BJP set to form first govt in South

Bangalore, May 29: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which emerged as the single largest party by winning 110 seats in the just-concluded Karnataka Assembly elections, is all set to form its first Government in the South, tomorrow.

The party had, however, managed to come to power by securing the support of five Independents, who were among the six elected to the 224-member House. The Independent Legislators who have assured support to the new Government were Malavalli Narendra (Malavalli), Varthur Prakash (Kolar), Goolihatti Shekhar (Hosadurga), Shivaraj Thangadi (Kanakagiri) and Sudhakar (Hiriyur). Among them, four were likely to join the B S Yeddyurappa-led ministry.

Amid tight security, the swearing-in ceremony would be held on the portals of Vidhana Soudha, the seat of power in the State.

Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur would administer the oath of office and secrecy in the presence of hundreds of BJP supporters.

All arrangements were being made for the smooth conduct of the swearing-in ceremony, which is likely to be attended by BJP national leaders, including Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L K Advani, party President Rajnath Singh, senior leaders Sushma Swaraj, M Venkaiah Naidu, Arun Jaitley and Murli Manohar Joshi.

NDA Convener George Fernandes, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan would also participate in the ceremony.

In the Assembly elections held in three phases on May 10, 16 and 22, the Congress had won 80 seats and the Janata Dal (Secular) 28.

One member from the Anglo-Indian community would be nominated by the Governor after the Assembly is constituted.

UNI