‘The Karnataka on Demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Rules, 2016.’ It added that the firm was using its existing cab aggregator licence to promote bike taxi services.
After an investigation by the department confirmed this, the government seized some of its bike taxis, the notification added.
The state government had sent the notice to Ola on February 15, to which the cab aggregator had replied on March 5. However, the government was not satisfied with the response and suspended the licence as a result.
Ola is now barred from operating its aggregator service for any vehicle including cars, autos and bikes, according to the order. “This notification is unfortunate, and we look forward to an opportunity to address these concerns directly with state officials, and thus find a solution for our driver-partners and millions of customers,” Ola said.
ALSO READ: Ola's fight against Uber to get a $300-mn push from Hyundai and Kia
The decision comes at a time when the company is engaged in a fierce battle with US rival Uber, which is rapidly gaining market share in India.
Ola said that it has been working closely with authorities, responding to queries, and also making proactive representations to the ministry. “Despite other firms continuing to operate illegally, we halted our bike taxi experiment weeks ago,” it said. The firm has raised $3.5 billion so far from global investors such as SoftBank, Accel and Tiger Global Management.

ALSO READ: Ola facilitates the issue of 20 million in-trip micro-insurance policies
Besides Ola, another start-up Rapido — which runs a bike taxi platform — had come under the radar of the Karnataka Transport Department. Last month, it was reported that transport officials seized over 200 bike taxis that were being operated by various aggregators, as part of a week-long drive against running bike taxis illegally.
Officials pretending to be customers had booked bike taxis through the aggregator platforms and caught the two-wheeler owners. Most of them were unaware they were violating the law but faced action. Earlier this week, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) and Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) had announced a $300-million investment in Ola. As part of the agreement, the three firms would collaborate on developing unique fleet and mobility solutions, and building India-specific electric vehicles and infrastructure.
Ola, which hosts more than 1.3 million driver partners on its platform, claims that its aim is to create over 2 million livelihood opportunities in the mobility ecosystem by 2022.

Ola banned for 6 months in Bengaluru, accused of breaking licence terms

Karnataka has banned taxi-hailing service Ola Cabs for six months for violating government rules by running motorcycle taxis.
"Despite repeated warnings, Ola was misusing the licence granted by the authorities. Bike taxis are not allowed in Karnataka according to government policy," a senior official with the state's transport department said on condition of anonymity.
"So the decision was taken to suspend its licence for six months."
Several users in Bengaluru reported that they were still able to book an auto-rickshaw or taxi through Ola's app late on Friday.
Ola, backed by SoftBank Group Corp and Tencent Holdings Ltd and Uber's main rival in India, has a licence to operate taxis in the state from June 2016 to June 19, 2021, local media reported.
The company said in a statement it was evaluating all options to find an "amicable solution", and that it has been closely working with the authorities.
"Despite other companies continuing to operate illegally, we halted our bike taxi experiment weeks ago," Ola said, adding it had sought the state's cooperation to develop a legal framework for a pilot.
Rapido, another motorcycle taxi operator, operates in cities such as Karnataka's capital Bengaluru and Hyderabad. It was not clear what licence Rapido uses to operate in Karnataka. The company did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
Ola has invested $100 million in Vogo, a domestic scooter sharing start-up that provides services in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Petrol, diesel prices to go up in Karnataka as state hikes taxes on fuel

The Karnataka coalition government increased the state tax on petrol and diesel by 2 per cent with effect from January 1, said an official statement on Saturday.
"As the fuel prices declined after fall in crude oil rates in the overseas market since November, the state tax has been revised 2 per cent to 32 per cent on petrol and to 21 per cent on diesel since January 1, 2019," said a statement by the chief minister's office here.

The state government had on September 17 reduced its tax on petrol to 28.75 per cent from 32 per cent and diesel to 17.73 per cent from 21 per cent in a bid to give relief to the people from on soaring international crude oil prices.
ALSO READ: Jingle bells for Delhites as petrol prices hit new 2018 low on Christmas
"The Union government also reduced on October 5 central excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 1.5 per litre and directed the state-run oil marketing firms to cut petrol and diesel by Re 1 per litre for sparing the public from higher cost," recalled the statement.
In the state budget for this fiscal (2018-19), Chief Minister H.D Kumaraswamy, who also holds the finance portfolio, increased the state tax on petrol by 2 per cent to 32 per cent from 30 per cent and on diesel to 21 per cent from 19 per cent with effect from July 15 despite protests and public resentment.
The increase in the state tax, however, drew flak from the opposition BJP, whose legislator Arvind Limbavalli from the city's northeast Mahadevapura assembly segment termed it a daylight robbery by the son (Kumaraswamy) of the soil and his holy government.
"While the central government is working on reducing the price of petrol and diesel @hd_kumaraswamy's government has increased tax on them by Rs 1.60 per litre. Tell me one good thing this government has done to Kannidagas in the last 6 months (since it came into being in May)," said Limbavalli in a tweet.

Karnataka Assembly explained: Strongest Opposition vs weakest leading party

However bitter-sweet the post-election victory or defeat is, beyond politics, at the core, lies the Constitution. And the Opposition, though it is not a part of the executive, it is an important institution in parliamentary democracy under the aegis of it. And it does influence and impact the executive in ways more than one.
With 104 members belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Karnataka legislative assembly will witness a balance it has never seen. The leader of opposition, whoever it will be, will be supported by an unprecedented number of legislators. Till now, since the first election to the newly formed Mysuru state in 1957 (renamed as Karnataka only later in 1973), the Ramkrishna Hegde government of the Janata Party had the strongest opposition of 82 Congress members in the lower house of the bicameral legislature.

Karnataka's legislative assemblies represent the larger political phenomenon of emergence of non-Congress parties in years after Indira Gandhi took over. In the state assembly, the chief minister's contingent was the strongest immediately post-independence, while it would be weakest in the 15th assembly post 2018. The opposition was the weakest then, but is the strongest today. Though a supporting party had a better strength than the CM's party in 2004 for a brief period, Congress with 78 members in this assembly is the strongest supporting party in Karnataka assembly ever.
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Karnataka: Kumaraswamy says will prove majority 24 hrs after oath; updates

Karnataka poll result: In an anti-climax to the hectic political developments since the split verdict on May 12 Karnataka Assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost power in Karnataka as Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa resigned on Saturday before the trust vote, as he did not have the numbers to prove his majority. His resignation paved the way for the formation of a Congress-Janata Dal(Secular) government headed by H D Kumaraswamy, who has been invited to form a government and will be sworn-in on Monday.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the trust vote, saying he would have learnt lessons from Yeddyurappa having been forced to resign as the Karnataka Chief Minister two days after he was sworn in.

