BJP to stake claim to form govt in Karnataka

Bangalore : Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are meeting with Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur to formally stake the party's claim for forming government in the state.

The BJP legislature party is also due to elect B S Yeddyurappa as their leader, the party's National General Secretary H N Anantkumar told reporters here.

The saffron party, which has emerged as the single largest party and set to win 111 seats, falling two short of a simple majority in the 224-member house, expressed confidence of cobbling up the required numbers from independents.

Party sources said its rebels in Kanakagiri and Hosadurga who had emerged victorious as independents would support the BJP in government formation.

BJP state unit President D V Sadananda Gowda said some of the independents have evinced interest in extending support.

Reacting to the saffron party surge, a beaming Yeddyurappa said "it is a historic win. We are happy that the people have reposed faith in the BJP and me. It is a humbling experience. We will strive for all round development of Karnataka."

Yeddyurappa, who has plans to take oath on May 28, said "it was the dream of Atalji and Advani to install a BJP government in the south. That has come true today".

ANI