Leader of PM Modi’s party takes oath as chief of southern Indian state

REUTERS - The leader of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, B.S. Yeddyurappa took oaths as the Chief Minister of Karnataka today after a rollercoaster day and a night-long court-room battle. The swearing-in ceremony was carried out amid tight security at Raj Bhavan, the residence of the Governor of Karnataka, Vajubhai Vala who administered the ceremony. A host of federal ministers including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar and Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan were present at the ceremony. A cloud of uncertainty and chaos prevailed over the state after the BJP emerged as the single largest party in state elections in Karnataka, winning 104 seats in the 225-member assembly but falling short of an outright majority. The main opposition Congress party forged a post-poll alliance with a regional party and told the state governor it had a combined tally of at least 117 seats and should be allowed to form the government in the state. Yesterday, the governor sided with the BJP however, asking it to form a government and prove its majority within 15 days in the assembly. This decision forced the opposition to approach the Supreme Court to put a stay on the decision. However, the apex court, in a rare midnight hearing, refused to put a stay on the swearing-in ceremony but didn't dismiss the petition either. Karnataka, with a population of 66 million, is home to the technology hub of Bengaluru. It is the first major state electing an assembly this year and will be followed by three more.