Karnataka Assembly election results: Congress racing ahead of BJP

BANGALORE: With initial trends available for 103 constituencies of the total 223 which went to polls on May five, the Congress was leading in 50 segments and the ruling BJP in 20.

JDS of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was ahead in 19 constituencies and Karnataka Janatha Paksha of former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa in seven segments. BSR Congress of former BJP Minister B Sriramulu was leading in two.

Initial trends suggested that the KJP dented the prospects of the BJP in a number of constituencies.

Among those ahead initially include Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar (Hubli-Dharwad Central), Yeddyurappa (Shikaripura) and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah (Varuna).

Counting was taken up in 36 centres at 8 am today. Election in Periyapatna was put off to May 28 following the death of BJP candidate. 113 seats would be required for majority in the 224-member House.