BJP And Congress Guard New MLAs, Approach Independents On Counting Day Eve

A day ahead of the counting of votes in the Karnataka Assembly elections, political parties in Karnataka are reaching out to rebels and other independent candidates, who are likely to win the polls, as most pollsters predicted a hung assembly.

On Friday, Congress leaders went into a huddle at party president M Mallikarjun Kharge's residence and reportedly discussed ways to keep the flock, especially the newly elected MLAs together, and also regarding reaching out to independents to reach the 113-member strength in the event of a shortfall.

Karnataka recorded its highest-ever voting 73.19 per cent in Wednesday's polling to the 224-member Assembly.

Several pollsters have given an edge to the Congress over the ruling BJP while indicating the possibility of a hung Assembly.

Former CM Siddaramaiah, who has swelling in his hand and is being treated by doctors, was in touch with the party leaders from his residence.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai held a meeting with veteran leader B S Yediyurappa and expressed confidence about the BJP crossing the magic figure with a clear majority. He rejected coalition talks with other political parties as he expressed confidence of a win.

BJP leaders are also forming strategies to keep its newly-elected legislators together, and are making attempts to contact independents, mostly BJP rebels, as well as winning candidates of smaller parties.

JDS which is eyeing to play a role in government formation is making all efforts to keep its MLAs together.

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda has reportedly contacted party leaders and candidates who may win, over the phone and asked them to stay loyal to the party and its leadership and to not fall prey to allurements by other parties.

The three major political parties in the state have contacted some independents who have chances of winning the polls, to get them on their side, keeping in mind the possibility of a fractured verdict.

Karnataka voted in a single phase to elect a new government in the state and the results will be out on May 13.