Hung House, poaching fears and SC drama: Karnataka developments in 10 points

BS Yeddyurappa took over as the chief minister of Karnataka after two days of dramatic developments that culminated with the Supreme Court allowing him to take oath.

BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa took over as the chief minister of Karnataka after two days of dramatic developments that culminated with the Supreme Court allowing him to take oath.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader BS Yeddyurappa flashes victory sign after being sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka . (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

But, it’s not over yet. The top court did not dismiss the petition, saying it would be heard next at 10.30 am on Friday and that the matter would be subject to the outcome of the hearing.

It all began on May 15 when the Karnataka election results threw up a fractured verdict.

Here’s a look at the fast paced developments since then:

•The counting of votes on May 15 throws up a hung assembly.

•The BJP, at 104, falls short of the majority mark of 112. The Congress, with 78 seats, and Janata Dal(Secular) with 37 forge an alliance.

Both the BJP and the Congress-JD(S) alliance stake claim to form government.

•As parties wait for Governor Vajubhai Vala’s response, rumours of alleged poaching surface with charges and counter-charges from both sides.

•On Wednesday night, the governor invites BJP’s BS Yeddyurappa to form the government being the leader of the single largest party.

•The Congress cries foul and challenges the governor’s decision in the Supreme Court at 2 am, May 17.

•After a rare overnight hearing, the top court refuses to stop Yeddyurappa’s oath ceremony but agrees to hear the Congress petition on Friday at 10.30am.

•After the night of high drama, Yeddyurappa takes oath as chief minister of Karnataka at 9am on Thursday.

•He has 15 days to prove majority on the floor of the Assembly.

•Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweets, “This morning, while the BJP celebrates its hollow victory, India will mourn the defeat of democracy.”