Election results 2018: Karnataka verdict sets stage for more battles this year and 2019 polls
As the counting closed and the BJP falling short of a majority, all the three main parties - the BJP, Congress and the Janata Dal Secular (JDS) rushed to the Governor's residence to stake claim to form a new government. A desperate Congress made made an open, unconditional offer to HD Deve Gowda's JDS to back the regional party and make HD Kumaraswamy the chief minister. Outgoing chief minister Siddaramaiah and Mr Kumaraswamy spoke to the media after meeting the Governor. "The AICC has decided to support JDS. JDS will form government with the help of Congress," Mr Siddaramaiah said. The BJP's
BS Yeddyurappa also met the governor, saying he must call the single largest party. Earlier today, celebrations were seen at the BJP offices in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Delhi and other places. BJP workers cheered, burst crackers and chanted "
Modi Modi" as they monitored the numbers of giant TV screens. For the election results, v
otes are being counted for 222 of the 224 assembly seats from 8 am.
72.36 per cent of the five crore eligible voters in Karnataka cast their votes on Saturday last, a notch above the 72 voter turnout recorded in the 2013 state elections. An aggregate of nine exit polls shows the
BJP emerging as the largest party with 97 seats, but well short of the majority mark. The Congress will win 90 seats and regional party Janata Dal Secular or JDS 31, according to the poll of exit polls.
On Sunday, Mr Siddaramaiah had said while he is willing to stay on as the chief minister for another term, he would
step aside for a Dalit candidate if the party high command so desires. The JDS has said it is the Congress's "responsibility" to reach out if it does not get a majority today.
Here are the highlights on Karnataka election results:
Results for all seats have now been declared for Karnataka elections 2018. The final tally: BJP at 104, Congress at 78 and JDS along with its alliance partner BSP at 38. One seat went to an Independent candidate, while Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party won another.
Congress' Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ashok Gehlot seen along with JDS' HD Kumaraswamy after the meeting Bengaluru's Ashoka Hotel. Other leaders of both the parties were also present.
After a huddle late at night, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and JDS' HD Deve Gowda leave Bengaluru's Ashoka Hotel. Other senior leaders of both the parties were also present at the meeting.
After meeting Congress leaders at a hotel in Bengaluru, JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy says, "As per Supreme Court order, single largest party need not be called. Together Congress and JDS have 117 MLAs, we should be given the first opportunity to form government."
Mr Siddaramaiah, talking to media, says, "Have called a meeting tomorrow. All MLAs will attend the meet."
Siddaramaiah talks to media in Bengaluru after meeting HD Devegowda, says, "We have the required numbers."
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Karnataka election results: I spoke to HD Kumaraswamy and congratulated him for his party's victory. I am sure as he will discharge his constitutional responsibility in a better way as compared to his predecessors and Karnataka will progress under his leadership.
Manohar Lal Khattar hails BJP's good show in Karnataka elections
Hailing the BJP's impressive performance in Karnataka Assembly polls, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said today that the party has been marching ahead since 1996 and today nearly three-quarter of the country is ruled by it and its allies.
"If we look at the history of the BJP and the strength it has gained today, Congress never gained such strength in its history," Mr Khattar claimed, addressing party workers at the BJP office in Panchkula after returning from a two-nation tour.
JP Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan to attend Karnataka MLA meet tomorrow
Senior leaders J P Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan will attend the meeting of newly-elected BJP MLAs in Bengaluru tomorrow as the party's central observers. The decision to send the two leaders to Bengaluru was taken by the BJP parliamentary board today.
If governor invites BJP, it would mean inviting horse trading: Ghulam Nabi Azad
Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad today said if the Karnataka governor invites BJP to form the government, it would mean that he was "openly inviting horse trading, corruption and defection in the parties".
AAP loses deposit in all seats it contested
AAP candidates forfeited deposit in all 29 seats the party contested in Karnataka, giving yet another jolt to its attempts to spread its wings outside Delhi and Punjab. Prithvi Reddy, AAP's Karnataka convenor, who took on Congress heavyweight KJ George from the Sarvagnanagar Assembly constituency, could barely manage 1,861 votes coming a distant fourth.
Of the 29 seats, the party had contested 18 in Bengaluru and 11 in the other parts of the state.
More votes but fewer seats in Karnataka election results.
Congress wins 13, BJP 11 in Bengaluru
The Congress won 13 Assembly seats and the BJP 11 in Bengaluru, where polling was held on May 12 in 26 of the 28 constituencies. Among the Congress winners are outgoing cabinet ministers K.J. George, Ramalinga Reddy, R. Roshan Baig and Krishna Byre Gowda.
