Shikaripura (PTI): The BJP on Tuesday said unlike the 2004 assembly elections when a fractured verdict led to political instablity in Karnataka, the state this time is heading for a decisive mandate and expressed confidence of winning an absolute majority in the 224-member House.

BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa said his party would get a "minimum" of 40 of the 89 seats that went to polls in the first phase on May 10.

"First round was difficult for us as you know it's (old Mysore region) the stronghold of JDS and Congress. But the second and third phase (in which elections are to be held for the remaining 135 seats on May 16 and 22) is very easy for us because we are strong compared to other parties," he told PTI here in the midst of campaigning for the second phase polls.