Bengaluru, May 15 (DC): Leads put out by the Election Commission of India on the Karnataka Assembly results show BJP ahead of Congress with 81 seats to the incumbent government’s 48, while the JD(S) is definitely emerging as an important third factor with 36 seats.

Counting of Karnataka votes began sharp at 8 am on Tuesday, May 15.

Counting is on in 222 constituencies of the 224-seat Assembly. Voting was not held in two seats. Any party that touches 112 will get the clean majority to form government.

Exit polls predicted a tight race between the two main rivals — BJP and Congress — in the Karnataka Assembly elections with the JD(S) emerging as a likely kingmaker.

Except Today’s Chanakya, all other exit polls indicated the possibility of a hung Assembly in the state. Most indicated the BJP would emerge the single-largest party, but would fall short of a clear majority. Today’s Chanakya predicted a near sweep by the BJP with 120 seats.

However, in almost all scenarios, the Janata Dal (Secular) emerges as a possible kingmaker. Polls predicted around 40 seats for the party which is fighting the polls in alliance with the BSP.