Who will form the government in Karnataka? May 15, the day of the Assembly results, began with this question, but a number of twists and turns marked the day as it progressed, with Karnataka voters throwing up a fractured mandate.
Since then, the Congress-JD(S) post-poll alliance, the Governor's invitation to the BJP to form government, the unprecedented midnight Supreme Court hearing, and horse trading allegations on the part of all the parties kept the focus on the southern State.
While the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly, its leader B.S. Yeddyurappa could only remain as chief minister for less than 56 hours.
The Congress, with 78 members, offered its support to the JD(S) to form the government. Both the parties safeguarded its MLAs from possible horse-trading by lodging them in hotels in neighbouring States.
With Mr. Yeddyurappa realising he didn't have the support of adequate members, and his subsequent resignation, JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy is all set to take the oath on May 23.
