Bangalore: The Congress in Karnataka today (May 14, 2004) favoured formation of a front with the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) on the lines of the "Maharashtra model" to provide a secular Government in the State.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of State party leaders, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president B Janardhana Poojary said the people's mandate was for a secular front, and they (the leaders) felt that they should form a secular Government.

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He said the final decision, however, has been left to the Congress high command.

Elections have thrown up a hung Assembly in Karnataka with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing 79 seats in the 224-member House, followed by the Congress with 65 and the JD-S 58.