The Congress has wrested Karnataka from BJP by winning 137 seats - well past the halfway mark in the 224-member assembly. With today's results, the BJP lost its only bastion in the south. "After 35 years, we got such a thumping majority, which we should always remember," said Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on the party's big victory in Karnataka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the Congress for its win and wished the party best in its endeavour to fulfilling people's aspirations.
"I thank all those who have supported us in the Karnataka elections. I appreciate the hardwork of BJP Karyakartas. We shall serve Karnataka with even more vigour in the times to come," he said in another tweet.
Congress's Rahul Gandhi congratulated the people of Karnataka and told the cheering party workers at the Congress office in New Delhi: "The market of hate has been shut, and shops of love have opened," he told
All the focus now will be on who the Congress pick as their Chief Ministerial candidate with both state chief DK Shivakumar and senior leader Siddaramaiah eyeing the spot. Today, Mr Shivakumar broke down and spoke about delivering on a promise to the Gandhis. He also said he had not slept for three years, ever since he made the promise.
