With exit polls predicting a thumping victory for the BJP in Karnataka, the party’s state President BS Yeddyurappa said that 20-22 Congress MLAs would join the BJP after the Lok Sabha election results are announced.

"Many exit polls have predicted that BJP will 20-23 seats. Ever since election campaigning began, I have maintained that BJP would comfortably win 22 seats in Karnataka and that many big leaders of the Congress and the JD(S) will lose,” Yeddyurappa said.

Stating that the Congress leaders have reportedly informed the high command that the party has not benefited anything from the alliance with the JD(S), Yeddyurappa said this was proof everyone was unhappy with the coalition. “Once the election results are out on May 23, a lot will change in the state politics. 20-22 Congress leader will join the BJP. They are not happy with the outcome of the coalition,” he added.

Yeddyurappa held talks with Gokak Congress MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi on Monday regarding defecting to the BJP. Party sources say that Congress MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi will fly to New Delhi on Wednesday to hold talks with senior leaders regarding the defection of other MLAs.

“Congress MLAs Mahesh Kumatihalli, Bheema Nayak, JN Ganesh are already in talks. Ramesh Jarkiholi has been holding talks with other legislators over the phone. Yeddyurappa has entrusted the responsibility of herding in MLAs to Ramesh Jarkiholi. Over 20 MLAs say they will defect only if the NDA comes to power this time,” the source added.