After a dramatic change in leads, the Congress said it will bid for power in Karnataka, said people familiar with the matter.

The initial trend gave the BJP a clear majority, as the party was leading in 115 seats, however, the number slipped to 106 by 2:20 pm.

This came as an opportunity for the Congress to get back in to the race, considering to form an alliance with JD(S).

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad has spoken to JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda to explore the possibility of an alliance, said sources.

The BJP has won 43 seats and is leading in 62 others, according to the Election Commission website.

The Congress has won 19 and is leading in 56 seats. JD(S) has truimphed in five seats and is leading in 33.

Assuming these parties win all the seats, they will bag 113 seats pipping the BJP’s 106 seats.

A party or an alliance requires 112 seats for a simple majority to form the government in Karnataka.