The BJP winners include former ministers R Ashoka, S Suresh Kumar, and Arvind Limbavalli. The JDS won the remaining two seats, where it defeated two BJP candidates.
Speaking at NDTV's special election analysis, senior journalist Sagarika Ghose says, "The Congress dream of fighting the BJP alone is over. I think the Congress and the JDS will be able to hold their alliance. I don't see where the BJP will find the other MLAs without dubious horsetrading."
Election math - votes and seats for Congress-JDS vs BJP in Karnataka election results
JDS' Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy meet Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru.
JDS' Deve Gowda reaches Bengaluru's Ashoka Hotel to meet senior Congress leaders.
JDS performed best in these two regions in Karnataka election results
Danish Ali of JDS says that more than him, Ghulam Nabi Azad was instrumental in stitching the post-poll alliance. "I hope all regional, secular parties can come together to fight the BJP," he adds.
Talks with Congress started 3 days back: JDS leader to NDTV
"I am the person who acted as a contact between the two parties for the post-poll alliance," says JDS' Danish Ali. He adds that he met Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad three days ago after a television show and that was where the conversation started for a coalition.
Congress performed best in these 2 regions in this year's Karnataka elections.
BJP performed best in these two regions in Karnataka elections.
Single largest parties weren't invited to form government in Goa, Manipur: Sitaram Yechury
CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury today said the single largest parties in Goa, Manipur and Meghalaya were not invited to form government and the same rules should be followed in Karnataka.
"BJP govt appointed Governors didn't invite Single Largest Party in either Goa, 2017 (INC, 17 out of 40 seats), Manipur 2017 (INC 28 of 60) or Meghalaya 2018 (INC 21 out of 60). Union ministers gave arguments supporting them. The precedent is there to follow, right?" Mr Yechury wrote on Twitter.
Triumph of PM's development model: Uttarakhand Chief Minister
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat today described the BJP's impressive poll performance in Karnataka as the triumph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development model, reports PTI. Mr Rawat joined in the celebrations at the BJP's state office after the results of the Karnataka assembly polls were announced.
Opinion: Karnataka Shows How Reliant BJP Is On Modi CharismaRemember how the BJP mocked the Congress for declaring it had won a "moral victory" in Gujarat? It looks very much like they should have stayed silent instead. Because in Karnataka, the BJP, in spite of pulling out all the stops, has fallen short of real victory, and may well have to settle for a moral one. Unless they manage to buy themselves a few JD(S) or Congress MLAs, in which case they will have transformed a moral victory into an immoral one.
Party-wise breakup of sitting MLAs re-elected in Karnataka elections.
"This is the 371st election India has held": Prannoy Roy decodes Karnataka election results.
Live stream here.
How the BJP has performed in this election vs the last two elections.
52% of the sitting lawmakers were reelected while the rest were voted out.
BJP legislature party to meet tomorrow
BJP's legislature party will meet tomorrow at 10.30 am in Bengaluru. The meeting under the presidentship of its state unit chief B S Yeddyurappa is likely to elect him as the new leader of the BJP legislature party, news agency PTI quoted party sources as saying.
Heavy rains lash Bengaluru bringing down temperatures.
Ultimate test on the floor of the house: BJP's Nalin Kohli
At the special election analysis of Karnataka election results, BJP leader Nalin Kohli says, "The ultimate test is on the floor of the house. But who to call is the call of the governor, there is no straight-jacket answer."
Senior journalist N Ram says, "I'm not happy with the Congress participating in the government having lost the election. But if there's a post-poll alliance, there is no reason to deny them that."
Congress leader Manish Tewari, while speaking to NDTV, says, "The governor has a single-largest party which is short of the halfway mark and a post-poll coalition which is over the halfway mark. So the governor should call the coalition that is over the halfway mark."
"A big thank you": Rahul Gandhi on Karnataka election results
"A big thank you to all those who voted for the Congress in these elections. We appreciate your support and will fight for you. Thank you also to our workers and leaders for their dedication & untiring hard work in support of the party," said Rahul Gandhi in a tweet.
Mr Salve, speaking at NDTV's special election analysis, says, "One thing I do not want is for courts to intervene. I have serious misgivings about that."
Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw reacting on Karnataka election results says, "If Congress and JDS have the numbers, so be it. The BJP will be a strong opposition. That will be in everyone's interest."
