MAJOR BLOW FOR BJP IN KARNATAKA ASSEMBLY ELECTION

At a time when the BJP short of an outright majority in Karnataka, the Congress is making an unexpected bid to form the government by quickly arriving at an understanding with former prime minister Deve Gowda's party, the Janata Dal Secular.

Both Congress and JD(S) have agreed that HD Kumaraswamy, who is Mr Gowda's son, will be the Chief Minister of a coalition government. Congress will also name a Dalit leader as Deputy CM.

Now the ball is in the court of the governor of the state, Vajubhai Vala.

04.40 pm:

BJP - 105

Congress - 78

JDS+ - 37