Congress Gains Clear Edge in India Today Axis My India Exit Polls, forecasts magic figures
Bengaluru: Following the conclusion of voting in the highly anticipated Karnataka Assembly elections on Wednesday, all attention was focused on the release of exit poll predictions after 6 pm. While the final outcome will be declared on May 13 during the vote counting process, the exit polls offered insights into the decisions made by the people of Karnataka for the next five years.
Meanwhile, the India Today-Axis My India exit poll signaled a comfortable victory for the Congress, projecting the party to secure 122-140 seats and a 43 percent vote share. This would surpass the halfway mark of 113 seats. For the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party, the exit poll predicts 62-80 seats and a vote share of 35 percent. The JD(S) is expected to win between 20-25 seats, with a vote share of 16 percent, and a 6 percent for others.
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According to the India Today-Axis My India exit poll, the Congress is projected to secure a significant victory in various regions. In the Bombay-Karnataka region, the Congress is expected to win 28 seats, while the BJP is predicted to secure 21 seats. The Congress is also anticipated to achieve a majority in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region, securing 32 seats. In the Bangalore region, the Congress is likely to win 17 seats, whereas the BJP may secure 10 seats. In Central Karnataka, the Congress is predicted to win 12 seats, with the BJP expected to secure 10 seats. The India Today-Axis My India exit poll further indicates that the Bharatiya Janata Party is set to dominate coastal Karnataka, winning 16 out of 19 seats. Thus, the BJP is positioned to secure a majority in Coastal Karnataka, as per the India Today-Axis My India exit poll.
The state witnessed polling for 224 seats, with a voter turnout of over 65 percent recorded till 5 pm. The battle between the incumbent BJP, Congress, and JD(S) featured a total of 2,615 candidates. The election campaign concluded on Monday, May 8, with prominent campaigners such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah representing the BJP, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge advocating for the Congress, and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy addressing multiple rallies throughout the state.
“I play more than cricket here, I play chess” - DK Shivakumar
In an interview with India Today TV, Karnataka Congress supremo DK Shivakumar expressed his confidence in winning a majority in the polls and said “This is purely a local election and Modi’s name will not work here in Karnataka elections.” He emphatically stated that the Karnataka elections are solely focused on local issues and that the influence of Prime Minister Modi's name would not be effective in this context.
Shivakumar strongly criticized Modi's campaign in the state, questioning the need for such an extensive effort if the BJP was confident in their achievements and development agenda. He stressed that the people of Karnataka desire a corruption-free government and a globally recognized Karnataka, and that the Congress party is dedicated to fulfilling these aspirations.
During the interview, when asked about who the Congress's captain is, Rajdeep Sardesai, the consulting editor of the India Today Network, curiously drew a comparison to cricket and asked “ Do you watch cricket, RCB’s captain is faf-du-plesis, who is congress’s captain,” responding to which Shivakumar said “I play more than cricket here, I play chess.” Cleverly responding by saying that he engages in more than just cricket, referring to his strategic approach akin to playing chess.
Additionally, Shivakumar said that the congress is devoted to implement all its 5 guarantees vowed during the campaign and its poll manifesto.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
