As the polling for the Karnataka Assembly election concluded at 6 PM, exit poll predictions by agencies have projected a tough fight between BJP and the Congress. According to ABP-CVoter BJP is likely to get 39%, Cong to get 44%, JD(S) 10%, others 7% in Central Karnataka. Millions of voters have cast their vote in 224 assembly constituencies on May 10 and the focus has now shifted to the exit poll predictions. However, like 2018, no party is predicted to cross the halfway mark to gain majority. As such, JD(S) may emerge as the kingmaker in the state for the second time in row.
This is a crucial election ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election with both the BJP and the Congress certain of a majority. The BJP is looking to break the 38-year jinx in the state while the Congress is desperate to win another state after its triumph in Himachal Pradesh last year. News channels, which conducted exit polls in association with polling agencies, will come out with their projections shortly after 6 pm, when the voting is scheduled to conclude. The counting of votes for the 224-member Karnataka legislative assembly, meanwhile, will be held on Saturday.