Eminent lawyer Harish Salve on Karnataka election results: The governor has to meet each of the three parties and see if they have a firm basis for their stand. Governors cant be the judge of whether an alliance is unprincipled or if the numbers add up.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of election results is that they are invariable full of surprises. And phew do we have a humdinger of a surprise this time. It's turned out to be a real thriller. The game of thrones in real life. Most important is that it is these times of uncertainty - how will our politicians behave. With dignity and will they honour our country's institutions - or will there be horse-trading - and the demolition of the pillars of our democracy. The politicians should know - The people of India are watching. The world is watching: Prannoy Roy on Karnataka election results. Watch live
here.
Prannoy Roy and his team of experts decode Karnataka elections. You can watch NDTV's special election analysis
here.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
- People of Karnataka sat through rallies in 40-45 degree weather, language was not an issue
- When people bless you like this, you get a new energy
- This election affected me too
- Though I have travelled a lot in these states, I was under a little hesitation because I did not know their language
- But the people of Karnataka gave me so much love, the language barrier never came in between
PM Modi at BJP headquarters:
- On one side while I am very happy, I am also in pain due to the flyover collapse in Varanasi. Many people died. I have spoken to CM and officials. We have sent every resource we can
- The victory of Karnataka is exceptional, unprecedented
- Because they billed us as a North India party, a party of Hindi speaking region
- People who created this twisted perception have been answered today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Karnataka election results:
The person whose tireless work and exceptional strategy has propelled us to one victory after another; Amit Shah.
PM Modi is about to speak.
Amit Shah on Karnataka assembly election:- Siddaramaiah lost from one of the seats and somehow squeezed through in the other won
- Half of your cabinet lost and you call this a victory?
- Congress tried to win this election through most unscrupulous means
- Took support of organisations like PFI
- BJP increased vote share from 19 to 36% and we are very close to the halfway mark
- The lesson is, no matter how much you try wrong means, once people decide to throw you out, nothing can save you
- BJP went to the people of Karnataka with Modi ji's message of development
Karnataka Election Result: Amit Shah brings up the issue of "fake" voter IDs found in Bengaluru.
Amit Shah on Karnataka election results:- Today, the day of our victory in Karnataka, is a auspicious day for us
- I want to thank the people of Karnataka for helping the cause of a Congress-mukt Bharat
- Our workers there converted a tough fight to a win
PM Modi and Narendra Modi smile at the crowd.
PM Modi walks upstairs and waves at the crowd at the BJP headquarters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches BJP headquarters. Amit Shah and other leaders welcome him.
The man of the moment, HD Kumaraswamy of the Janata Dal Secular (JDS)
Karnataka Election Results: According to sources, Karnataka Governor has told all party leaders that he can't take decision unless the Election Commission hands over the certified copies of elected legislators to him.
Results for only 8 seats are pending. The last round of counting is on.
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala, The Man Who Once Stepped Aside For PM Modi
As election results plunged Karnataka into a political game of thrones, the man who is set to make the most important decision is
Gujarat veteran Vajubhai Vala, 80. Vajubhai Vala -- a former RSS man who joined the BJP in Gujarat and became its president twice -- was appointed Governor of Karnataka in 2014.
Karnataka Election Results: Amit Shah reaches BJP headquarters in Delhi to a rousing welcome.
Amit Shah has left his home for BJP headquarters. Sushma Swaraj reaches the BJP office.
Amit Shah tweets on Karnataka election result: I thank people of Karnataka for voting BJP as the single largest party. This mandate clearly reflects that Karnataka has rejected Congress's corruption, dynastic politics and divisive casteism.
Rajnath Singh reached BJP headquarters in Delhi.
A tongue-in-cheek tweet from Kerala Tourism on Karnataka election result:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets: I thank my sisters and brothers of Karnataka for steadfastly supporting the BJP's development agenda and making BJP the single largest party in the state. I salute the stupendous work of @BJP4Karnataka Karyakartas who toiled round the clock and worked for the party.
Karnataka Election Result: Meanwhile, at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, swift arrangements are being made with sound checks, stage arrangements, etc. BJP workers have gathered at the office.
HD Kumaraswamy: We have submitted a letter to the Governor so as to form government with the support of Congress. We have both submitted letters so as to seek the permission of the governor.
This is a government headed by JDS: Siddaramiah
Siddaramaiah: The stands of both our parties are clear. We have more seats than the magic number, both of us put together. We have two independent candidates also on our side.
Siddaramaiah after meeting the Governor: AICC has decided to support JDS. JDS will form government with the help of congress.
