The Karnataka Assembly Election Results Threw Up An Unexpected Suspense

The Karnataka Assembly election results threw up an unexpected suspense, as a simple majority tantalisingly eluded BJP and the Congress quickly proclaimed support to third-placed JD(S) to keep the saffron party out of power. All eyes are now on Governor Vajubhai Vala who will have to decide whether to call BJP, the single largest winner of seats, to try to form the government or go with the JD(S)-Congress combine, which together have a clear majority in the 224-member Assembly.

Elections were held for 222 seats on May 12. Both sides rushed to meet Vala, their vehicles slowly cutting through the throngs of party workers and supporters assembled outside the Raj Bhavan gates, and staked claim to power. In a roller-coaster ride for BJP, it initially appeared that the party was set to return to power after a five-year hiatus with a resounding majority. But as all the trends became known, it appeared the party will fall a few seats short of the 112 needed to form the government.

Guv is obliged to call largest party, which is BJP. He should call BJP leader asking him if he can form govt. If he says he can’t, Guv will then call 2nd party & if he says he can form govt, Guv should give him time to prove majority: Mukul Rohatgi, former AG #KarnatakaElections.

We have already decided to go with Congress. That’s the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision: HD Kumaraswamy, JD(S) #KarnatakaElections2018.

We have already decided to go with Congress. That's the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision: HD Kumaraswamy, JD(S) #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/kxJbxcmiK1

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018