Times Now has reported that Congress and JD(S) have been unable to get signatures of all their MLAs despite claiming that they have the numbers to form the government in Karnataka.
#BREAKING Cong-JDS unable to get signatures of all MLAs, Cong-JDS claim majority but signatures missing @dpkBopanna shares more details #KarnatakaCMRace pic.twitter.com/tLtmhyMaXl
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 16, 2018
Meanwhile, reports had been coming thick and fast that the governor was likely to invite B.S. Yeddyurappa to form the government. However, the official announcement is likely to take more time.
Bengaluru: Governor likely to invite BJP to form Karnataka government as it emerged as the single largest party in elections: Sources from Raj Bhawan
— ABP News (@abpnewstv) May 16, 2018
It is also being reported that Congress and JD(S) are all set to meet the Governor at 5 PM today.
JD(S) and Congress to meet #Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala at 5pm. #KarnatakaElections2018
— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018
Earlier, Yeddyurappa had asserted that he was unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP Legislative party and claimed that the BJP had enough numbers to form the government. He had also said that he hoped the governor would invite him to form the government.
Things looked difficult for the BJP after it emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats when the Congress and the JD(S) formed a post-poll alliance with the latter being offered the Chief Ministerial government. However, Yeddyurappa had asserted confidently that the government will be formed by the BJP.
Reports had also emerged that the Congress was planning to ‘safeguard’ its MLAs by shifting them somewhere else. Matters were complicated for them by the fact that there was allegedly a Lingayat revolt within the Congress party with 8-9 MLAs refusing to support the JD(S)’ Chief Ministerial candidate. Then, it was reported that as many as 15 MLAs of the coalition were in talks with the BJP and now some Congress and JD(S) MLAs have allegedly gone ‘missing’.
Despite the Congress’ best attempt at thwarting the BJP, it appears Amit Shah may yet have a trick up its sleeve.
