Lok Sabha Elections 2024: NDA ahead of Congress in Karnataka; close fights in most seats

The 2024 Lok Sabha Elections have turned out to be a closer affair than projected by the exit polls. In Karnataka, the Indian National Congress (INC) has gained leads in 8 constituencies as per early trends. Some of the leads have emerged from Chikkodi, Bidar, Bellary, Davangere, Chamarajnagar, Raichur, Bengaluru Central and Hassan. Apart from Bengaluru Central, most of the leads are from regions with a significant rural population. 

As far as the most closely watched seats are concerned, Prajwal from the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) is leading from Hassan. D.K Suresh from the INC is trailing from the Bengaluru Rural constituency. The former Chief Minister of Karnataka H.D Kumaraswamy has managed to gain a lead in Mandya. 

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The JD(S) would be relieved as they feared that they faced an existential crisis. The early trends have mixed indications for the INC. They would be relieved that they have gained in comparison to the 2019 elections.  They would however have been aiming for a higher number in light of being in power for one year. Despite being the largest party the BJP would not be happy with the result as they had made claims of having a clean sweep.