The order for advancing the trust vote to Saturday came from the Supreme Court as the Congress and the JD(S) had filed a petition challenging Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's invitation to Yeddyurappa to form the government and giving the BJP leader 15 days to prove majority.
While the BJP emerged as the single-largest party, the Congress and the JD(S), which formed a post-poll alliance, said they had the required numbers to form the government.
A little ahead of the appointed time of trust vote at 4 pm on Saturday, Yeddyurappa made an emotional speech, saying the BJP didn't get the numbers needed to prove majority in the House.
Expressing confidence of the BJP winning in all the 28 Lok Sabha constituencies from the state in the 2019 general elections, Yeddyurappa said the party would also win in 150 of the 224-member state assembly in the next elections.
He then announced his resignation and drove to Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala.
In Delhi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi launched a stinging attack on Modi stating that "PM is corruption" and there was no institution "worthy of respect of the Prime Minister, Amit Shah and the RSS".
After a favourable verdict on their petition from the Supreme Court over the Governor's decision early on Wednesday, which was given a rare late-night hearing, the Congress and the JD(S) had again moved the apex court on Friday seeking ouster of K G Bopaiah as pro-tem Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly.
However, as the Karnataka government informed about the live telecast of the floor test proceedings to ascertain the majority support to Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, the petitioners on Saturday decided not to press their plea against the pro-tem Speaker.
The May 12 election across the state in 222 constituencies out of total 224 threw up a hung House, with no party securing the majority. Polls in two constituencies were deferred.
Of the 222 seats, the BJP won 104, Congress 78, Janata Dal-Secular 37, and one each was bagged by the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party, and an Independent.
Here are the top 10 highlights of Karnataka poll result:
1. Congress-JD(S) to meet today ahead of Kumaraswamy's oath ceremony: With H D Kumaraswamy all set to take oath as the Karnataka Chief Minister on May 23, leaders from the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) will be meeting today to discuss the future of the alliance in the state assembly. The Congress will chalk out its strategy and the power-sharing arrangement with the JD(S).
"Yes, tomorrow morning I'm going to Delhi, I'll meet Rahul Gandhi & Sonia Gandhi. Just 24 hours after the oath, I'll prove the majority," said H D Kumaraswamy, reported ANI.
The elected MLAs from both the parties are expected to attend the meeting.
On Saturday, Kumaraswamy was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala to form the government in the state, after Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly.
ALSO READ: Congress leaders to discuss power-sharing arrangement in Karnataka on Sunday
After a meeting with Congress leaders yesterday, Kumaraswamy said they also discussed about moving the confidence of motion on May 24.
He said he would meet Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on May 21 to extend his gratitude to them. "I will also discuss how many Congress and JD(S) MLAs will become ministers," said Kumaraswamy.
He said a coordination committee would be formed to prepare a common minimum programme to implement the promises made by the two coalition partners.
Kumaraswamy said there were no other discussions with the coalition partners other than winning the confidence vote.
2. Kumaraswamy to swear-in as Karnataka CM on Wednesday: While Kumaraswamy was earlier expected to swear-in as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 21, the ceremony later got pushed to May 23 due to the death anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. ALSO READ: Rajiv Gandhi's death anniversary postpones Kumaraswamy's swearing-in
"We are going to take oath on Wednesday as Monday is Rajiv Gandhi's death anniversary. That is not a proper date. In the entire country, all the Congress workers will be attending death anniversary functions. Conducting oath taking ceremony at that time is not good. In the today's meeting we discussed about this only. On Monday, we will discuss about the oath ceremony," Kumaraswamy told ANI. Rajiv Gandhi was killed in a suicide bombing in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, in 1991.
Kumaraswamy has invited various political leaders for his oath ceremony.
"West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and Telangana Chief Minister K C Rao congratulated me. Mayawati ji has also blessed me. I have invited all regional leaders for oath ceremony. I've also invited Sonia Gandhi ji and Rahul Gandhi ji personally," he said after meeting the Karnataka Governor, according to news agency ANI.
Gets 15 days to prove majority: Governor Vala invited Congress-JD(S) combine and gave it 15 days to prove majority.
Asked by when he will prove majority, Kumaraswamy said, "As soon as possible we will call the assembly session to prove majority... though Governor has given 15 days, we will not require that much time."
Expressing apprehension that the BJP would again indulge in "operation Kamala (poaching on MLAs)", he said: "I'm aware of it that they will create problem. JD(S) and Congress leaders will take all precautionary measures for it."
The third son of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had earlier headed the BJP-JD(S) coalition government for twenty months from January 2006.
ALSO READ: Karnataka election result: Horses stay put, BJP quits race
3. Tripura Congress celebrates Karnataka victory: A group of Congress workers on Saturday burst crackers and distributed sweets to celebrate their victory in the Karnataka elections.
The Congress workers further raised slogans hailing Congress President Rahul Gandhi at the Agartala Congress Bhawan.
Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Gopal Roy said, "This is the failure of the Modi government and victory of democracy as the undemocratic wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Governor of Karnataka has failed."
He predicted that Congress shall also win in the next state assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, and Mizoram and as well as in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections under the stewardship of Rahul Gandhi.
ALSO READ: Karnataka Assembly explained: Strongest Opposition vs weakest leading party
4. Facing defeat, Yeddyurappa quits without a trust vote: The three-day-old BJP government in Karnataka collapsed on Saturday, minutes before the scheduled trust vote, with Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa resigning in a tame anticlimax to what promised to be on the edge of seat political thriller.
With defeat staring him in the face, Yeddyurappa announced his decision to quit on the floor of the Assembly after a brief emotion-laden speech.
Though Yeddyurappa kept exuding confidence about winning the trust vote, as the D-day loomed he failed to muster the support of 7 additional MLAs required to ensure the longevity of his government.
In his 15-minute address to the House, the 75-year-old BJP leader said there was no way he could have served the people of Karnataka, as the Congress was not allowing its MLAs even to speak to their family members.
Lamenting that hundreds of farmers had committed suicides across the state during the last five years, Yeddyurappa said the Congress could not ensure water for irrigating the farmlands in the state even 70 years after the Independence.
Asserting that the mandate showed that the state's people have rejected the Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), he said: "People have voted against the Congress' misgovernance. I have faced many 'agni pareeksha' (trial by fire) in the past and this trust vote is just another one."
The 75-year-old Lingayat stalwart's resignation will pave the way for formation of a government led by JD(S) state chief Kumaraswamy, who has the backing of the Congress.
ALSO READ: Karnataka election result: Congress now working on merger politics
5. Victory of democracy, says Chandrababu Naidu on BJP's Karnataka setback: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has termed the resignation of B S Yeddyurappa as Karnataka Chief Minister a 'victory of democracy'.
"This is a victory of democracy. As a chief minister and as someone who believes in democracy, I am welcoming this. Everyone in the country will be happy about this development," Naidu said, reported ANI.
Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah of trying to 'deride the democracy' in Karnataka, Naidu asked as to what message the Prime Minister and the BJP President have given to the nation and the youth.
He went on and added that BJP tried 'misusing the institution of Governor' in Karnataka.
6. Rahul's new theory is to see victory in defeats, says Amit Shah: BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday hit out at Congress President Rahul Gandhi for celebrating B. S. Yeddyurappa's resignation in Karnataka as a "victory", saying the mandate was to get rid of Siddaramaiah and claimed that such coalition will not last long.
"If someone is seeing its victory in defeat, than who can stop him. The BJP has already won the Karnataka elections and the people of the state have clearly given their mandate to get rid of Congress," he said at a programme of India TV.
He said that Gandhi has started a new tradition of celebration even after party's defeat.
ALSO READ: Tables turned in Karnataka: Kumaraswamy gets a pat from southern neighbours
"He (Gandhi) has propounded a new theory that how to see a win even if his party is defeated. They won in nine Lok Sabha by-polls and they celebrate it as their victory but why they forget that we have snatched 11 states from them," he said.
The BJP chief said that the BJP will not make any efforts to topple the government in Karnataka.
7. BJP should resign from Goa, other states too, says Congress: The Congress party on Saturday lashed out at BJP, following the political drama in Karnataka and said if BJP government has any shame then they should resign from Goa and also from other states.
"Just like what happened in Karnataka, if BJP government has any shame then they should forthwith resign from Goa and also from the other states from where they have stolen the majority," Goa Congress spokesperson Yatish Naik said at a press conference here.
Congress' statement comes hours after former Member of Indian Parliament (MP) Sanjay Nirupam drew a parallel between Governor Vala and the loyalty of dogs. Nirupam had said, "Vajubhai Vala ji has established a new record of loyalty in this country. Perhaps, every man in this country will now name their dogs as Vajubhai Vala, because nobody can be more loyal than this."
ALSO READ: Karnataka election result: How Cong's backroom strategy turned the tables
8. JD(S) says its rise may act as platform to unite Opposition parties: The rise of Janata Dal (Secular) in Karnataka may act as a platform to unite opposition parties, especially the regional parties to play a bigger role in the national arena during parliamentary elections in 2019, JD(S) has indicated.
JD(S) spokesperson Ramesh Babu told PTI, "The national political scenario favours the regional parties today... Congress party's tie-up with regional parties in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and now in Karnataka indicate that the regional parties will take a centre stage in the national politics. They will all come in one platform."
Babu said the right time has arrived for the secular forces to unite due to the "undeclared emergency" in the country.
"It is the attitude of the central government, which made it inevitable for the regional parties to unite the secular forces and fight against BJP and save democracy. For that, Karnataka will lead. We will see to it that regional parties play a vital role in 2019 elections," Babu said.
ALSO READ: Karnataka govt formation: Cong-JD(S) gets invite, 15 days to prove majority
9. Modi is corruption, hope BJP learnt lessons from Karnataka, says Rahul Gandhi: In a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the resignation of Yeddyurappa ahead of the trust vote, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday termed him "corruption" and that Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and the RSS considered no institution "worthy of respect".
Addressing the media in New Delhi shortly after Yeddyurappa's resignation, he said the Congress will work with other opposition parties to defeat the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Gandhi said Modi's model of leadership is not that of democratic person but that of a dictator and "even Supreme Court knows that".
Accusing Modi of promoting corruption in Karnataka to gain support for the BJP, which had emerged the single-largest party amid split verdict in by the May 12 assembly election, he cited attempts at horse-trading, including purported telephonic conversations of some BJP leaders to get support of Congress and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) legislators, who formed a post-poll coalition.
10. Parties attack BJP, say it should take lessons from Karnataka episode: The Congress and several other parties on Saturday hit out at the BJP, claiming all attempts to use money and muscle power failed in Karnataka and asked the saffron party to take lessons from the episode.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Banerjee termed it as a "victory of the regional front" and of democracy.
The BJP, however, put up a brave face with Union minister Prakash Javadekar saying the party knows how to "respect democracy" and the Congress was treating an electoral defeat as a victory.
ALSO READ: Karnataka's last resort politics
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar claimed that the new government would not last long as it was an "unholy nexus."
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati said the use of money power and state machinery is not always helpful, as she asked the BJP to take lessons from the fall of its government in Karnataka.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed the collapse of the Yeddyurappa government as a "victory of the people's mandate" and asked the central government to resign on moral grounds.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav also took to Twitter, saying, "Truth can never be defeated! Truth will always defeat a lie or liar!."
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that BJP's attempt to "subvert democracy" in Karnataka "failed miserably".

