New Delhi, May 8: In an unusual move, 21 Opposition parties plan to reach out first to the President on May 23, in a bid to outsmart the BJP in post-poll scenario. While the usual precedent allows the single-largest party to first stake claim over government formation, the Opposition parties -- none among them are likely to emerge as top winners -- will submit a letter to President Ramnath Kovind immediately after the results emerge. BJP May Fall Short of Majority But NDA Will Retain Power, Says Shiv Sena

Top leaders within the Opposition rank, while speaking to NDTV, said their move is aimed at preventing the BJP to indulge in horse-trading, or dent the Opposition unity to cling onto power. The leaders expressed confidence that the bulk of the Opposition will be able to outperform BJP-led NDA in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2019.

The Opposition move also comes in the backdrop of post-poll controversies witnessed in Manipur, Goa and Karnataka following the assembly elections in the last couple of years. Governors in these states were accused by the Congress of giving BJP a leeway to break into legislator ranks and cross the majority mark.

In Karnataka, the Congress-JD(S) had moved the Supreme Court last year after BS Yeddyurappa was allowed to take oath as Chief Minister, despite the BJP falling nearly 10-seat short of the majority mark. Yeddyurappa was forced to resign after he failed to prove majority on floor of the House.

In the Lok Sabha, a total of 543 lawmakers will be elected. The BJP had in 2014 emerged as the first party in last 30 years to win a single-majority. With 282 seats, Narendra Modi formed a stable government at the Centre. The overall NDA tally climbed to 334.

The BJP may this time, however, fail to cross the magic figure itself, said ally Shiv Sena. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said "it looks difficult" that BJP may cross the 280-mark, but added that the NDA will be able to form a stable government.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 08, 2019 09:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).