Karnataka staring at hung house as Congress-BJP slug it in close fight

As per the initial trends flashing across media reports, both BJP and Congress are in a neck-to-neck fight in Karnataka Assembly elections. The counting began at 8.00am across the state.

According to NDTV reports, the Congress was leading in 52 seats and the BJP in 47. The Janata Dal (Secular) was leading in 24 seats.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is currently trailing from Chamundeshwari seat. The counting in Badami seat has begun and Siddaramaiah is leading by 384 postal ballots.

So far, the BJP is leading in 7 seats in coastal Karnataka, while Congress is leading in 3. There are 19 seats in coastal Karnataka and the BJP had performed badly in this region in 2013. Coastal Karnataka is considered a BJP stronghold with several right wing groups active in the region.

Dr. Yathindra, son of CM Siddaramaiah, is leading in Varuna constituency.

Dr. Yathindra, says, "Senior party leaders will decide on this, but we are confident and hope to form Government on our own." Dr. Yathindra is the Congress candidate from Varuna and son of CM Siddaramaiah.