If the exit polls predictions in Karnataka bye-elections are anything to go by, then Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa will comfortably hold onto his chair, post-December 9.

The BJP needs to win at least six of the 15 seats that went for the polls on Thursday. The results will be declared on December 9. Four prominent exit polls predicted that the BJP will win at nine seats or more.

C-Voter exit polls have predicted the BJP will win 12 out of the 15 seats and Congress will win only three seats. The JD(S) is pegged to win no seats, according to C-Voter.

According to Public TV, BJP is expected to win 8-10 seats while the Congress and JD(S) who fought the elections separately will win 3-5 seats and 1-2  seats respectively. Meanwhile, independent candidatess are pegged to win 0-1 seats.

Even BTV has forecasted a favourable result for the BJP. This exit poll also predicts BJP is poised to win nine seats while the Congress and JD(S) will manage just three and two seats each. And one independent candidate is expected to emerge victorious.

Similarly, Power TV has said the BJP’l will secure 8-12 sets, while the Congress will win 3-6 seats. The JD(S) and independents will win only 0-2 and 0-1 seats respectively.

These exit polls are based on data collected till 4 pm.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission said an estimated 60% of the total 37.78 lakh electors have cast their vote until 5:24 pm on Thursday in 15 assembly constituencies.

The two constituencies in Bengaluru have recorded comparatively lower turnout. While Mahalakshi layout recorded 40.47 %, it was 41.13% in Shivajinagar.

Turnout in other constituencies are: Athani- 70.73 %, Kagwad- 69.76%, Gokak- 66.64%, Yellapur- 72.23%, Hirekerur- 72.42%, Ranebennur- 67.92%, Vijayanagara- 58.93%, Yeshwanthpura 48.34%, Hoskote- 76.19%, K R Pete- 75.87%, and Hunsur- 74.47%, they said.