Karnataka elections: India mourns defeat of democracy, says Rahul Gandhi

The BJP's decision to form the government in Karnataka despite not having the numbers is making a mockery of India's constitution, said Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

On Thursday (17) BJP's BS Yeddyurappa took oath as the 23rd chief minister of Karnataka, and while BJP celebrated its victory, India mourns the "defeat of democracy," said Gandhi.

Taking to Twitter, Gandhi wrote: "The BJP's irrational insistence that it will form a Govt. in Karnataka, even though it clearly doesn't have the numbers, is to make a mockery of our Constitution.This morning, while the BJP celebrates its hollow victory, India will mourn the defeat of democracy."

Yeddyurappa's oat taking ceremony was a rather subdued one. He took oath at the glass house inside the Raj Bhavan and the oath was administered by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala in the presence of hundreds of BJP workers.

Yeddyurappa now has 15 days to prove his majority in the Assembly.

"I will seek vote of confidence at the earliest,” Yeddyurappa said on Thursday.

''The Congress-JDS combine is trying to grab power through immoral post-poll alliance," PTI quoted him as saying. "I am sure of winning vote of confidence. My government will complete 5 years."

Shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, Yeddyurappa took to Twitter to say he'll work towards fulfilling the aspirations of 6.5 crore Kannadigas.

"With the support & blessings of people, I have been sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. With your continued support, I assure you that I'll strive hard to fulfill the aspirations of 6.5 Cr Kannadigas and take 'Namma Karunadu' on the path of development & prosperity!" he wrote.