@Evening: ✍️ In Karnataka, Early Predictions Say Congress Has The Edge

👆 Close battle of the ballot

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

News Nation-CGS

• 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.