This is not Goa or Manipur, Congress sends clear message to BJP

As the adage goes 'Once bitten twice shy', Congress proved that they can not allow BJP to repeat what they did in Goa and Manipur. The united opposition of the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) did not allow the BJP to expand the saffron regime beyond the Vindhyas. Now, the number of states ruled by BJP is reduced to 22.

BS Yeddyurappa told the packed house that he would quit as CM as he did not have sufficient number to prove the majority. The BJP needed 8 more MLAs to stay in power. Till the last moment, the saffron party tried all the methods in its kitty to get the Congress and JDS MLAs to support Yeddyurappa during the floor test.

Wary of what BJP did in the name of 'Operation Lotus' in 2008, the Congress and JDS held their flock together successfully. Congress leader DK Shivakumar and his brother DK Suresh played a crucial role in holding the numbers intact. Also, the number of attempts made by BJP leaders to lure Congress and JDS MLAs went in vain.

BJP could not repeat its political magic in Karnataka like what they did in Goa and Manipur. In Manipur, though the Congress won 28 out of 60, the BJP with 21 seats went ahead and managed to form an alliance. Congress had won 28 seats (35.1% share of the electorate) in the 60-member Manipur assembly; the BJP emerged victorious in 21 seats (36.2% of the vote share).

Likewise in Goa, though the BJP had won 13 seats, less than the Congress- 17, out of 40 constituencies, the BJP formed an alliance with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Forward Party. As a result, the Congress Party protested at the Governor's decision to invite the BJP to form the government in Goa. This triggered a debate about the role of the governor in government formation in the states.