Recently elected Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy accused the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday of being in a "hurry" to form the government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka despite falling short of numbers, and resorting to "horsetrading" by trying to lure his party MLAs with money.

Speaking to reporters in state capital Bengaluru after his election as leader of the JD(S) Legislature Party, he alleged that BJP was making attempts to lure his party MLAs with monetary offers.

The BJP was trying to "misuse" its power being in office at the Centre, he charged.

Kumaraswamy said the Congress-JD(S) combine had a "clear majority" with the support of 116 MLAs.

"Without the numbers, how can they (BJP) form the government?" he asked.

Kumaraswamy said he was not out to grab power.

As the state Assembly polls gave a fractured verdict, the JD(S) and Congress party have come together and petitioned state Governor Vajubhai Vala to allow the combine to form its government.

First Published:May 16, 2018 1:49 PM IST