The exit polls revealed Wednesday evening, predicted mixed results, giving Congress an edge over the BJP. Live :Congress leading with 117, BJP with 77 , JD(s) 24 and others on 6.
Vote counting has commenced for the Karnataka Assembly election of 2023, with parties bracing themselves for a gripping and closely contested battle. The high-stake poll battle is crucial as the parties chalk out their strategies for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha election as well. Being the first major election this year, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to maintain its hold over the state, while facing a formidable challenge from the Congress party.

The exit polls revealed Wednesday evening, predicted mixed results, giving Congress an edge over the BJP. If these exit poll predictions turn out to be true, it will be a crucial indicator of voter sentiment leading up to the general election. Additionally, it would serve as a morale booster for the Congress party.

Both the ruling BJP and the Congress on Friday held strategy sessions on ways to keep the flock together. The third major party in the race, the Janata Dal Secular is being seen as a ‘kingmaker’ in case of a hung assembly as indicated by some exit polls.
The state recorded a turnout of 73.19% voters, with the exit polls – which were published on Wednesday evening – predicting mixed results, giving Congress an edge over the Bharatiya Janata Party. Some of them even hinted at a hung assembly in Karnataka, raising questions on whether a coalition government could be formed this time around as well.

The Janata Dal (Secular) or JDS – was “ready” to form an alliance with either national party, the BJP or the Congress, provided some “conditions” were met. Alliance talks were heavily denied by both the BJP and the Congress, who said they are confident of being able to form a government on their own.