The trends have solidified and the Congress looks all set to form the government in Karnataka. The BJP’s hopes of returning to power in the southern state and the JDS(S)’s hopes of playing the kingmaker have been dashed.
After exit polls predicted a hung assembly, JD(S) was hoping that they would emerge King maker. But the hopes suffered a blow now with Congress establishing a clear lead.
After five hours of counting of votes on Saturday, the Congress had won or was leading in 130 seats, the Election Commission’s (EC) data showed. The BJP was leading in 66 seats and the JD(S) in 22 seats.
With this, the Congress will be able to form the government on its own in Karnataka and won’t require help from any other party. The magic number in the 224-member House is 113.