Siddaramaiah and G Parmeshwara are addressing the media at Raj Bhawan.
Karnataka Election Result: BJP parliamentary board to meet at 7 pm at party headquarters in Delhi, reports ANI.
Karnataka Election Result: What's Happening Now, At A Glance
Karnataka Election Result: A telling picture of senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad speaking to HD Kumaraswamy as they wait outside the Governor's office. Ousted chief minister Siddaramaiah sits away from Mr Azad.
Visuals of HD Kumaraaswamy and Siddaramaiah meeting inside the Governor's official residence.
The Congress arrived at an understanding with former prime minister Deve Gowda' regional party and agreed that his son HD Kumaraswamy will be the Chief Minister of a coalition government
Karnataka Election Results: HD Kumaraswamy of the JDS is already at Raj Bhawan.
BS Yeddyurappa: We have come here to Raj Bhavan to seek claim. We need to get a chance to prove our majority and that is what we are here to do. No time has been given to us. We just want a chance to prove majority on the floor of the house.
Karnataka Election Results: BS Yeddyurappa gets a week to prove majority, say local channels in Karnataka.
Mamata Banerjee called HD Devegowda and congratulated him. In the phone call, Ms Banerjee said that she was hopeful that JDS would form government in Karnataka with the support of Congress.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee speaks to HD Devegowda, reports NDTV's Monideepa Banerjie.
BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa and Ananth Kumar reaches Governor's House to stake claim to form government in Karnataka.
Karnataka Election Results: Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad says, "Since we don't have the numbers alone, we have decided to join hands with JDS. Because we were in power and we lost, we have let JDS choose a chief minister." He adds, "Congress and JDS has 117, we need 111 to form the government."
Celebrations outside HD Devegowda's house in Bengaluru as the party gets ready to stake claim to form next government in Karnataka.
BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa says that he has sought appointment from Governor Vajubhai Vala. "Being the single largest party, we must form government. Anant Kumar, PC Mohan and I will be going to meet the governor," says Mr Yeddyurappa.
Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar reaches Governor's House along with an Independent MLA. "I am here with our Independent MLA, whatever the high command has taken decision, we abide by it. We want to secure government in Karnataka," says Mr Shivakumar.
JDS spokesperson has reached Governor's House in Bengaluru to seek appointment between 5:30-6pm, reports NDTV's Sneha Mary Koshi.
Scenes from outside HD Devegowda's house in Bengaluru.
HD Kumaraswamy greets JDS supporters.
Siddaramaiah's convoy entering the Governor's residence.
Election Results: Congress-Deve Gowda Agree On Joint Bid - 10 PointsWith the BJP short of an outright majority in Karnataka, the Congress is making a bid to form the government and has quickly arrived at an understanding with former prime minister Deve Gowda' regional party, the Janata Dal (Secular) or JDS. Both teams have agreed that HD Kumaraswamy, who is Mr Gowda's son, will be the Chief Minister of a coalition government and that the Congress will get to name a Dalit leader as his deputy. What happens next depends entirely on the governor of the state, Vajubhai Vala, who was appointed by the centre four years ago.
HD Kumaraswamy seeks appointment from the Governor of Karnataka this evening, writes we have accepted Congress's support to form the Government
Siddaramaiah submits his resignation to the Governor of Karnataka: news agency ANI
"Congress is trying to come back to power from backdoor," says BS Yeddyurappa.
BS Yedyurappa:
- Congress and JDU have got howmany ever seats, but BJP is leading.
- People of Karnataka rejected the 5-year-rule of congress led by Siddaramaiah. People have voted for change. People have responded to PM Modi and Amit Shah
- Karnataka has given the mandate of Congress free Karnataka. From the blessings of people we have emerged as single largest party. Anti-incumbency is so strong.
"People of Karnataka have voted for change," says Mr Yeddyurappa.
BS Yeddyurappa addresses the media.
Karnataka Election Result: Siddaramaiah's son Dr Yathindra wins Varuna seat with over 13,000 votes. BJP's Thotadappa Basavaraju got 5,159.
Siddaramaiah leaves for Raj Bhavan to meet the Governor.
BJP wins
Shirahatti - a constituency that has always picked the winning party and is taken as a predictor with fair accuracy. Ramappa Sobeppa Lamani has won the seat with over 91,000 votes. The Congress came a distant second with over 61,000 votes.
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala now to decide who will get first shot at proving their strength - the BJP or the Congress-Janata Dal Secular combine.