Survey predicts BJP to return back to power in Karnataka

Yediyurappa most popular leader, Jagadish Shettar cleanest politician of the state and second most popular leader.

Bengaluru, Feb 3 (BPNS)

An opinion poll conducted by the Edupress group predicts a clear win for the BJP in Karnataka with an absolute majority. The anti-incumbency mood is lowest all over the state, the survey predicts.

The survey was done in sixty constituencies of the state and took the response from 32342 voters. 1226 investigators conducted the survey spread across the state from January 23 to January 29.

According to the Edupress survey, the public feels more comfortable with the continuity of the BJP rule in the state. The survey infers that the ruling BJP will win 105 to 115 seats, and Congress between 75 to 85 seats. Janata Dal (S) will win 15 to 20 seats. The Edupress survey predicts that BJP will have 42% of the vote share while Congress will get 40% of the votes and JDS 10%,. 8% of the votes will go for others.

The survey predicts that the former Chief Minister of Karnataka and veteran leader of the BJP, B.S. Yeddyurappa to be the most popular leader in the state. with 25% of those surveyed preferring him to be the Chief Minister of the state. Senior leader of the BJP and strongman from Hubli, Jagadeesh Shettar is the second preferred leader to be the Chief Minister with 23% of those surveyed wanting him to be at the top.

Congress state president, D.K. Shivakumar has 18% support among those surveyed, former Chief Minister, Sidharamiah has 17% support base, and Kumaraswamy of JDS 15% support share. Interestingly the present Chief Minister, Basavaraja Bommai has only 5% of the voters supporting him.

The survey found that corruption charges against the incumbent Chief Minister, Bommai and infighting in his ruling circle and the combined opposition from his party and the opposition parties are the major negative factors in the coming elections. The voters opined that this would affect Bommai and not the BJP as a political party in the elections.

Psephologist and Chairman of Edupress, S. George Kutty while speaking to BPNS said, “ We have done this survey as a first one and will be doing further surveys in the days to come. These are early days but as of now BJP is having a clear edge and Congress is closely following. Veteran leader B.S. Yeddyurappa emerged as the most popular leader and Jagadish Shettar is the cleanest politician in Karnataka. The next round of survey will soon commence.”