BJP starts early celebration as initial trends predict victory

SUMMARY

The initial trend gave the BJP a clear majority, as the party was leading in 115 seats, however, the number slipped to 106 by 2:20 pm, after a dramatic change in leads. This came as an opportunity for the Congress to get back in to the race, considering to form an alliance with JD(S). The Congress said it will bid for power in Karnataka.

By CNBC-TV18May 15, 2018 2:57:21 PM IST (Updated)

Indian paramilitary soldiers stand guard as supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shout slogans outside a votes counting center in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The elections in India's southern state of Karnataka were held last Saturday. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Indian paramilitary soldiers stand guard as supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shout slogans outside a votes counting center in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The elections in India's southern state of Karnataka were held last Saturday. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Indian election officials, in foreground, and agents of different political parties, rear, wait for the second round of counting votes at a counting center in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The elections in India's southern state of Karnataka were held last Saturday. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

An Indian polling official stands next to electronic voting machines at a votes counting center in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The elections in India's southern state of Karnataka were held last Saturday. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

A supporter of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wearing a mask of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi flashes victory sign as he celebrates early leads for the party in the Karnataka state elections in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The counting of votes for elections to state legislature in this southern state is currently in progress. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

A supporter of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wearing a mask of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets as he celebrates early leads for the party in the Karnataka state elections in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The counting of votes for elections to state legislature in this southern state is currently in progress. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

A supporter of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wearing a mask of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets as he celebrates early leads for the party in the Karnataka state elections in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The counting of votes for elections to state legislature in this southern state is currently in progress. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) carry cut-out photographs of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center and party president Amit Shah as they celebrate early leads for the party in the Karnataka state elections in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The counting of votes for elections to state legislature in this southern state is currently in progress. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) carry cut-out photographs of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, party president Amit Shah, left, and chief minister candidate B. S. Yeddyurappa as they celebrate early leads for the party in the Karnataka state elections in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The counting of votes for elections to state legislature in this southern state is currently in progress. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrate early leads for the party in the Karnataka state elections in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The counting of votes for elections to state legislature in this southern state is currently in progress. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) carry a cut-out photograph of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they celebrate early leads for the party in the Karnataka state elections in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The counting of votes for elections to state legislature in this southern state is currently in progress. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)