Karnataka Elections 2023: Will BJP return to power or fall short to Congress, JD(S)?

After months of heated politics and endless political rallies, the polling day of Karnataka elections 2023 is finally here. Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC) and Janata Dal (Secular) are the three leading contenders in this election to former a government in the Karnataka Assembly. While the ruling party BJP amasses strong popularity in the state, there is always the anti-incumbency factor that challenges any party that is in power, especially in the state elections.  

Congress and JD(S) formed an alliance during the last election in 2018, with HD Kumaraswamy as its Chief Minister. However, their alliance did not work out and eventually collapsed before BJP formed their own government. However, this alliance is unlikely to repeat as both sides have refused to join forces this time. While such decisions are often overturned during elections, their differences certainly put some odds in BJP’s favour. However, only time will tell whether BJP commands the trust of Karnataka citizens or not. The election results will be declared on Saturday, May 13.