Hindustan Times, Press Trust Of India, Dehradun: Congress on Tuesday night appeared on course to form government in Uttarakhand after it took a wafer-thin one seat advantage over ruling BJP in a cliff-hanger of a contest in state assembly polls. Out of all the 70 results, Congress won 32 seats--four short of majority in the 70-member House--and ruling BJP followed closely with 31 seats. Congress sources said the party would seek the support from three
successful independent candidates as well as UKD, which won one seat, for government-making. BSP won three seats and could also hold the to government formation in the state. As Congress emerged as the single largest party, a delegation of the party called on governor Margaret Alva late on Tuesday evening and staked claim to form new government. Congress has also convened a meeting of the CLP on Wednesday, party sources said. The biggest setback for BJP came when chief minister BC Khanduri, who led the party at the hustings, was defeated by SS Negi of Congress from Kotdwar seat by 4632 votes. He is the first chief minister who lost the elections in the 12-year history of the state carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000. Congress and BSP failed to make headway in Haridwar and Udhamsingh Nagar districts this time which have a sizeable Muslim population. In both the two districts, BJP sprang a surprise by bagging 12 out of a total 20 seats. Former minister and Congress leader Indira Haridayesh wrested Haldwani seat from BJP by Renu Adhikari.Cong to form govt in Uttarakhand, to seek independents support - Hindustan Times