Karnataka Assembly LIVE: Yeddyurappa delivers emotional speech, quits as CM

Karnataka Election result 2018: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader B S Yeddyurappa on Saturday resigned as the chief minister of Karnataka, two days after he took oath. Delivering an emotional speech in the Karnataka Assembly, Yeddyurappa slammed the "opportunitic alliance" between Congress and Janata Dal (Secular), labelling it "unholy".
Yeddyurappa said his only ambition was to serve people. “My entire life has been a test. Today is another. People of Karnataka have voted for us, and shown faith in the BJP.”
"I will lose nothing if I lose power, my life is for the people," Yeddyurappa said before announcing his resignation.

Earlier, the Congress launched a scathing attack on the BJP and Yeddyurappa, accusing them of luring its MLAs.
The Congress on Saturday released an audio tape where Yeddyurappa is purportedly heard trying to lure an MLA with the promise of a ministerial berth if he backed the BJP government during the trust vote.
The BJP, however, rejected the charge, calling the tape the job of "mimicry artistes" and the "dirty tricks department" of the Congress.
In the tape, released hours ahead of the crucial floor test, Yeddyurappa is allegedly heard speaking to Congress MLA from Hirekerur B C Patil over phone.
A special session of the Karnataka Assembly began this morning with Yeddyurappa set to take the floor test that would determine the fate of his three-day-old government.
Earlier, the Supreme Court, hearing Congress-JD(S) combine's petition challenging the appointment of Bopaiah as pro-tem speaker by Governor Vajubhai Vala, ordered live telecast of proceedings of the floor test, slated for 4 PM.
The Congress-JD(S) combine in its petition has contended that the appointment of Bopaiah was contrary to the tradition of choosing the senior-most legislator for the post.
Elections held on May 12 to 222 of the state's 224 seats have resulted in a hung assembly with the BJP having 104 MLAs, while the Congress won 78 seats and JD(S) 37. Polling in two seats will be held later.
The Congress-JD(S) combine has claimed the support of 117 MLAs, including one each from the BSP and the KPJP, and one Independent.
The JD(S)'s effective strength will be 36 at the time of voting, as its leader H D Kumaraswamy has won from two seats.
Read our full coverage on Karnataka Assembly Election 2018
CATCH ALL THE LIVE UPDATES
05:11 PM
People saw how BJP MLAs left the House before national anthem was played. It shows they don't respect institutions: Rahul Gandhi
05:10 PM
PM Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah do not respect any institution: Rahul Gandhi
05:09 PM
People saw how BJP MLAs left the House before national anthem was played. It shows they don't respect institutions: Rahul Gandhi
05:07 PM
You've seen openly how the PM directly authorised purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka, so the idea that PM spreads in the country that he is fighting corruption, is a blatant lie, he is corruption, says Rahul Gandhi
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You've seen openly how the PM directly authorized purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka, so the idea that PM spreads in the country that he is fighting corruption, is a blatant lie, he is corruption: Rahul Gandhi
4:59 PM - May 19, 2018
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05:01 PM
There are limits to your arrogance and how you're trying to run this country, Rahul Gandhi tells BJP, RSS after BS Yeddyurappa's resignation as Karnataka CM.
04:57 PM
I am proud that opposition stood together & defeated the BJP and we will continue to do so, says Rahul Gandhi.
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I am proud that opposition stood together & defeated the BJP and we will continue to do so: Rahul Gandhi after BS Yeddyurappa's resignation as Karnataka CM
4:55 PM - May 19, 2018
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04:50 PM
Congress workers celebrate in Dehradun after Yeddyurappa stepped down as Chief Minister of Karnataka.
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Congress workers celebrate in #Dehradun after BJP's BS Yeddyurappa stepped down as Chief Minister of #Karnataka.
4:42 PM - May 19, 2018
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04:48 PM
Chronology of the Karnataka political crisis:

May 12: Elections held in Karnataka.

May 15: Election Commission announces results. BJP emerges as single largest party with 104 members; Congress with 78 and JD(S) with 37 MLAs stitch an alliance.

Both the BJP and the Congress-JD(S) combine stake claim to form government.

May 16: Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala invites BJP to form government and asks B S Yeddyurappa to take oath as chief minister the next day.

