Bangalore: Even after the Centre set in process of dissolution of the Karnataka Assembly to pave the way for fresh elections, 35 of the 58 JD(S) MLAs today pushed for formation of a government with the Congress.

The MLAs, led by senior JD(S) leader M P Prakash, are trying to prevail on the Congress not to press ahead with its move to dissolve the Assembly. Amid reports that the majority of the JD(S) legislators had opposed their party leader and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda's decision to vote against the trust vote sought by the Yeddyurappa government on November 19, Prakash said "if the Congress takes the initiative to form government, JD(S) is ready to extend support."

If the Governor chooses to invite the Congress, which has the second largest number of MLAs, to form the government after the BJP failed to prove its majority, then there is a possibility of a coalition, he said. Prakash said Parliament is yet to approve President's Rule and till that happens, there is a possibility of forming another government in Karnataka if the Congress is in favour of it.

Karnataka Legislative Assembly is currently under suspended animation and President's rule. The B S Yeddyurappa Government resigned on Monday after its coalition partner JD(S) decided to vote against its confidence motion on the floor of the House, a move criticised by many JD(S) MLAs in private.

In the 224-member house, BJP has a strength of 79, followed by Congress 64, JD(S) 58, JD(U) 5, Vatal Paksha, Kannada Naadu, CPI-M and RPI one each, independents 13, and Speaker one.

Source : PTI