The Indian National Congress has officially lent its support to the Janata Dal (Secular) led by HD Kumaraswamy to form the next government at the center.
This was revealed by Congress Party’s local leadership.
“It is for them to take a decision, we have extended our support,” said a Congress party spokesperson in Bangalore.
“The only decision we have taken is to support the government, and the JD(S) can form the government,” said Congress leader and outgoing chief minister Siddharamaiah. “We will support it.”
On who will join the government from the Congress’ side, Siddharamaiah said that will be decided later.
Congress Party’s central spokesperson Ghulam Nabi Azad too confirmed the move and said the move has the full support of the central leadership.
“We have had a telephonic talk with both Deve Gowda and his son Kumaraswamy, and they have accepted this,” Ghulam Nabi Azad said.
“JS(S), whosoever they will choose, will head the government. Today evening, we will both together to the governor,” he added.
With counting almost over, the BJP is looking to end up with 105 seats, while the Congress Party is set to win 76 and the JD(S) 39.
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has already reached out to JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda for an alliance, and if the alliance is formed, it would have the support of 115 MLAs, four more than required for a simple majority.
BJP won the largest number of seats, but the Congress Party got the highest number of votes from the people.