Congress moves Supreme Court late evening against the governor's invitation to the BJP.

May 16-17: SC opens its doors at midnight for an urgent hearing.

May 17: Hearing begins at 2.11 am and concludes at 5.28 am. SC refuses to stay oath-taking ceremony of Yeddyurappa.

Yeddyurappa sworn in as CM at 9 am.

May 18: SC orders floor test at 4 pm on May 19.

Congress-JD (S) combine late at night move the SC challenging the governor's decision to appoint BJP MLA K G Bopaiah as pro tem speaker to conduct the floor test. SC says it will hear plea on May 19.

May 19: SC orders live telecast of floor test to ensure transparency in trust vote.

At 4 pm: Yeddyurappa says "I will not face confidence vote; I am going to resign".

04:46 PM
In reference to Yeddyurappa's resignation, Chidambaram says democracy was saved in Karnataka.

P. Chidambaram
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@PChidambaram_IN
With the proceedings live and every citizen becoming a pro tem Speaker, democracy in Karnataka was saved -- for the time bring.
4:09 PM - May 19, 2018
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P. Chidambaram
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1h
With the proceedings live and every citizen becoming a pro tem Speaker, democracy in Karnataka was saved -- for the time bring.

P. Chidambaram
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@PChidambaram_IN
Poor Mr Yeddyurappa. When the puppeteers fail, the puppet falls and breaks.
4:09 PM - May 19, 2018
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04:43 PM
When asked as to when he will take oath as the chief minister, JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy said the party was waiting for invitation from the Governor's House.
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We are waiting for invitation from the Governor's House: JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy on being asked when he will take oath as Chief Minister #Karnataka
4:34 PM - May 19, 2018
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04:39 PM
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala takes dig at Yeddyurappa. “‘Operation Lotus' fails! #BSYeddyurappa remains 2 day CM as the country predicted, breaking his own record of being 7 days CM. Democracy Wins! Constitution Wins!(sic)” Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted.
Randeep Singh Surjewala
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‘Operation Lotus’ fails!#BSYeddyurappa remains 2 day CM as the country predicted, breaking his own record of being 7 days CM.
Democracy Wins!
Constitution Wins!
4:09 PM - May 19, 2018
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04:21 PM
Yeddyurappa reaches Raj Bhavan after resigning as Chief Minister of Karnataka.
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Bengaluru: BJP's BS Yeddyurappa reaches Raj Bhavan after resigning as Chief Minister of Karnataka.
4:18 PM - May 19, 2018
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04:10 PM
Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had ealier moved the motion seeking a vote of confidence of the Karnataka Assembly in his government.

The one-line motion says: "This house expresses its confidence in the council of ministers headed by B S Yeddyurappa."
04:07 PM
Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa resigns as Chief Minister
04:05 PM
If only people would have given us 113 seats instead of 104, we would have made this state a paradise, ANI quotes Yeddyurappa as saying.
04:00 PM
Yeddyurappa slams 'unholy' Congress-JD(S) alliance, says mandate wasn't for Congress or JD(S)
03:58 PM
According to TV reports, Yeddyurappa is likely to resign before the trust vote.
03:56 PM
SC not impressed with arguments on conventions on pro tem speaker's appointment

The arguments of the Congress-JD(S) combine that the appointment of the senior most legislator as the pro tem speaker was the "established convention" did not cut ice with the Supreme Court today which said conventions cannot be the "rule" and it cannot be enforced.
03:54 PM
I have traveled throughout the state for the last two years and have seen pain on the faces of people. I can't forget the love & affection I received from people, says Yeddyurappa
03:52 PM
Yeddyurappa starts his speech at the Karnataka Assembly, says mandate was against Congress.
03:46 PM
Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Pratap Gowda Patil, who were said to be missing, take oath as MLA in Karnataka's Vidhana Soudha.
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Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Pratap Gowda Patil, who were said to be missing, take oath as an MLA in Karnataka's Vidhana Soudha. #FloorTest to be held at 4 pm.
3:42 PM - May 19, 2018
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03:37 PM
According to local media, the second 'missing' Congress MLA Anand Singh has arrived at the Vidhana Soudha. He is accompanied by Congress leader DK Shivakumar.
03:32 PM
BJP MLA Somashekara Reddy denies meeting Congress MLAs Anand Singh and Pratap Gowda Patil at Goldfinch Hotel in Bengaluru, says he was with his brother.
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I was with my brother in Taj West End. Nobody was in my contact. I don't even know who are they, Anand Singh and Pratap Gowda Patil (Congress MLAs). I did not even go to Goldfinch Hotel: Somashekara Reddy, BJP MLA & brother of Janardan Reddy to ANI
3:26 PM - May 19, 2018
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03:25 PM
Visuals of Congress MLA Pratap Gowda Patil's entry into the Vidhana Soudha. The MLA was said to be missing.
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#WATCH: Dramatic visuals of the moment when Congress MLA Pratap Gowda Patil who was said to be missing, entered Vidhana Soudha. #KarnatakaFloorTest
3:14 PM - May 19, 2018
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03:10 PM
Congress releases another audio, accuses BJP's Sriramulu and Muralidhar Rao of luring its MLA B C Patil
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"Don't worry, there won't be any Election. We will elect our speaker & show a majority".
Listen to know how BJP's Sriramulu, the aide of corruption-tainted 'mining mafia', and BJP's National Leader Muralidhar Rao tried to lure Congress MLA BC Patil. Old habits die hard?
3:00 PM - May 19, 2018
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03:00 PM
Congress MLA Pratap Gowda Patil, who went ‘missing’ hours before the oath ceremony today, seen at Karnataka Assembly
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Bengaluru: Congress MLA Pratap Gowda Patil having lunch at Vidhana Soudha, Congress's DK Suresh and Dinesh Gundu Rao present with him.
2:53 PM - May 19, 2018
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02:57 PM
According to media reports, 'missing' Congress MLA, Pratap Gowda, was escorted out of Hotel Gold Finch by police and he has left for Vidhana Soudha
02:49 PM
Pratap Gowda Patil has come. He will take oath as an MLA then he will vote for the Congress. He will not betray Congress party, says Congress leader DK Shivakumar
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Pratap Gowda Patil has come. He will take oath as an MLA then he will vote for the Congress. He will not betray Congress party: DK Shivakumar, Congress #KarnatakaFloorTest
2:38 PM - May 19, 2018
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02:48 PM
I am sure Yeddyurappa will resign before the trust vote, says Congress leader DK Shivakumar
02:22 PM
Missing Congress MLAs are with BJP's MLA Somasekhar Reddy, say sources

Two Karnataka Congress MLAs, who had been missing for the past few days, have been located at a Bengaluru hotel with BJP MLA G Somasekhar Reddy, sources told ANI.

