Karnataka verdict: Mehbooba congratulates BJP for its "stellar performance"

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today congratulated the BJP for its "stellar performance" in Karnataka assembly elections.

"Hearty congratulations to @BJP4India for their stellar performance in Karnataka," Mehbooba said in a tweet.

The BJP appeared headed for a simple majority in the Karnataka Assembly, with its candidates leading in 115 constituencies, leaving the ruling Congress way behind, according to the latest trends available for 220 of the state's 222 seats where polling was held.

Hearty congratulations to @BJP4India for their stellar performance in Karnataka. #KarnatakaVerdict

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 15, 2018

Polling for R R Nagar seat was deferred on account of alleged electoral malpractices, while it was countermanded in Jayanagar seat following the death of the BJP candidate. In the outgoing Assembly, the Congress had 122 seats, BJP and JD(S) 40 each, and smaller parties and independents 22. 

Earlier, taking a dig at Congress' performance, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan said it is time for the party to change its name from INC to 'Congress (PMP)' - implying the only three places where it is in power now.

With this #KarnatakaVerdict it’s time for Congress to change its name from Indian National Congress to Congress (PMP)

Congress - Punjab, Mizoram, Puducherry.

— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) May 15, 2018

According to the Election Commission figures, the BJP is ahead in over 112 seats and appears set for getting a majority in the Karnataka Assembly.

Reacting to it, Chouhan said the Indian National Congress (INC) should now change its name.

"With this #KarnatakaVerdict it's time for Congress to change its name from Indian National Congress to Congress (PMP) Congress - Punjab, Mizoram, Puducherry," Chouhan said in a tweet.