At BJP meet, PM gives standing ovation to K'taka people for BJP's victory in bypolls

'We won by a record margin and we also won two seats where we did not win before,' Joshi said while quoting Modi.

BJP has no 'moral ground' to stay in power in Karnataka: Siddaramaiah

'They formed govt by horse-trading, forcing the 17 people to resign, and destroying democracy,' Siddaramaiah said.

The elections for 15 out of 17 seats are being held since EC withheld elections for 2 seats -- Maski and Rajarajeshwari.

Yediyurappa also requested party men to work for their victory, by stating that 'ensuring their victory is on us, as BJP karyakartas'.

The rebel MLAs joined the BJP in the presence of Yediyurappa and State BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel.

'Disqualified MLAs have expressed interest to join BJP and have met our senior leaders. They have been welcomed to join party,' Dy CM said.

Bypolls to 15 out of these 17 assembly seats which fell vacant following the disqualification of MLAs are scheduled on Dec 5.

Welcoming the court decision to allow disqualified MLAs to contest the polls, Yeddy said, preparations have begun to win all the seats.

The MLAs can now contest by-polls and are likely to contest as BJP candidates, which has to win at least six of the 15 seats.

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will pronounce the judgement at 2 pm.