BJP emerges largest party; still short of simple majority

Bangalore, May 25 (UNI) Political uncertainty looms large in Karnataka as the BJP, in its attempt to storm to power on its own down the Vindhyas, fell short of the magical figure of 113 by only three seats, securing 110 of the total 224 seats and emerging as the largest party in Karnataka Assembly elections today.

The BJP, which had emerged the single largest party in the 2004 elections too with 79 seats, recorded its best-ever performance at the hustings in the South.

The Congress won 80 seats, improving its tally in the 2004 polls by securing 15 more seats, while the Janata Dal (Secular) lost the people's mandate and managed to win only 28 seats, 30 less than the previous elections. The Independents emerged victorious in six seats.

BJP Chief Minister-in-waiting B S Yeddyurappa, talking to mediapersons here, said the party would stake claim to form the next government, before Governor Rameshwar Thakur, after the legislature party meeting tomorrow.

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