Open to alliance with JD(S): Congress

With BJP leading in about 110 seats in the results of Karnataka Assembly elections, Congress leaders have reportedly said that the party is open to an alliance with Janata Dal-Secular. If neither BJP nor Congress crosses the 112 majority mark, JD-S could play the kingmaker role. Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday morning said that all the options are open.

Echoing a similar sentiment, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly said, “The correct position will be known at 11-11.30am. I am going to discuss it (the possibility of an alliance with JD(S)) with Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ashok Gehlot.”

Around 2 pm, BJP was leading in 106 Assembly seats, while Congress was leading in 73 seats. Janata Dal-Secular was leading in 41 seats. The trends show that BJP will emerge as the single largest party at the end of the results.