One of the MLAs was seen leaving the Bengaluru hotel a few minutes back.
02:14 PM
Tight security arrangements have been made at the Goldfinch Hotel, where the missing Congress MLA's are allegedly staying. According to reports, not even the guests staying at the hotel are being allowed to enter the lobby
02:01 PM
One of the 'missing' Congress MLAs Anand Singh seen leaving Bengaluru's Goldfinch hotel

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One of the 'missing' Congress MLAs Anand Singh seen leaving Bengaluru's Goldfinch hotel #KarnatakaFloorTest
1:56 PM - May 19, 2018
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Karnataka set for a photo-finish as BJP falls short of majority: 10 updates

Who is going to form govt in Karnataka? Karnataka Assembly election 2018 result is close to being known as vote counting is underway on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally blitz in the state poised to pay off. According to official Election Commission figures as of 9:17 pm, the BJP was leading in 3 seats and had won 101 seats, the Congress was leading in none and had won 78, the Janata Dal (Secular) had won 37 seats and was leading in none. The Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party had won one seat, the Bahujan Samaj Party won one seat, and the independents had won one seat. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has submitted his resignation to Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala after Congress was voted out of power. Soon after, JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met the Governor and wrote to him that the party has accepted Congress' support to form the Government. BJP chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa did not step backing from staking claim to form the government and has requested the Governor to allow his party to prove majority.
Karnataka election result 2018 highlights:
* Siddaramaiah wins Badami assembly seat, but loses in Chamundeshwari.
* Yeddyurappa wins Shikaripura seat by a margin of over 35,000 votes.
* Kumaraswamy wins both Ramanagara and Channapatna seats.
A record 72.36 per cent of the 50.7 million (5.07 crore) electorate cast their votes, with 27,908 electors in defence services exercising their franchise through postal ballots.
The Election Commission has deployed 16,662 personnel for counting of votes amid tight security. "Postal ballots will be counted first before the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are opened," Kumar said.
Meanwhile, four of the seven polling agencies predicted in their exit polls that the BJP would emerge as the single-largest party today. While most exit polls predicted a hung Assembly with the BJP ahead, two said the BJP would either come very close to or cross the halfway mark of 112 seats, while the India Today-Axis exit poll said the Congress might bag a majority. All exit polls gave the H D Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular) nearly two dozen seats or more, which could make it the kingmaker if there is a hung Assembly.
Top 10 developments on Karnataka election 2018 results:
1. Narendra Modi, Amit Shah address party workers at BJP headquarters in Delhi: BJP President Amit Shah expressed confidence that BJP would surely come to power in Karnataka. He said, "This is the 15th election. BJP has already won the last 14 elections. This is the 15th consecutive election where BJP is going to win."
He further added, "In 2019 we will not only form the govt under the leadership of Modi Ji but also form a New India in 2022."
Slamming Congress, Amit Shah said, "I don't know by which analysis is Congress happy. They have lost the elections. Their sitting chief minister could hardly retain the safe seat and lost badly from his traditional seat, if this is not a loss I don't know what is," Shah said, according to Firstpost.
Modi started off his speech by condoling the loss of lives in Varanasi bridge collapse. Further, he congratulated BJP workers' victory in Karnataka.
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I am happy about #Karnataka's victory but on the other hand, I am saddened by the loss of lives in Varanasi. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased & assure that the government will do whatever it can to support these families: PM Narendra Modi
8:05 PM - May 15, 2018
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He further attacked the Congress party and said it is trying to come to power in the state by forming an alliance with the Janata Dal (Secular), despite facing rejection.
The Prime Minister further said that by rejecting the mandate of the people, the party is hurting India's Constitution for its political interests.
"No one could have imagined that in this election, Congress would do an act to hurt India's Constitution only for its political interests," he said.
The Prime Minister also said that the Karnataka elections are proof that the BJP is not a party for only Hindi speaking states.
"They said the BJP is a party of Hindi speaking states. Are Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, the northeastern states of Hindi speaking states? No, BJP represents India and our proud diversity," Prime Minister Modi said.
ALSO READ: Post-assembly verdict, BJP legislature party to meet tomorrow
2) Party wise trends and result: According to official Election Commission figures as of 9:17 pm, the BJP was leading in 3 seats and had won 101 seats, the Congress was leading in none and had won 78, the Janata Dal (Secular) had won 37 seats and was leading in none. The Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party had won one seat, the Bahujan Samaj Party won one seat, and the independents had won one seat.
who is going to form govt in Karnataka Karnataka polls seat tally. Source: EC
Why victory in Karnataka election is crucial for BJP: A BJP win would bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah a step closer to achieving their dream of a 'Congress-mukt' India. The BJP's victory in Karnataka would also open for it "the gateway to southern India". Currently, the BJP doesn't have a government in any of the five southern states. The win is also important for the BJP in the context of 2019. Amit Shah said, "Karnataka is the gateway to BJP's entry into the Southern states of India."
ALSO READ: Karnataka poll: 4 of 7 exit polls bet on BJP; counting of votes on May 15
Why victory is so important for Congress party: A win for the Congress would boost the party's morale for the Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram in November-December, and for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. It would also ensure that the party would not be reduced to ruling only one big state, that of Punjab, in the entire country.
ALSO READ: Karnataka election result LIVE updates
2. Yeddyurappa meets governor, stakes claim to form government: Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa today met Governor Vajubhai Vala and staked claim to form the government, countering a move of the Congress-JDS combine which he slammed as an attempt to come back to power through the back door.
"BJP has emerged as the single largest party, we have requested the governor to give us an opportunity to prove our majority on the floor of the assembly," Yeddyurappa told reporters after meeting Vala along with Union minister Ananth Kumar.
Not willing to comment on JD(S)-Congress alliance, he said "....we have staked claim to form the government.
We have said we will prove our majority in the assembly, give us an opportunity."
The move by Yeddyurappa came soon after JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy wrote to the governor informing him about his decision to accept the Congress' support extended to his party to form the government.
3. Ten Karnataka ministers bite the dust in polls: At least 10 ministers fell by the wayside as they lost their seats in an anti-incumbency wave that swept the Siddaramaiah government out of power in the assembly polls.
Siddaramaiah himself lost by a huge margin of 36,042 votes in his traditional constituency of Chamundeshwari in Mysuru to JDS' G T Deve Gowda.
He, however, managed to scrape through in Badami in north Karnataka, where he won by a slender margin of 1,696 votes after a see-saw battle against BJP's B Sriramulu, a close associate of the mining baron Reddy brothers.
Siddaramaiah's close aide H C Mahadevappa (55,451 votes) lost to JDS M Ashwin Kumar (83,929 votes) in T Narsipura.
Ramanath Rai (81,831 votes) was defeated by BJP's U Rajesh Naik (97,802 votes) in Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada district.
In Holalkere, H Anjaneya (69,036 votes) lost to BJP's M Chandrappa (1,07,976 votes).
Dr Sharan Prakash Rudrappa Patil (73,468 votes) lost to BJP's Rajkumar Patil (80,668 votes) in Sedam.
SS Mallikarjun (72,469 votes) was defeated by BJP's S A Ravindranath (76,540 votes) in Davanagere.
Octogenerian and the oldest candidate to contest, Kagodu Thimappa (70,436 votes) lost to BJP's H Halappa Harathalu (78,475 votes) in Sagara.
Basavaraj Rayareddi (65,754 votes) lost to BJP's Char Halappa Basappa (79,072 votes) in Yelburga while Rudrappa Lamani (75,261 votes) conceded his seat to BJP's Neharu Olekar (86,565 votes) in Haveri.
Pramod Mdhwaraj (72,902 votes) was defeated by BJP's Raghupathi Bhat (84,946 votes) in Udupi.
4. Congress cites precedents to justify its Karnataka move: The Congress today said the BJP's claim to form a government in Karnataka is demolished by three precedents in Goa, Manipur and Meghalaya.
Justifying its move to stake claim along with the JDS to form the government, Congress communications in charge Randeep Surjewala said his party had acted as per constitutional norms and traditions.
He also cited the instance of BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was invited to form a government by the then president KR Narayanan, noting the guiding principle behind it was that a party or a combination of parties that has won the largest number of seats be invited.
"As Congress-JD(S) win 95 seats and lead in 20 seats, absolute majority for the coalition is clear. Coalition also has 56% vote share. Coalition leaders meeting the Governor shortly to stake claim as per established constitutional norms in Karnataka's interests," he tweeted.
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President, K.R.Narayanan had set a fair & Constitutionally precedent by inviting Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee to form & lead a coalition Govt on 12th March, 1998.
President’s Communiqué states clearly and is a guiding light-:
5:23 PM - May 15, 2018
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5. Siddaramaiah submits resignation to Governor: Incumbent Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday submitted his resignation to the state Governor Vajubhai Vala ahead of final declaration of Karnataka assembly result.
