Can the Congress snatch victory from the BJP? All depends on whether Karnataka governor Vajubhai Vala will invite Congress+JDS to stake claim to form government.

But remember, Vala is a former Gujarat BJP leader who had once vacated his seat for Narendra Modi and later served as Finance Minister in CM Modi's cabinet.

Congress senior Ghulam Nabi Azad and Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah confirms that the party had a telephonic conversation with JDS chief Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy offering unconditional support.

"They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together," Azad said.

Siddaramaih said he accepts the mandate of the people. "We bow our heads to the verdict. We don't have numbers to form govt." he said.

The Congress said the party would meet the governor this evening. Reports say that Deve Gowda wants the Congress to join government and has offered the deputy CM's post to the party, with the JDS bagging the CM's post.

With the BJP leading in 107 seats, it falls clear short of a majority. The Congress is at 74, the JDS at 39, which together make 113, just past the magic figure of 112. But these numbers are changing even as you read this.


Also read: Karnataka poll: I will be 'king', not 'kingmaker', says Kumaraswamy


Image: JDS chief Deve Gowda's son HD Kumaraswamy