'Bajrang Bali stands with us, ‘Gada’ hits corruption:' CM Baghel as Congress leads in Karnataka

As Congress appeared to be consolidating its lead after crossing the halfway mark in the Karnataka Assembly polls with 128 seats, according to early result trends, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that it was his defeat in the state elections as he sought votes by putting himself forward.

CM Baghel also expressed that the Karnataka Assembly Elections' outcome aligns with his party's expectations. He remarked, "The election result is as per our expectations. PM sought votes by keeping himself in the front. So, this is Modi's defeat..."

Taking a dig at the BJP over the Bajrang Bali issue raised during the state election, CM Baghel asserted that everyone now knows where Bajrang Bali stands and how his strength confronted corruption. He stated, "You can see with whom Bajrang Bali stands. Bajrang Bali's 'gada' hit corruption on its head, and BJP was done."

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According to early trends, the Congress party is leading with 128 seats (as of 12:54 pm) and is expected to form a majority government in Karnataka. The minimum requirement to form a majority government is 113 seats. Meanwhile, the BJP is leading in 66 seats (as of 1:00 pm), and the JDS is leading in 22 seats, according to the Election Commission of India.

With the anticipation of victory, Congress workers have already begun celebrating at the party's headquarters in Delhi.

As Congress surged ahead in the leads, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai conceded defeat and expressed confidence in the BJP's victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Bommai mentioned that a detailed analysis would be conducted to examine the gaps that existed at various levels once the final results are out.

"We have not been able to make the mark. Once the results are announced, we will conduct a detailed analysis. As a national party, we will not only analyze but also identify the deficiencies and gaps that existed at various levels. We take this result in our stride," stated Basavaraj Bommai.

The fiercely contested election, characterized by high-pitched campaigns from the political parties, holds significant importance for both the BJP and the Congress.