Congress backs JD(S) on Karnataka government formation

Congress on Tuesday said it had offered its backing to the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) to form a government in Karnataka following predictions of a hung Assembly.

Party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said the party had preliminary telephonic talks with both JD(S) chief and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and his son and former Chief Minister, HD Kumaraswamy, over government formation.

“They have accepted the offer," Azad said in the company of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Assembly election took place on Saturday and the Bharatiya Janata Party is predicted to finished as the single largest group in the 224-seat house, slated to fall short of a clear majority. Two constituencies did not vote.

"We will meet the Governor and stake claim for government formation... Our numbers put together will be more than the BJP's," Azad said.