How BJP reacts to Karnataka Exit Poll Projections?

As most pollsters predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka in the 2023 assembly polls, the ruling BJP downplayed the survey reports and said that it will retain the power in the state.

Talking to reporters, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, "Exit polls are exit polls, it can't be 100 per cent correct. We are going to get a complete majority and form the government. I think we should wait till 13th May."

The former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and the Lingayat strongman BS Yediyurappa reiterated that the BJP will get the majority this time.

"Even now I am 100% confident that we are going to form the government with an absolute majority. There is no question of a hung assembly or a coalition government, but the national leadership will take the final call. We are going to get 115-117 seats so the question of joining with JD(S) right now does not arise. Let us wait and see," he said.

The polling for 224-member Karnataka Assembly was held on Wednesday. The voting has been largely peaceful and the voting turning was registered close to 66 per cent till 5 pm.

BJP leader CN Ashwath Narayan said that people are looking for a double-engine government and voters will reject "the reverse gear Congress party which is trying to ban Bajrang Dal."

"Congress party does not stand for the issues that are close to the heart of the people," Narayan said.

Congress MLA Priyank Kharge too expressed confidence on forming the next government. "The Congress government is going to be in power, we are very close to forming the government. I am sure once the counting is done on 13th May, we will form the government."