New Delhi [India], May 15 (NT): In the counting of votes for Karnataka Assembly Polls 2018, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a crucial lead on 106 out of the total 224 seats, while the grand old party Congress follows second with a lead on 76 seats.

Trends at 1.30pm show Congress leading on 73 seats, BJP on 107 seats, and JD(S) + on 40 seats.

Both central and coastal Karnataka have shown to favor BJP, with the party leading on 18 seats in coastal areas, and 24 seats in central parts of the state.

BJP CM Candidate BS Yeddyurappa wins from Shikaripura seat by 35,397 votes.

Congress, on the other hand, is leading on three seats in coastal Karnataka, and 11 seats in central areas.

According the official data by the Election Commission, the BJP has won 17 seats and is leading on 89 seats.

Meanwhile the Janata Dal (Secular) and its allies have taken a lead on 38 seats, while others are leading on two seats.

“Many Congress people have won the election, you cannot write-off the Congress. It is, maybe, a set back for Congress, we will find out what is the cause of the setback”, Karnataka Minister KJ George on Karnataka Election Results

Celebrations have already begun among BJP workers in Bengaluru and Delhi.