1. Karnataka Assembly Elections Result Today
The Election Commission will start the counting of votes cast in the Karnataka Assembly elections, on Tuesday, 15 May, the results of which, according to exit polls, are unlikely to deliver a clear majority for the state’s ruling Congress and challenger Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Several exit polls have predicted a hung Assembly. Such an outcome would propel former prime minister HD Deve Gowda’s Janata Dal (Secular) into the role of a kingmaker, political commentators say.
In one of the most high-profile and bitterly fought elections in recent times, 222 of the 224 seats in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly went to the polls on 12 May.
(Source: Hindustan Times)
Also Read: Karnataka Election Results: BJP Looks to Wrest Power From Congress
2. I Will Speak Only After Results are Out: Deve Gowda
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JD(S) leader and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda.
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Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda has kept everyone guessing on the possibility of an alliance in case of a hung verdict, by saying that he will speak about it only after the results are out.
During his visit to Hassan on Monday, 14 May, he refused to comment on media reports about his party’s support to appoint Minister for Public Works HC Mahadevappa in case of a coalition government with the Congress.
Meanwhile, an audio clip purported to be of a telephone conversation between Congress candidate from Shravanabelagola Assembly constituency CS Putte Gowda and a party worker has led to speculations that Mr Mahadevappa had an understanding with Gowda.
(Source: The Hindu)
Also Read: Nothing Personal Against Deve Gowda: Rahul After B-Team Remark
3. Inside Pre-Poll Brokering in Karnataka: What BJP and Congress are Offering the JD(S)
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The Karnataka Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on 12 May.
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On Sunday, 13 May, as most politicians relaxed after weeks of hectic campaigning, the shrewd power brokers of the three parties – Congress, BJP and JD(S) – were busy with negotiations.
But JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, the man who could play the most crucial role was conspicuously absent. While many expect him to be holding back-door talks with the two national parties in Bengaluru, the JD(S) leader was in Singapore, apparently for medical treatment.
Party insiders say that Kumaraswamy was facing breathing difficulty. He had undergone a heart-valve-replacement surgery at a Bengaluru hospital in September 2017 and an open-heart surgery in December 2007. He has visited Singapore for treatment in the past too.
(Source: The News Minute)
Also Read: In Pre-Poll Karnataka, JDS Takes Backseat as Cong-BJP Fight it Out
4. ‘Party Will Decide’: Mallikarjun Kharge Responds to Siddaramaiah ‘Dalit CM’ Remark
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Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.
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A day after incumbent Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that he has no problem if the Congress high command decides to choose a Dalit leader for the state’s top post, key contenders, Mallikarjun Kharge and G Parameshwara responded to his statement.
When asked for a response by Times Now, Congress heavyweight and Dalit leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who is presently a Lok Sabha MP, said, “By asking questions like this, you are confusing everyone. I don’t like this question. If the High Command is going to do it, we will accept it. Naturally, they will also consult Siddaramaiah and they will take the decision. I don’t want to say anything further.”
“There are no questions of ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. We are expecting a majority. If it doesn’t come, we will think at the time what will we do,” he added.
(Source: The News Minute)
Also Read: Siddaramaiah says will make way for Dalit CM
5. Over 53,000 Personnel to Provide Security Today
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Over 53,000 police personnel, along with 179 platoons from the State Reserve Police and 10 companies of Rapid Action Force, have been deployed to ensure that counting goes off peacefully on Tuesday.
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Over 53,000 police personnel, along with 179 platoons from the State Reserve Police and 10 companies of Rapid Action Force, have been deployed to ensure that counting goes off peacefully on Tuesday, 15 May. Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) Kamal Pant said prohibitory orders have been imposed in and around counting centres.
He said the first round of security at the strongroom is being covered by the Central forces. The second round of security at the counting hall will fall under the purview of the State police. Each counting centre will be supervised by Superintendents of Police or Deputy Commissioners of Police.
Source: The Hindu
6. Deeply Saddened by PM Modi’s Error: Field Marshal Cariappa’s Son
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Air Marshal KC Cariappa (right) expressed unhappiness over PM Modi’s speech about his father, and Jawaharlal Nehru.
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After Prime Minister Narendra Modi was called out for glaring errors in his speech on Field Marshal KM Cariappa and General Thimayya, Cariappa’s son has expressed unhappiness over the Prime Minister’s error in reference to his father, and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, saying that “one feels saddened” that the Prime Minister read out such a speech.
Criticising Modi for having been misled by his researchers, KC Cariappa, who was also an Air Marshal in the Indian Air Force, clarified the timeline that had been misconstrued by the Prime Minister in his speech.
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