Exit polls released after polling ended in Karnataka predicted that the Janata Dal-Secular JD(S) would not touch the 37 seats it won in the 2018 elections, but would remain a strong regional player in the state. If Karnataka returns a hung assembly, the JD-S may emerge as the kingmaker.
The fiercely contested election, which saw high-pitched campaigns by political parties, is crucial for both the BJP and the Congress. Vigorous election campaigning by leaders of various political parties allowed the BJP Union Ministers and Chief Ministers to campaign with all their might.
The Congress, on the other hand, fought hard to wrest power from the BJP, which is trying to break the 38-year-old pattern of alternate governments and retain power in the state.
Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge organized various roadshows, rallies and election campaigns. A sitting government has not returned to power in Karnataka after a full term of five years since 1985.