Exit polls predict BJP continuing its domination in Karnataka in LS polls, Congress making small gains

New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): The exit polls on Saturday predicted the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) winning most of the seats in Congress-ruled Karnataka in the Lok Sabha elections and the Congress not putting up a good show.

The voting for 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka was held in two phases. While 14 seats were polled on April 26, the remaining 14 voted on May 7. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4.

The three polls predicted a big lead for NDA in Karnataka, while INDIA bloc is likely to get 3-8 seats according to the exit polls.

The India Today-Axis My India poll predicted NDA getting 23-25 seats, INDIA bloc 3-5 seats and others failing to open its account in the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka.

The India TV exit poll said that the NDA is poised to win 19-25 seats in Karnataka, while the INDIA bloc is to get 4-8 seats.

The exit poll done by News18 predicted that NDA will get 23-26 seats and INDIA bloc will get 3-7 seats in Karnataka.

The two major contesting alliances in Karnataka are the National Democratic Alliance and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.

Congress came to power in Karnataka in 2023 but the exit polls predict the dismal performance of the ruling party in the state.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP almost swept the state by winning 25 out of 28 seats. Congress and JD-S -- who were in coalition in the state government -- could only win one seat each.

This time BJP and JD-S are in coalition with the former fighting on 25 seats, while the latter is contesting on three seats.

The voting for the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections which began on April 19, came to an end Saturday.

The seventh and the final phase of polling for Lok Sabha elections across seven states and the Union territory of Chandigarh saw a voter turnout of 58.3 per cent till 5 pm, the Election Commission (ECI) said.

Polling for the earlier six phases of Lok Sabha elections was held on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, and May 25.

Assembly polls have also been held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Odisha is seeing simultaneous polls to Lok Sabha and assembly in the last four phases.

The Narendra Modi-led BJP is seeking a third term in power, while the opposition INDIA bloc is aiming to wrest power by stopping the juggernaut. (ANI)