‘Wait and watch…’: Karnataka Minister KH Muniyappa on exit polls

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 3 (ANI): A day before the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections, Karnataka Minister KH Muniyappa exuded confidence in winning more seats in Karnataka and said that he does not believe in these exit polls.
The exit polls predicted the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) winning most of the seats in Congress-ruled Karnataka in the Lok Sabha elections and the Congress not putting up a good show.
"I cannot believe this exit poll... Another 18 hours are there, we'll wait and watch. We will get the majority in Karnataka," Muniyappa said.
The voting for 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka was held in two phases. While 14 seats were polled on April 26, the remaining 14 voted on May 7. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4.
The three polls predicted a big lead for NDA in Karnataka, while INDIA bloc is likely to get 3-8 seats, according to the exit polls.
The India Today-Axis My India poll predicted NDA getting 23-25 seats, INDIA bloc 3-5 seats and others failing to open its account in the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka.
The India TV exit poll said that the NDA is poised to win 19-25 seats in Karnataka, while the INDIA bloc is to get 4-8 seats.
The exit poll done by News18 predicted that NDA will get 23-26 seats and INDIA bloc will get 3-7 seats in Karnataka.
The two major contesting alliances in Karnataka are the National Democratic Alliance and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.
Congress came to power in Karnataka in 2023 but the exit polls predict the dismal performance of the ruling party in the state.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP almost swept the state by winning 25 out of 28 seats. Congress and JD-S -- who were in coalition in the state government -- could only win one seat each.
This time, the BJP and JD-S are in coalition, with the former fighting on 25 seats, while the latter is contesting on three seats.
The Narendra Modi-led BJP is seeking a third term in power, while the opposition INDIA bloc is aiming to wrest power by stopping the juggernaut. (ANI)