Bengaluru: Two days ahead of the D-Day, both the ruling BJP and rival Congress put up a brave front on Thursday by projecting their respective parties as possible winners in the just-held Karnataka polls. The leaders sought to bury any impression of 'jitters' 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, however, have also given an edge to the Congress. Now everyone's focus is on the results. Most of the exit polls have said that BJP will not get majority again. However, BJP leaders are confident that their party will get majority and come to power in the state.
Yeddyurappa says BJP will form the government by winning 115 seats: Speaking to the media in Shikaripura, Shivamogga, BJP leader and former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa said, "Whatever the exit polls say about the state election results, the BJP will form the government by winning 115 seats in the state. BY Vijayendra wins by more than 40,000 votes. This is known to everyone,'' he said.
''I have spoken to all our leaders across the state. I have collected everyone's opinion. I am talking about the support I got when I went. These surveys have no basis when the reservation given to the SC-ST community is observed. Surely, we will win more than 115 seats and form the government on our own strength. I will not criticize the Congress again. It is true that the polls gave in favor of the Congress. A couple of surveys are in our favor as well. However, the final decision will be made after the result," the veteran BJP leader said.
CM Basavaraja Bommai's reaction: On Thursday, after the election, CM Basavaraja Bommai, who was in a relaxed mood, along with his wife Channamma visited Yallamma Devi of Savadatti in Belagavi and offered special pooja. Answering the question asked by the media about the majority issue for the Congress party in the exit poll, the CM said, "It was said in the exit poll that in the 2018 elections, Congress will get 107 and BJP will get 80. But what happened next? BJP got 104 seats. How many seats did the Congress get?''
''It was said that Yogi Adityanath will not win in Uttar Pradesh. But BJP came to power there with absolute majority. Therefore, exit polls are just exit polls," the CM remarked.
BL Santosh Tweet: BJP National Organising General Secretary BL Santosh has given his feedback on the surveys. ''With due respects to all celebrity pollsters, I must say that none of them predicted 282 in 2014 or 303 in 2019 or 156 in 2022. or 104 in 2018. In 2018, BJP led in 24,000 booths with 0 leads in 14 ACs. This time, we will lead in 31000 booths with all ACs contributing. Numbers are your guess,'' BL Santosh tweeted.
Statement of MLA MP Renukacharya: Commenting on the exit poll at his residence in Davangere district, MLA MP Renukacharya said, ''I am not blaming the media. BJP will come to power no matter what is reported. It does not say that the report cast by the media is false. Our target was 150. Now more than 125 are likely to come. The majority will come. There is no internal agreement with JDS. But everything will depend on the result,'' Renukacharya said.
Surjewala's reaction: After meeting Siddaramaiah, state Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "Thank you to the people of Karnataka for voting for change." 40% voted against corrupt government. Congress government will be formed on May 13. We are going to rebrand Karnataka again."
DK Shivakumar says Congress will win 141 seats: KPCC president DK Shivakumar thanked all the citizens who participated in the election and voted. ''Congress, BJP and JD(S) and others have contested the elections in the state. Our party will win this time''. Shivakumar expressed confidence that his party will win 141 seats. He thanked all the workers and leaders who worked for the Congress party and addressed the relatives saying that the party will give good governance.
MB Patil expresses confidence of Congress win: ''Congress party will win in 120 to 140 seats. Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar also said that Congress will win more seats. "All exit polls are in our favor,'' MB Patil said in Vijayapura. ''Congress will come to power this time because the survey will be conducted on the basis of the verdict given by the people. People know how our government worked in 2013-18. We had given many fortunes, schemes to farmers, schemes to young people," he added.
As clock ticks, only the counting day on May 13 will give a clear picture about the status of the victor and the vanquished.
