Bangalore, Aug 3 (IANS) Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj Wednesday appointed ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) newly elected leader D.V. Sadananda Gowda as the state's chief minister and invited him to form the government.


"The governor appointed D.V. Sadananda Gowda as the chief minister and invited him to form the government," a communiqué from Raj Bhavan said.

The governor's invitation came within an hour after Gowda staked claim following his election as the ruling party's legislative leader in a secret ballot.

"Gowda staked claim to form the government after he was elected as the new leader of the BJP legislature party. The party's state unit president (K.S. Eshwarappa) also informed the governor about Gowda's election," the communiqué noted.