What Karnataka results mean for the Congress and the BJP

For Congress

Congress to benefit from 4-way split of votes between itself, BJP, JD(S) and Yeddyurappa’s KJP

It had polled more votes than BJP in 2008, but won fewer seats

Return to power in Karnataka to give some respite for Congress troubles at the Centre

Congress will be able to claim allegations against Centre do not have electoral impact

It can also say BJP’s presumptive PM candidate Narendra Modi has no affect

But the win will not help Congress break the stalemate in Parliament

For BJP

BJP likely to be ousted from power due to the loss of its sizeable Lingayat vote bank following former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa’s rebellion and split

Karnataka polls likely to be another wake-up call

Clamour likely for projecting Narendra Modi as PM candidate to ‘reinvigorate’ party

BJP can retort that Karnataka polls do not refl ect national picture

It had won three state polls just before losing the 2004 Lok Sabha elections