Congress wins Karnataka

BANGALORE: The Congress on Wednesday prepared to take power in Karnataka with an absolute majority, leaving the ruling BJP far behind with less than 40 seats in the 225-member assembly.

As votes were counted, the Bharatiya Janata Party appeared set for a humiliating rout in the state where it took power five years ago — relegated to the third spot.

In contrast, the Congress headed for triumph. Congress workers celebrated wildly in Bangalore, bursting firecrackers.

Anti-Sikh riots: Court acquits Sajjan Kumar

New Delhi: In a big relief to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, a special CBI court in Karkardooma on Tuesday acquitted him in a case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi.

The case pertains to violence in the Delhi Cantonment area. The Congress leader had been charged with murder, robbery, rioting, inciting violence, and damaging public property in that case.

The verdict triggered sharp protests outside the Karkardooma court by various Sikh organizations.