JDS meets to decide on govt formation in Karnataka

A crucial meeting of JDS is being held today to decide on formation of a new Govt in Karnataka.

A crucial meeting of JDS is being held on Sunday to decide on formation of a new Government in Karnataka in the wake of a fluid political situation following a hung assembly thrown up by the just concluded polls.

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Former Prime Minister and JDS President HD Deve Gowda who met Congress President and Parliamentary leader Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders yesterday and discussed the political scene in the state, would attend the meeting of newly elected MLAs and MPs.

Even as the BJP, which has emerged as the single largest party in a fractured verdict, is helplessly watching the unfolding drama, JDS has left no one in doubt that it was not inclined for a coalition with the saffron party.

Taking the initiative, the Congress, which was battered in the elections, sent the first clear message to JDS on partnering with it in providing the new dispensation.

With both JDS and Congress now showing their inclination to join hands, the post of the Chief Minister still remains the bone of contention.

BJP with 79 members in the newly elected house has to reach the magic figure of 113 to be able to form the Government and it could happen only with the support of JDS which has made it clear where its sympathies lie.

Congress has won 65 seats and JDS 58, giving the latter the role of the kingmaker.