CNN-IBN Exit Poll predicts Hung Assembly in Karnataka, NDTV Exit Poll favours BJP

The third and final phase of the Karnataka assembly polls is over. At least 61% voters exercised their franchise for the 69 assembly segments that went to polls on Thursday. The exit poll conducted by the CNN-IBN has predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka again, but the NDTV exit poll has given a narrow mandate to the BJP. The JD(S) may again emerge as a king maker once the results are out even as the main battle is between the Congress and BJP.

The CNN-IBN Exit Poll:

The CNN-IBN, in collaboration with the Deccan Herald and CSS, have conducted the exit poll in various parts of the state. According to their prediction, Congress will get 86 seats, while the BJP will end up with 79 seats. The swing could go either way, as there is a neck-to-neck contest between both parties. The JD(S) is projected to get 45 seats, while the others may get 14 seats. The total number of seats in Karnataka assembly is 224.

According to CNN-IBN exit poll, there is a 4 percent negative swing against the Congress, while the BJP may get a 2 percent positive swing it its favour. Congress is heading for a gain among the Backwards, Dalits, Muslims, Women and Poor. The BJP will gain among the Lingayats, Upper caste people, Urban voters and Youth. Interestingly, BJP leader Yeddyurappa is the most preferred CM among the voters with 27% votes. Kumaraswamy is on second spot with 22%. Congress leader SM Krishna is lying on a poor third with just 16%.

The NDTV Exit Poll:

The NDTV exit poll yet again gave an advantage to BJP in the third phase elections. Out of the 69 seats, it gave BJP 30-40 seats, while the Congress is predicted to get 20-30 seats, while the JD(S) may get 10-12 seats. The overall result is quite encouraging for the BJP. The NDTV exit poll predicted that BJP would get 95-115 seats. That means, it has a chance of getting a simple majority (112 seats).

According to the NDTV exit poll, the Congress is likely to suffer heavy losses, as it may end up with 55-75 seats. Thus, the party may fall way behind the simple majority mark. The JD(S) is expected to get 45-55 seats, while the others will get 10-15 seats. Even if there is a swing of votes, the BJP is likely to emerge as a single largest party in Karnataka assembly with a good number of seats to its credit.