Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has expressed confidence that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will retain power in the state with an absolute majority, despite exit poll predictions indicating a close race between the BJP and the Congress. Most exit polls have given a slight edge to the Congress, with the regional Janata Dal (Secular), or JD(S), possibly playing kingmaker in the event of a hung house. However, Mr. Bommai dismissed the exit polls and said that his party would get a “hundred percent majority” and a “comfortable majority”. He added that exit polls are not always correct and that the actual results may vary by five percent.
The voter turnout for the elections in Karnataka was 72 percent, a high figure compared to past trends. Mr. Bommai said that the high turnout is a positive sign for the BJP as more people who otherwise do not vote, especially in urban areas, have come out to vote. He denied speculation of backchannel talks with the JD(S) in case of a hung assembly, saying that there is no question of a hung assembly and that the BJP will get an absolute majority.
Exit polls have predicted different outcomes for the Karnataka Assembly elections. The India Today-Axis My India exit poll predicted a clear majority for the Congress with 122-140 seats in the 224-member assembly, while giving the BJP 62-80 seats. News 24-Today’s Chanakya forecast a majority for the Congress with 120 seats, as against 92 for the BJP and 12 for the JD(S).
The Karnataka Assembly elections are seen as a crucial test for the BJP, which is seeking to retain power in the state after winning the 2018 elections. The party is facing a tough challenge from Congress, which has been focusing on issues like unemployment, farmers’ distress, and the rising cost of living. The JD(S), which is the third major player in the elections, is hoping to play a key role in case of a hung assembly.
The results of the elections will be announced on May 2, and all eyes are on whether the BJP will be able to retain power in the state or if the Congress will stage a comeback after being out of power for the last three years.
