New Delhi (CNN) Results of a closely watched state election in India, widely seen as a test of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity after more than four years in office, showed no clear winner Tuesday, setting of a flurry of political jockeying as rival parties vie for power.

Latest results complied by India's election authorities showed that Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had won the most assembly seats in the state of Karnataka, after a high-stakes contest with local parties and India's main opposition Congress Party.

But by winning only 103 of the 222 seats up for grabs, the BJP fell short of an outright majority. The Congress Party took 78 seats, while the local Janata Dal (Secular) or JDS Party won 37 seats, triggering hurried coalition talks between the two as they seek to keep the BJP out of power in the state.

Results from one seat remained outstanding at the time of publication amid indications that the BJP was leading there. The remaining seats went to smaller parties and independent candidates.

The pressure-filled day began with the BJP leading in a majority of seats. But their gains fell away during the afternoon, creating an opening for an opposition coalition as the Congress joined hands with the JDS in a bid to form the next government in Karnataka.

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