Congress maintains lead, crosses halfway mark in Karnataka

Congress on Saturday seemed to be on course to breach rival BJP's lone southern citadel Karnataka, racing ahead towards the magic 113 figure to form a government on its own.

As per the Election Commission of India trends, the Congress is striding forward with leads in over 120 seats while the BJP is ahead in over 70 in Karnataka.

With a much-needed victory tantalisingly close in the crucial southern state, early celebrations broke out at the opposition Congress headquarters in Bengaluru and Delhi.

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Siddaramaiah, the man who could be the next chief minister if his party comes to power said that " Congress will win will win with over 120 seats"

A poster with the words 'Karnataka Vijay' put up outside AICC office in Delhi. Congress surges ahead in over 120 seats while BJP leads in 73 seats as per the ECI trends.

The counting began at 8 am in 36 centres across the state amid elaborate security arrangements in place, especially in and around the counting centres to avoid any untoward incidents.

Congress leader Pavan Khera said: "This is the message for the BJP that please stick to issues that matter to everyday life of people and don't try and divide India."

Former CM Jagadish Shettar, who quit the BJP after being denied to contest in the May 10 polls for the 224-member assembly is trailing in Hubballi-Dharwad Central.

Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai said: "In spite of a lot of efforts put in by PM & BJP workers, we've not been able to make the mark. Once the full results come we'll do a detailed analysis."

Keeping in lines with the two decade old trend, Karnataka witnessed yet another three-cornered electoral contest this time as well, with a direct fight between the BJP, Congress and JD(S) in most of the constituencies.

The State registered a record turnout of 73.19 per cent in the voting on May 10 for the 224 member assembly.

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