Karnataka exit polls: Both CM contenders exude confidence

NEW DELHI: BS Yeddyurappa – who set a date for his oath ceremony as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka before the elections – on Sunday offered to give in writing that his party, the BJP, will win more than 120 seats. The prospective Chief Minister of the BJP also indicated that exit polls that predicted a hung assembly in the state got it wrong.

"With the help of everyone, we are to win 125-130 seats. The Congress will not cross 70 seats, and the JD(S) will not cross 24-25... These are my figures. Until now, never have my calculations gone wrong," Yeddyurappa told the media Sunday morning. "I have been here for long, travelled across Karnataka. Do you want me to give it to you in writing right now? You can then verify that once the results are in," added the 75-year-old who has spent decades in state politics.

The BJP's chief ministerial face also took to Twitter to thank the voters for a "landslide victory." "Thank you, Karnataka! Gratitude to the people of Karnataka for voting in large numbers. @BJP4Karnataka is headed towards a landslide victory with all your blessings and support!" he tweeted.

Out of the eight major exit polls broadcast by six national and one regional television channel, six predicted that the BJP would be leading in the Assembly. A hung assembly was predicted by seven of the polls, suggesting the possibility of the JD(S) emerging as the kingmaker. Any party or alliance will need the support of 112 MLAs to form the new government.

Congress leader and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the exit polls calling them "entertainment for the next two days." "Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next two days. Relying on the poll of polls is like a person who can't swim crossing a river on foot relying on a statistician who told him the average depth of the river is 4 feet. Please note the average of 6+4+2 is 4. At 6 feet you drown," he said in a tweet. He further tweeted, "So, dear party workers, supporters and well-wishers, don't worry about exit polls. Relax and enjoy your weekend. We are coming back."

Siddaramaiah also said while he is willing to stay on as the Chief Minister for another term, he would step aside for a Dalit candidate if the party high command so desires. Amid the exit polls' prediction of a split verdict where Janata Dal-Secular chief Deve Gowda will emerge kingmaker, the comment indicates the Congress is considering ways to get the former Prime Minister on their side. See P5