Siddaramaiah suffered a defeat in Chamundeshwari constituency against his JD(S) rival G T Deve Gowda. While in Badami, Siddaramaiah ha defeated his BJP rival B Sreeramulu by over 1,600 votes.
Earlier in the day, the Congress has announced to support the Janata Dal (Secular) to form the next government in Karnataka.
"Both Congress and JD (S) leadership will meet the Governor in the evening to stake claim to form the government and we will give letters of support," senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad had said while addressing the media.
This new political development has emerged after the numbers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) started to drop from 115, which was a majority number.
6. JD(S) accepts Congress' support to form govt, Kumaraswamy seeks time from Governor: Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy today wrote to Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala informing him about his decision to accept the Congress' support to form the government.
In a dramatic twist, the Congress today offered support to JD(S) to form the government after the BJP, which was emerging as the single largest party, appeared to be falling short of majority.
In a letter to Governor Vajubhai Vala, Kumaraswamy, whose party was a distant third after the BJP and Congress, sought an appointment for this evening.
"This is to submit to your good self that I have accepted the support extended by the Indian National Congress (I) party for forming the Government. In this regard, I seek your appointment today evening between 5.30 pm to 6.00 pm," Kumaraswamy said in a letter, copy of which was released to the media.
Congress trying to subvert people's mandate, alleges Yeddyurappa: BJP chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress of trying to subvert the popular mandate and come back to power through the back door by offering support to JDS to form the government.
Yeddyurappa said the people of the state had rejected the Siddaramaiah government "lock, stock and barrel" and given a mandate for change.
"The people had given a mandate for a Congress-mukt Karnataka," the BJP strongman told reporters shortly after the Congress offered support to JDS-led by former prime minister H D Deve Gowda.
Yeddyurappa said there was anti-incumbency against the Siddaramaiah government and the chief minister himself had suffered a "pathetic defeat" in his home constituency of Chamundeshwari.
7. Congress backs JD-S after Karnataka delivers hung Assembly: In a dramatic turn of events after Karnataka delivered a hung Assembly, the Congress on Tuesday announced its backing to the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) to form a government to prevent the BJP from regaining power in its only southern bastion.
As it became clear that the BJP might not cross the half-way mark, Congress leaders quickly got in touch with the JD-S of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and his son and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.
Congress General Secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad told the media in the company of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that the JD-S had accepted the Congress offer of support.
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Congress & JDS has 117, we need 111 to form the govt. Since we were in power, and we lost, we have given our support for JDS led govt. BJP has 104, we are ahead of them : Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress
5:04 PM - May 15, 2018
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"We will meet the Governor and stake claim (to form a government)," he said. "Our numbers put together will be more than the BJP's." CM Siddaramaiah was set to meet the Governor of Karnataka at 4 pm today.
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CM Siddaramaiah enters the Governor's house in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018
3:57 PM - May 15, 2018
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Informed sources said the JD-S could get the Chief Minister's post in the event of a tie-up with the Congress.
8. BJP rushes 3 senior ministers to Karnataka as Congress appears to steal march: With the BJP appearing to be falling short of a majority in Karnataka, the party rushed three senior ministers to the state to talk with possible allies to cobble up the required numbers for forming the next government in the state.
Union minsters Dharmendra Pradhan, Prakash Javadekar and J P Nadda met BJP chief Amit Shah this afternoon and later left for Bengaluru.
People rejected Congress' divisive politics, says BJP: With the BJP set to emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka, its leaders described today's Assembly poll results as an endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development agenda and claimed that the people had rejected the divisive, toxic and negative politics of the Congress.
Buoyed by the emerging picture, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad took a swipe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying someone was dreaming of becoming the prime minister, a reference to Gandhi's statement during the Karnataka poll campaign that he was ready for the top post if his party won the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
Prasad's cabinet colleague, Nirmala Sitharaman, said it was a historic day for the BJP and the results were an endorsement of Modi's development agenda.
The people had rejected the divisive, toxic and negative politics of the Congress, she added.
9. BJP should hold elections with ballot papers, says Uddhav Thackeray: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray today challenged the BJP to hold elections through ballot papers to clear doubts over the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs).
As votes for the Karnataka elections were counted and the BJP seemed set to emerge the single largest party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray agreed with Uddhav Thackeray.
"This is a victory for the Electronic Voting Machine," he tweeted.
Uddhav Thackeray pointed out that the BJP was losing bypolls but winning assembly elections.
"If you (BJP) trust yourself, hold elections through ballot papers once," Uddhav Thackeray said, reacting to the Karnataka election results.
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Just one time, I want BJP to head into elections with ballot papers & not EVMs. All the apprehensions will go away: Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena Chief. #KarnatakaElections2018
2:29 PM - May 15, 2018
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"When so many people are asking for it, it will clear apprehensions (on the use of EVMs) once and for all," Uddhav Thackeray said, reported PTI.
10. Omar Abdullah imitates Caesar, says 'Et tu Karnataka': Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday expressed his feelings over the Bharatiya Janata Party's stupendous poll performance in Karnataka by imitating historic Roman leader Julius Caesar.
The former chief minister only tweeted three words, "Et tu #Karnataka."
In Shakespeare's famous play, Caesar was killed by friend Brutus and his co-conspirators.
Shocked at his friend's betrayal, Caesar's last words were, "Et tu, Brute?", which means, "Even you, Brutus?"
Another interesting thing is that Omar correlated Caesar's assassination date with the date of Karnataka election results. Caesar was killed on March 15 and the Karnataka election results have been declared today i.e May 15.
What Karnataka election means to JD(S): It is a battle for survival for JD(S). While BJP and Congress have fought hard against each other, exit polls indicate that JD(S) could be the kingmaker if there is a hung Assembly. The JD(S) had formed an alliance with the Congress in 2015 to keep the BJP out of Bengaluru's civic body. The party also has an alliance with the BJP in the Karnataka legislative council. Considering that in 2004, the Congress had formed a government with the support of JD(S), which later withdrew support in favour of the BJP, the JD(S) has no qualms about sticking to either the Congress or the BJP if the other side makes a more attractive offer.
What exit polls have predicted: The India Today-Axis My India exit poll has predicted that Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats with 39 per cent vote share and will be the single-largest party in Karnataka.
The Chanakya exit polls indicate a clear victory for BJP (120 seats), followed by Congress with 73 seats and JD(S) with 26 seats.
The India TV-VMR exit poll has predicted a hung Assembly in Karnataka. It says that the Congress is likely to get 97 seats, the BJP 87, the JD(S)+ 35, and others 3 seats.
The ABP C-Voter exit poll has predicted 101-113 seats for the BJP, claiming that the saffron party is likely to reach the 'magic figure' of 113 seats. It predicts 82 to 94 seats for the Congress, while the JD(S) and others will get 18-31 seats and one to eight seats, respectively.
According to the Times Now-VMR exit poll, the Congress is likely to be the single largest party with 90-103 seats, the BJP the second largest with 80-93 seats. It said that the JD(S) will win 30-39 seats and others two-four seats.
NDTV's exit poll said the BJP will be the single largest party with 98 seats, the Congress second largest party with 88 seats, and the JD(S) will be the kingmaker with 33 seats.
The NewsX-CNX exit poll has claimed that the BJP is set to be elected as the single largest party in the state, with close to 102-110 seats, followed by the Congress with 72-78 seats and the JDS with 35-39 seats.
ALSO READ: Karnataka exit polls: No telling which way the wind blows, result on May 15
Yeddyurappa's aide flying to Delhi today to finalise swearing-in date: Though no results have been declared yet, Yeddyurappa's aide and Lok Sabha MP Shobha Karandlaje told reporters in Bengaluru that he would fly to New Delhi later in the day to finalise the date for his swearing-in after consulting the national leadership.
Congress rushes top guns to Karnataka to ensure no Goa, Manipur fiasco repeat: Once bitten, twice shy! The Congress is taking no chances in Karnataka and has sent in its top guns to avoid a repeat of the Goa and Manipur fiascoes in the past, where it failed to form the government despite emerging as the largest party. The party has sent senior leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ashok Gehlot to the southern state where results of the Assembly polls would be out today. The Congress has, however, been 'bitten' thrice as it failed to retain power in Meghalaya recently despite emerging as the largest party and the leadership rushing Kamal Nath and Ahmed Patel to the state to build on the advantage. Sources said Azad and Gehlot have reached Bengaluru and have met chief minister Siddharamaiah and other party leaders. They are also likely to meet JD(S) leaders, including H D Deve Gowda and his son Kumaraswamy, in case the Congress fails to get a majority on its own.

