NDTV Exit Poll: Modi Wave Helps BJP Make a Recovery in Karnataka

The Congress could have to settle for only 10 seats, four more than it had won last time, but a disappointing figure for a party that has only just wrested the state from the BJP. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said today that he hoped to win between 18 and 20 seats.

The Karnataka BJP has banked on what it calls the Narendra Modi wave. The party also played a gamble in bringing back into its fold, controversial leaders like former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and Srilamalu from Bellary.

The Janata Dal United, the exit poll shows, will fail to improve on its status as a minor player. It is expected to win two seats. It had won three seats in 2009, two of which it later lost to the Congress in by-elections.