Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

Karnataka Today newsletter: Close contest anticipated as electoral fight turns triangular in many seats, and more

With many constituencies seeing a three-cornered fight, and the rebel factor looming large, the number of closely contested assembly seats are likely to see a rise this Karnataka elections. Political parties are considering this election to be a tight fight between the ruling BJP, the Congress, and the JD(S).

Many constituencies could end up with low-margin victories. In almost 100 constituencies, parties are unable to predict victories. In 2018, over 30 constituencies had a victory marginal less than 5,000 while 77 constituencies saw victory marginal less than 10,000. Of the latter, as many as 31 seats reported a victory margin of less than 2,000 votes.

Curiosity is palpable in seats like Hubballi Dharwad Central, which drew the attention of the nation after former Chief Minister and BJP loyalist Jagadish Shettar switched camps to the Congress. Similar interest is being noticed in Kanakapura, the fortress of KPCC president and Vokkaliga strongman, D.K. Shivakumar, as well as Kolar, where a triangular fight has emerged between the three parties after former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah did not enter the election fray.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) results for Class X and Class XII were announced on May 12 and the Bengaluru region has secured second place with a region-wise pass percentage of 98.64 in Class XII and 99.18 in Class X.

This year also, Trivandrum region stood first in the list with a pass percentage of 99.91 in Class X and Class XII result. Bengaluru region was followed by Chennai region in the third place with 99.14% of result in Class X and 97.40% in Class XII.

Compared to the previous year, Class XII results have increased by 0.48% in Bengaluru this year. However, Class X results hve decreased by 0.04%.

With polling done, it is business as usual in urban areas. However, the hangover of the prolonged campaigning and election exercise continues to impact farmers from rural regions.