BJP makes initial foray, leads in 45 constituencies

Bangalore, May 25 (UNI) The BJP today built an early lead in 45 of the 92 constituencies in the 224-member Karnataka Assembly as counting of votes was in progress here.

According to official sources, the Congress was leading in 35 constituencies, the Janata Dal (Secular) in 10 and others three.

Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, after the first round, built up a narrow 25-vote lead over his nearest Congress rival Mamta Nichani, daughter of former Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde in Ramanagaram.

Rebel star and Congress MP Ambareesh was trailing by over 800 votes in Srirangapatna against his nearest rival Ramash Bandiesiddegowda (JD-S).

Police said counting began on a peaceful note in all the 46 counting centres across the state amidst heavy bandobust arrangements, including deployment of reserve police from other states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

UNI TEAM/VK VV HS KN0911