Exit polls give jitters to Congress, BJP

Bengaluru: With most exit polls predicting a tight contest between the Congress and BJP in the Assembly polls in Karnataka, leaders of the two parties seem "jittery" over the outcome, while the Janata Dal (Secular) appears to be expecting a hung verdict, which would enable it to play a role in government formation.

Most pollsters have given an edge to the Congress over the ruling BJP, while indicating the possibility of a hung Assembly in the state. Counting of votes is on May 13. Giving an update on polling, the Election Commission said on Thursday evening that the final voter turnout was 73.19 per cent. "Karnataka has created a record for itself (in voter turnout)".

The ruling BJP, which sought to return to power in the Assembly elections held on Wednesday, said it saw no possibility of a hung verdict, and asserted that it would get an absolute majority in the 224-member Lower House. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday ruled out the possibility of an ‘Operation Lotus', saying the BJP would get 120 to 125 seats and return to power. The term 'Operation Lotus' was coined several years ago by the opposition Congress and the JD(S) in the state referring to some alleged attempts by the BJP earlier to "poach opposition MLAs" when it failed to get a majority on its own. Though they exude confidence about their party winning comfortably in the polls to the 224-member Assembly, the exit polls -- most of which did not predict a clear winner -- have certainly made them anxious to an extent, sources in both national parties said. No one wants a 2018-like scenario to unfold this time too, they said. The JD(S) will be the key factor in case of a hung verdict and may emerge as 'king' or 'kingmaker', as in 2018. Party leader H D Kumaraswamy, the man who holds the key to the formation of a coalition government, in case of a fractured mandate, has left for Singapore for a health checkup, and would be back on counting day, sources said.

"Last time, during the Karnataka election, exit polls had predicted 107 for Congress and 80 for BJP, but actually it was a reverse. BJP got 104 and Congress 80. There are several such examples about exit polls and it will once again repeat," Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said. Modi's campaign was a big plus for the BJP and it had a huge impact among youth and women voters, Bommai said in response to a question on whether the party would achieve its target of winning 150 seats. "I have not said 150, I have been maintaining that BJP will get full majority and we will get it."

State Congress president D K Shivakumar too exuded confidence about Congress winning 141 seats and forming a government with a full majority. He ruled out the possibility of a hung assembly.