In the ongoing Karnataka assembly polls, early trends indicate that the Congress party is leading the race, surpassing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The state’s 224-seat assembly requires a minimum of 113 seats for a party to secure a majority and form the government. Out of the total seats, 36 are reserved for scheduled castes, and 15 are reserved for scheduled tribes. The electoral fate of prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai of the BJP, Congress heavyweights Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, and JD(S)’s HD Kumaraswamy, will be determined as the vote count progresses.
Vote counting commenced at 8 am across 36 centers throughout the state. Despite most exit polls favoring the Congress over the ruling BJP, they also suggest the likelihood of a hung assembly, creating uncertainty regarding government formation. The Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] anticipates a fragmented outcome, which could grant them an opportunity to play a pivotal role in the formation of the government.As the counting process unfolds, the Congress party has gained an early advantage, challenging the incumbent BJP. The electoral contest in Karnataka has witnessed intense campaigning by key political players, with the fate of the state hanging in the balance.
The BJP, which currently holds power, faces a formidable challenge from the Congress and the JD(S), both vying to secure a substantial number of seats.With the emergence of a potential hung assembly, the political landscape in Karnataka may witness negotiations, alliances, and post-poll maneuvering to ascertain who will assume power. As the day progresses, the final results will shed light on the path the state’s political future will take.