Karnataka poll: 4 of 7 exit polls bet on BJP; counting of votes on May 15

Nearly 70 per cent of the 49.6 million electorate in Karnataka voted on Saturday to elect a new Assembly. As the voting ended at 6:30 in the evening, four of the seven polling agencies predicted in their exit polls that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would emerge the single-largest party when votes are counted on Tuesday.
Election Commission officials said the voter turnout could go up to the 71.4 per cent mark recorded in the 2013 Assembly elections. However, the voter turnout wasn’t as healthy as officials had expected in urban areas, particularly Bengaluru.
While most exit polls predicted a hung Assembly with the BJP ahead, two said the BJP would either come very close to or cross the halfway mark of 112 seats, while the India Today-Axis exit poll said the Congress might bag a majority.
No government in Karnataka since the Ramakrishna Hegde-led Janata Party in 1985 has been re-elected.
ALSO READ: Karnataka Election 2018: Pink booths, cheat-free EVMs and other firsts
Some of the exit polls claimed the BJP was likely to win more seats despite a vote share lower than the Congress as it would maximise its wins in its areas of influence.

Karnataka poll: 4 of 7 exit polls bet on BJP; counting of votes on May 15
All exit polls gave the Janata Dal (Secular) nearly two dozen seats or more, which could make it the kingmaker if there is a hung Assembly.
The BJP and the Congress leaders are in touch with the JD(S) leadership, and have proposed power-sharing scenarios that could be acceptable to party leader and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy. Both, the BJP and the Congress, ran coalition governments with the JD (S) between 2004 and 2008.
The Congress is open to repeating the formula where the chief minister from either party serves for 2.5 years each, and also recognizes that Kumaraswamy would never agree to sharing power with current chief minister and friend turned foe Siddaramaiah. The Congress is amenable to making home minister R Ramalinga Reddy its chief ministerial nominee if there is a hung Assembly. The BJP, meanwhile, has proposed that it might be open to offering Kumaraswamy the first go at the chief ministerial chair.
Polling was held for 222 of the state's 224 constituencies following the countermanding of election for the Jayanagara seat due to the death of BJP candidate B N Vijaykumar, and deferment of voting for Rajarajeshwari Nagar seat over allegations of electoral malpractices. Over 2,600 candidates are in the fray.
A win for the Congress would boost the party’s morale for the assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram in November-December, and for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. It would also ensure that the party would not be reduced to ruling only one big state, that of Punjab, in the entire country. Apart from Punjab, Congress has governments in only Puducherry and Mizoram.
ALSO READ: Karnataka exit polls: No telling which way the wind blows, result on May 15
A Congress victory would also help the opposition galvanize itself for four Lok Sabha and 10 assembly by-elections in 10 states on May 28, including in electorally crucial Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. The opposition has also planned series of protests and demonstrations on the issue of agrarian distress on the occasion of the first anniversary of the police firing in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, in which six farmers were killed on June 6, 2017.
A BJP win would bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah a step closer to achieving their dream of a ‘Congess-mukt’ India. The BJP's victory in Karnataka would also open for it "the gateway to southern India". Currently, the BJP doesn’t have a government in any of the four southern states.
assembly election, karnataka election, elections, union election, BS election
The win is also important for the BJP in the context of 2019. The BJP needs to compensate from other areas the seats that it might lose in its strongholds in northern Indian states, particularly Uttar Pradesh. The Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party showed in Phulpur and Gorakhpur Lok Sabha by-elections the damage they can cause to the BJP if they were to join forces. A victory in Karnataka would yet again prove PM Modi to be the most charismatic Indian politician of recent times and his party’s biggest match winner.
There were reports of malfunctioning of EVMs from some polling stations, and minor clashes between Congress and BJP supporters. The two parties also accused each other of inducing voters.

Karnataka Election LIVE: BJP won't win more than 60 seats, says Congress

About 11 per cent polling was today recorded in the first two hours of voting in Karnataka. which is witnessing a three-cornered contest among the ruling Congress, the BJP and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda's JD(S). Election authorities said "moderate to brisk" voting has been witnessed in 222 out of 224 seats where polling began at 7 am. State BJP chief and party's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa, and Pradesh Congress Committee G Parameshwara were among the first to cast votes in Shikaripura in Shivamogga and Yaggere in Tumakuru respectively.
Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda along with wife Chennamma cast their votes at Paduvalahippe in Hassan district.
Film actors Ramesh Arvind, Ravichandran, also scion of Mysuru royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar were among the prominent personalities to cast their votes early today.
There are reports about delay in polling due to some technical issues with the electronic voting machines (EVMs) from different parts of the state. Suspecting something fishy, both Congress and BJP have pointed accusing fingers at each other in the matter.
"Today people of Karnataka are standing in queues to create history & show the nation the way to liberal, progressive, peaceful & compassionate politics & governance. I thank them for their support & wish them well," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted.
Over 2,600 candidates are in the fray-- more than 2,400 men and and over 200 women.
The total voters including service electors according to the 2018 final rolls are 5,06,90,538, of whom 2,56,75,579 male voters, 2,50,09,904 female and 5,055 transgender voters.
karnataka election

