Karnataka Polls: The results will be declared on Saturday.
A voter turnout of 52.18 per cent was recorded in the ongoing Karnataka Assembly polls till 3 pm, the Election Commission informed on Wednesday.
At 63.36 per cent, Ramanagaram recorded the highest voter turnout at 3 pm while the B.B.M.P (South) recorded the lowest voter turnout at 40.28 per cent.
Voting is underway in Karnataka to elect members to the 224-seat assembly. It began at 7 am and continue till 6 pm. The BJP is hoping for another straight term while the Congress is banking on the states’ revolving door trend. The JDS, which has its bastion over 61 seats, may play spoiler. The Karnataka election results will be declared on Saturday.
Here are the LIVE updates on Karnataka Elections 2023:
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Villagers of Masabinala in Vijayapura district stopped a poll duty vehicle carrying electronic voting machines (EVMs), manhandled an officer and damaged control and ballot units on Wednesday following which 23 people were arrested, the Election Commission said.
The villagers stopped a section officer’s vehicle which was carrying reserved EVMs for the Assembly elections and damaged two control and ballot units each and three VVPATs (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail), the EC said in a statement. “Sector officer was manhandled. 23 people arrested”, the EC said, adding, top district officials rushed to the village, which comes under Basavana Bagewadi Assembly segment.
ಬಸವನ ಬಾಗೇವಾಡಿ ಮತಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಸರಕಾರಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ಹಿರಿಯ ಪ್ರಾಥಮಿಕ ಶಾಲೆ ಶಂಕರ ನಗರ ಕೂಡಗಿ ಎಲ್ ಟಿ ಯ ಲಂಬಾಣಿ ಜನಾಂಗದ ಮಾದರಿಯ ಮತದಾನ ಕೇಂದ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಮತ ಚಲಾಯಿಸಿದ ವಯೋವ್ರುದ್ಧೆ ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಸ್ಫೂರ್ತಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ.@SpokespersonECI@ECISVEEP#KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023pic.twitter.com/0rbmYcOia5
– Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka (@ceo_karnataka) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | “Issues are individuals and one should keep their issues in mind and vote accordingly. I’ve not come here as a celebrity, I’ve come here as an Indian and it’s my responsibility,” says Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep after casting his vote in Bengaluru… pic.twitter.com/CJyYyh6NRp
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | “It’s a small village. All round development has taken place. Credit should go to HD Revanna, who represents this constituency,” says JD(S) chief and former Prime Minister HD Devegowda after casting his vote at his native village Haradanahalli in Hassan district… pic.twitter.com/FOSPR1ldBm
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
Congress Workers, JDS Candidate’s Supporters Clash In Karnataka
A complaint and a counter-complaint have been lodged after Congress workers alleged that the supporters of Mangaluru North Janata Dal (Secular) candidate B A Mohiuddin Bava assaulted them last night. Two Congress workers who were injured in the scuffle, Nizam and Hasher, have been admitted to a private hospital. Bava had switched over to JD(S) recently after he was denied a Congress ticket.
Karnataka Records 37.3% Voters’ Turnout Till 1 pm
Karnataka recorded voters’ turnout of 37.3% till 1 pm. Voting will continue till 6 in the evening.
Photo: Twitter/ceo_karnataka
“Voters were assisted by allocating children’s play area at polling station 51 and 52 of Mohammedia College in Bellary Rural Constituency,” tweeted Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka.
As you step out of your homes today to cast your vote, remember the power your vote has to rewrite the future for our state.
Remember to vote for progress.
Remember to vote for corruption free future.Remember to vote for a strong, secure Karnataka- Just like I did! pic.twitter.com/VbIyYKr2Ro
– DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | “There is a tremendous response from the voters. I will get more than 60 % of the votes. Congress will form the government on its own. I am not going to retire but I will not contest elections. This is my last election,” says Former Karnataka CM and Congress leader… pic.twitter.com/ZVdz5o9gIW
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | #KarnatakaElection | Former cricketer Javagal Srinath cast his vote at a polling station in Mysuru.
He says, “…I request people to come, vote & choose a good leader for good democracy. I also voted…We must participate in democracy…” pic.twitter.com/RRDGX9l8W3
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | Senior Karnataka BJP leader KS Eshwarappa says, “Nationalist Muslims, nationalist Christians and Hinudutvawadis are all voting for BJP. We will get more than 140 seats in Karnataka.”#KarnatakaElectionpic.twitter.com/guUEKF88BR
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | “No chances, we will form the government on our own,” says Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar when asked about the possibilities of a post-poll alliance with JDS pic.twitter.com/jQGowmgaZT
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
Karnataka Sees 8.26% Turnout In First 2 Hours Of Polling
A voter turnout of 8.26% was recorded in the first two hours of polling in Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections today, according to Election Commission data. The highest percentage was in the coastal district of Udupi (13.28%) and the lowest in Chamarajanagar district (5.75%) till 9 am. Voting for the 224-member Assembly began at 7 am and will go on till 6 pm. The main electoral fight is between the ruling BJP, Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) led by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. (PTI)
“Child care centres arranged across all polling stations in Haveri district in the ongoing #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023.ECI committed to ensure #NoVoterToBeLeftBehind,” tweeted Election Commission.
