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@Evening: ✍️ In Karnataka, Early Predictions Say Congress Has The Edge
Karnataka voted today, and some early indications are in. The Congress appears to have the edge, as per most exit polls.
Central question: Can the BJP buck a 38-year-old anti-incumbency trend and secure another term in power, or will the Congress claw back power in Karnataka?
The state has never voted back the incumbent party to power since 1985.
This time, it's a three-cornered contest between the incumbent BJP, the Congress, and the JDS.
Polling for all 224 of the Karnataka assembly seats concluded at 6 pm this evening.
Until 5 pm, the Election Commission recorded a 65.69 per cent voter turnout in the state.
Results will be out on 13 May after the counting of votes.
High-stakes battle: The exit polls predict a close battle between the BJP and the Congress, with the latter pulling better numbers.
A majority seems difficult for either of the parties to achieve, just like in 2018.
JD(S) might become the kingmaker yet again in the state.
Many polls are giving the Congress the edge, though.
The BJP is looking to return to power, thanks to a strong campaign led by PM Narendra Modi.
The Congress, meanwhile, is hoping for a strong comeback, seeking to gain ground ahead of the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha election.
What the exit polls say. The Congress is looking well-placed as some early figures of projected seat share come in.
India Today–Axis My India
BJP: 62-80
Congress: 122-140
JD(S): 20-25
Others: 0-3
ABP C-Voter
BJP: 83-95
Congress: 100-112
JD(S): 21-29
Others: 2-6
BJP: 114
Congress: 86
JD(S): 21
Others: 3
Zee News-Matrize
BJP: 79-94
Congress: 103-118
JD(S): 25-33
Others: 2-5
Jan Ki Baat-Suvarna
BJP: 94-117
Congress: 91-106
JD(S): 14-24
Others: 0-2
Republic–P-Marq
BJP: 85-100
Congress: 94-108
JD(S): 24-32
Others: 2-6
Swarajya's forecast, and how it compares to other predictions:
Read all about it here.
Plus, find our election coverage in Swarajya's 'Karnataka 2023' dashboard.