ALSO READ: Karnataka election campaign ends; Shah says BJP will win at least 130 seats
ALSO READ: Karnataka election: Shiv Sena chides Modi, says 'don't mock Rahul'; updates
Check your name on voter list online
Voters in Karnataka can check their names in the voter list online at www.ceokarnataka.kar.nic.in. Here are to steps to check your name in the electoral roll or voter list:
To search your name in the voter list, go to this link on the Karnataka CEO website.
From the three options available, i.e, finding your name with EPIC Number, Name and Other Details and cellphone number. The voter list can also be accessed on the Chunavana app launched by the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer. A voter can check their polling booth as well as name in voter list by entering their EPIC number.
Read our full coverage on Karnataka Assembly Election 2018
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10:52 AM
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A differently abled person arrives to vote at a polling booth in Badami #KarnatakaElections2018
10:38 AM - May 12, 2018
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10:36 AM
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We have!!! Have You!!! #KarnatakaElections2018
10:02 AM - May 12, 2018
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10:02 AM
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We are confident. BJP will not win more than 60-70 seats maximum, forget getting 150. They are just dreaming of forming the Government: Mallikarjun Kharge,Congress #KarnatakaElections2018
10:00 AM - May 12, 2018
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09:39 AM
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JD(S)'s HD Deve Gowda, his wife Chennamma Deve Gowda, son HD Revanna & other family members cast their votes at polling booth no.244 in Holenarasipura town in Hassan district.
9:38 AM - May 12, 2018
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09:39 AM
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Mysuru's erstwhile royal Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar casts his vote in Mysuru. #KarnatakaElections2018
9:34 AM - May 12, 2018
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09:28 AM
Polling percentage stands at 10.6% as of 9.15 am: EC

The Election Commission said the voter turnout across Karnataka stood at 10.6 percent on Saturday morning till 9.15 am. Voting for the Karnataka Assembly election began at 7 am.
09:27 AM
Yeddyurappa says BJP will win; top 10 developments
09:26 AM
Karnataka Minister KJ George cast his vote in Bengaluru, he is contesting from Sarvagnanagar constituency.

09:14 AM
JD(S)'s H D Deve Gowda casts his vote at polling booth no.244 in Holenarasipura town in Hassan district, says, 'We expect a possibility of forming the government, we have done well.
09:07 AM
JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda casts his vote: Former prime minister and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda cast his vote in Haasan.
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Former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda casts his vote at polling booth no.244 in Holenarasipura town in Hassan district #KarnatakaElections2018
9:05 AM - May 12, 2018
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09:05 AM
Facts to know about Karnataka election: Smallest and largest Constituencies :- By Area

Smallest - Dasarahalli

Largest - Halyal
08:58 AM
BJP leader V K Singh said, "When you go out to vote today, vote for progress, vote for development and vote for a better future."

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It’s time to vote #Karnataka. When you go out to vote today, vote for progress, vote for development and vote for a better future. I urge you all to exercise your franchise. #KarnatakaElection
8:56 AM - May 12, 2018 · New Delhi, India
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08:50 AM
Faulty VVPAT machine stalls voting in Hubli: A faulty Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine at booth number 108 has stalled voting here.

The machine is being replaced, and voting is yet to resume at the booth.
08:48 AM
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JDS's HD Kumaraswamy meets Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswami of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Jayanagar #Karnataka
8:47 AM - May 12, 2018
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08:39 AM
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One crucial behavioral change PM Modi has brought about is increased participation of common people in govt process. Many hotels in Bengaluru & Mangaluru like Adigas, Ganesh Bhavan are offering free coffee to early voters. This is truly a festival of democracy#KarnatakaVotes4BJP
8:31 AM - May 12, 2018
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08:38 AM
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Voting for the first time in Karnataka Legislative Assembly ✌️
8:33 AM - May 12, 2018
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08:35 AM
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BJP MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar casts his vote at Karnataka Reddyjana Sangha in Bengaluru's Koramangala. #KarnatakaElections2018
8:33 AM - May 12, 2018
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08:34 AM
Karnataka Election 2018 LIVE: BJP worker arrested for threatening voters
08:32 AM
Voters to use NOTA for first time in Karnataka Election

Voters will get to use the NOTA (None of the Above Option) for the first time in the Karnataka Assembly election. A total of 2.57 Karnataka residents had used the option in Lok Sabha elections in 2014, but this will be the first time it will be used in Assembly elections in the state.
08:31 AM
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Voting is the voice of the people living in a democracy. Please don't forget to vote for a Nava Karnataka. By voting for a deserving candidate, ensure that you fulfill your responsibility to bring a just government to power. Please vote today without fail.
8:17 AM - May 12, 2018
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08:25 AM
BJP aided Reddy loot, Sriramulu bribed ex-CJI, says Congress

attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the allegation that BJP leader B Sriramulu had bribed former Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan seeking an order favouring a mining company owned by G Janardhan Reddy.

The Congress party, which levelled the charge, also demanded a high-level inquiry into the alleged bribery case. "This is how Modi and Yeddy (B S Yeddyurappa) are getting 'Reddy' to loot Karnataka. Fortunately, the people of Karnataka will not let that happen," tweeted Gandhi as he attached a National Herald news report with a headline "Sting videos: Congress alleges BJP's B Sriramulu involved in bribing then CJI in 2010".
08:19 AM
Illegal liquor seized from Bidar MLA's residence

Income Tax officials and the Excise Department on Friday conducted a raid at the residence of Bidar MLA Ashok Kheny and seized illegal liquor.

District Election Commissioner A Shravan told ANI that an FIR has been lodged against Karnataka Makkala Paksha (KMP) leader as he had failed to show any bills to the officers who raided his residence. "We have also seized other election campaigning materials," Shravan said.

To read full report, click HERE
08:16 AM
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Bellary: BJP's B.Sriramalu performed 'gau pooja' (cow worship) before casting his vote. He is contesting against CM Siddaramaiah from Badami constituency. #KarnatakaElections2018
8:14 AM - May 12, 2018
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08:16 AM
BJP's B Sriramalu performed 'gau pooja' (cow worship) before casting his vote. He is contesting against CM Siddaramaiah from Badami constituency.
08:12 AM
BJP worker arrested in Hebbala constituency

The police arrested a BJP worker at Hebbala Assembly seat for "threatening" voters not to vote before local BJP MLA Narayanaswamy cast his vote, delaying the voting by 10 minutes.
08:12 AM
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Visuals of people at booth number 232 in Ramnagar. #KarnatakaElections2018
8:05 AM - May 12, 2018
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08:06 AM
Karnataka votes today; polling in 'fake' ID scam-hit constituency deferred

The Election Commission deferred polling to the Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency. ‘Fake’ electoral identity cards had been discovered on Tuesday, and the BJP and Congress had accused each other of electoral malpractices. Elections in Karnataka will now be held for 222 of the 224-seat Assembly.

Enforcement agencies continued to seize large amounts of cash and alcohol in raids on the election eve. The Congress asked the Election Commission that BJP candidate B Sriramulu be disqualified from contesting the election over a 2010 'sting' video allegedly showing him trying to the bribe a relative of a former chief justice of India.
08:01 AM
Ten NRI voters from Kundapur, in Udupi district for first time

For the first time, 10 people from Kundapur in Udupi district have registered as Non-Resident Indian voters for the Karnataka Assembly election. They have filed their details under Form-6A meant for NRIs. These NRIs, residing in Gulf countries, will cast their votes in the Kundapur constituency.
08:00 AM
EVM malfunction reported from Bengaluru, Hubli

EVM malfunction was reported from a booth in Bengaluru's Shivajinagara and at the Lamington School booth in Hubli.
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Hubli: Faulty Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine at booth number 108 being replaced, voting is yet to resume at the booth. #KarnatakaElections2018
7:55 AM - May 12, 2018
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