#WATCH | #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 | “Very good response from the people. There is an undercurrent. People from all castes, everybody is working and voting for me. Congress & Jagadish Shettar will get elected with a huge margin,” says former Karnataka CM and Congress… pic.twitter.com/FZhSHzTJ8k
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
“‘Sakhi booth’ an all-women-managed polling station, sets an example of women empowerment. We urge all women voters to step out and cast their valuable vote in #KarnatakaAssemblyElections2023. Total 996 such booths are set up in #Karnataka,” tweeted Election Commission.
Photo: Twitter/ECISVEEP
Photo: Twitter/ECISVEEP
“Enthusiastic first-time voters flaunting their inked finger at a selfie point in 125-Chikkamagalur AC in #Karnataka. Go and experience the joy of voting,” tweeted the Election Commission of India.
Polling officials welcoming PwD voters with a rose at a polling station in Nimbekaipura in the ongoing #KarnatakaAssemblyElections2023
All facilitation like wheelchairs, volunteers, signages are being provided at polling stations.
Dont wait, #GoVote in festival of democracy! pic.twitter.com/4d5tQqs5Z3
– Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) May 10, 2023
Karnataka Records 7.8% Turnout Till 9 AM
Karnataka, where voting began at 7 am, recorded 7.8% turnout till 9 am.
#WATCH | I’ve voted and done my duty towards democracy. It’s a privilege to vote in my constituency. I will win by a record margin. People of Karnataka will vote for positive development and BJP will get a comfortable majority,” says Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai… pic.twitter.com/4rumkWTJ7i
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | Karnataka Congress president and party’s candidate from Kanakapura, DK Shivakumar says “…Today young voters have a great opportunity…They will vote for a change…They know about the price rise & corruption in the state. I am sure they will go for a change and give… pic.twitter.com/Hd4jYlNA0W
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | #KarnatakaElections | Karnataka Congress president and party’s candidate from Kanakapura, DK Shivakumar offers prayers at Sri Kenkeramma Temple in Kanakapura, Ramanagara.
His brother and party MP DK Suresh is also with him. pic.twitter.com/mWII5XkgMJ
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | Union Minister and BJP MP from Dharwad constituency, Pralhad Joshi, arrives at a polling booth in Hubballi to cast his vote for #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023
“I’m happy that people are celebrating this festival of democracy in a big way. People are interested to bring… pic.twitter.com/dKzm3o6va8
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | “It is the responsibility of the elders to sit down with youngsters and advise them why voting is important. That’s what my parents did,” says Infosys founder Narayana Murthy#KarnatakaElectionspic.twitter.com/k5zcpN3UQN
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | “I request all people to cast their votes as early as possible. I am 100% sure they will vote in favour of the BJP. More than 75-80% will support BJP. We will win 130-135 seats,” says Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa#KarnatakaElectionspic.twitter.com/PckMSr7jLC
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
As the polling for the assembly elections begins, I urge all my sisters and brothers in Karnataka to go out there and vote for change.
It’s time to bring in a strong, development oriented and capable government that works tirelessly to make your lives better….
– Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) May 10, 2023
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives to cast her vote for the Karnataka polls.
#WATCH | #KarnatakaElections | Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa visits and offers prayers at Sri Huccharaya Swami Temple in Shikaripur, along with his family.
His son, BY Vijayendra is contesting from the Assembly constituency. pic.twitter.com/ncasRIzhNe
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | #KarnatakaElections | Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa visits and offers prayers at Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Shikaripura, along with his family.
His son, BY Vijayendra is contesting from the Assembly constituency. pic.twitter.com/wy1LFoBA88
– ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
Karnataka will see a triangular contest today for its 224 assembly seats. While the BJP is hoping for another straight term, the Congress is banking on the state’s revolving door trend. The JDS, which dominates over 61 seats, may play spoiler.
People of Karnataka have decided that they shall choose a progressive, transparent & welfare-oriented government.
Today, it is time vote in large numbers.
We welcome our first time voters to participate in this democratic process for a better future.
– Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 10, 2023
Urging the people of Karnataka, particularly young and first time voters to vote in large numbers and enrich the festival of democracy.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 10, 2023
How Security Is Being Managed At Polling Stations
According to poll officials, elaborate security arrangements have been made across Karnataka for the smooth conduct of elections and forces have been deployed from neighbouring states as well. As many as 84,119 State Police Officers and 58,500 CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces ) police in 650 companies are on law and order and security duty on poll day across the state. ‘Critical Polling Stations’ are covered by one or more of the measures like Micro Observers, Webcasting and CCTVs to keep a watch on the polling process as force multipliers.
On voting day, I urge our sisters and brothers of Karnataka to come out in large numbers to vote for good governance, development and prosperity in the state. Your one vote can ensure a pro-people and pro-progress govt that will continue to take the state to newer heights.
– Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 10, 2023
- Karnataka polls are being held in a single phase today
- Votes to be counted on Saturday, May 10
- A total of 5,31,33,054 electors are eligible to cast their votes in 58,545 polling stations
- As many as 2,615 candidates are contesting.
- The voting will take place from 7am to 6pm
Voting Begins In Karnataka
Voting has begun for the elections to the 224 seats of the Karnataka assembly. It will conclude at 6 pm.
BJP’s Quota Tweak Ahead Of Karnataka Polls
In the run-up to the election, the ruling BJP – which is facing multiple corruption allegations — covered all its bases, including tweaking the quota, which it hopes will bring in the Vokkaliga and Scheduled Castes and Tribes votes. The party, which already had the support of Lingayats, also shored up the support of the community, giving them a chunk of the four percent OBC (Other Backward Classes) votes for Muslims that was scrapped.