The ruling BJP was ahead of Congress as initial trends were available for 43 seats of the 223 Assembly constituencies which went to polls on May five.
The BJP was leading in 17 segments, while the Congress was ahead in 12. JDS candidates were leading in seven and Karnataka Janatha Paksha led by former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa in four.
Among those ahead initially include Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar (Hubli-Dharwad Central), Yeddyurappa (Shikaripura) and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah (Varuna).
Counting was taken up in 36 centres at 8 AM today.
Election in Periyapatna was put off to May 28 following the death of a BJP candidate. 113 seats would be required for majority in the 224-member House.
