Yeddyurappa earlier condemned what he termed Congress’ attempt at a backdoor entry to power with the help of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda’s JD(S). “The electorate of Karnataka has given a verdict for change,” Yeddyurappa said, adding the Congress was making “unholy attempts” to grab power. The BJP was leading in 104 seats, the Congress was ahead in 78 seats and the JD(S) in 37 at 5pm, Election Commission data showed. Thanking the people, Yeddyurappa said he will discuss the party’s stand with the central leadership, including BJP president Amit Shah. Yeddyurappa, a Lingayat leader who had parted ways with the BJP to fight the 2013 assembly election separately, is seen as a key figure behind his party’s resurgence in Karnataka.

Source: Hindustan Times May 15, 2018 11:26 UTC