Cong ahead in K'taka

The ruling Congress is slightly ahead of BJP-JD(S) in Karnataka which showed signs of giving a fractured verdict.

In a neck-and-neck race, the ruling Congress was on Thursday slightly ahead of the BJP and JD(S) in the assembly polls in Karnataka, which showed signs of giving a fractured verdict.

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The Congress was leading in 53 constituencies, followed by BJP and its ally JD(U) in 35 and JD(S) led by former Prime Minister HD Devegowda in 33 segments.

The BJP bagged Mangalore segment with its candidate NYogeshwar Bhat defeating Congress rival Lancy Pinto by 5,063 votes. In Sandur, JD(S) nominee S Lod beat Venkatrao Ghorpade of Congress by 35,544 votes.

Along expected lines, BJP was surging ahead in north Karnataka and coastal districts and the JD(S) in old Mysore areas.

Chief Minister SM Krishna was leading in Chamarajpet constituency by over 5,000 votes.