Karnataka Election Live Updates: 65.69% Voters Turn Up at the Polls Till 5PM
As polling kicks off in Karnataka, catch the latest updates from the ground only on The Quint.
Voting for all 224 Legislative Assembly constituencies in Karnataka commenced at 7 am on Wednesday, 10 May.
(Photo: Altered by The Quint)
Karnataka Elections 2023 Voting Live News Updates: Voting for all 224 Legislative Assembly constituencies in Karnataka commenced at 7 am on Wednesday, 10 May.
The election is being conducted in a single phase, with the counting of votes scheduled to be held on Saturday, 13 May. While the Congress and BJP are inevitably headed for a showdown, other political parties in the fray are Janata Dal (Secular), Janata Dal (United), Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and National People's Party.
Over 918 candidates are contesting the polls as Independents. Police forces were deployed across the state ahead of Wednesday, with enhanced security in the state's border areas.
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai offers prayers before casting his vote.
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai offers prayers before casting his vote.
Senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar offers prayers before casting his vote.
Senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar offers prayers before casting his vote.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman after casting her vote in Bengaluru.
Union Minister and a close confidant of former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa, Shobha Karandlaje, casts her vote.
The Karnataka Assembly is the seventh-largest legislative body in terms of strength.
There are 36 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 15 for Schedules Tribes (ST).
The winning party needs at least 113 seats to form a majority government in the state.
Karnataka's total number of voters is 5,21,73,579, out of which 2.62 crores are males and 2.59 crores are females.
9,58,806 voters will be eligible to cast their ballot for the first time.
The number of polling stations across the state is 58,282.
All polling stations closed at 6 pm on Wednesday.
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Outcry Over PM Modi's Video
A day ahead of polling, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put out a video directly addressing the people of Karnataka. "I seek your blessings in the mission of making Karnataka the Number 1 state in the country," he said.
However, the video had the Congress party up in arms as it accused the prime minister of violating the Model Code of Conduct as well as the provisions of the Representation of People Act, 1951 – particularly the 'Silence Period'. Read more here.
Don't Miss a Beat
As Election Day kicks off in Karnataka, catch the latest updates on voter turnout, sharp analysis, and videos capturing the mood on the ground only on The Quint.
Exit polls indicating which party will emerge victorious in the Karnataka Assembly elections 2023 will be out once voting is complete. So, stick around!
Polling Begins in Karnataka
Voting for the single-phase election for the 224-member Karnataka Legislative Assembly has begun.
Bengaluru IT, Biotech Firms May Be Sued if Polling Day Isn't Paid Holiday
Bengaluru's municipal body chief told Moneycontrol that many IT and Biotech firms are not giving a paid holiday for voting in Karnataka.
Yediyurappa Visits Mutt in Shikaripura
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa offered prayers at the Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Shikaripura, along with his family, news agency ANI has reported.
His son, BY Vijayendra, is contesting from the Shikaripura Assembly constituency.
Actor Prakash Raj Casts Vote in Shanti Nagar, Bengaluru
Kannada Actress Amulya Casts Vote in Bengaluru
Kannada actress Amulya and her husband cast their votes at a polling booth in RR Nagar, Bengaluru, news agency ANI has reported.
Karnataka Ministers Cast Their Vote
Karnataka Minister and BJP candidate from Kanakpura constituency, R Ashoka, cast his vote.
Minister K Sudhakar also cast his vote at a polling booth in Chikkaballapur, news agency ANI has reported.
Former Karnataka CM Yediyurappa Casts Vote
Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa cast his vote. His son, BY Vijayendra, is contesting from the Shikaripura Assembly constituency.
"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," Yediyurappa told news agency ANI.
'Time To Bring a Strong Govt in Karnataka': Priyanka Gandhi
KPCC Working Prez Casts Vote in Bidar
Eshwar Khandre, working president of Karnataka Congress, casts his vote in Bidar's Bhalki area, news agency ANI has reported.
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai Offers Prayers at Hanuman Temple
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai offered prayers at a Hanuman temple in Hubbali as voting continues across the state. He is contesting as a BJP candidate from Shiggaon Assembly constituency.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Casts Vote in Bengaluru
After casting her vote in Bengaluru, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on the issue of Bajrang Dal-Bajrang Bali row, told news agency ANI, "... We always read Hanuman Chalisa and offer prayers to Bajrang Bali, but they (Congress) do this during the election...They mentioned that in their manifesto, this is an example of stupidity..."
She also said:
Confident That BJP Will Win: Yediyurappa's Son
"This is my first election and I am happy that the party gave me the opportunity to contest. I'm blessed to contest from the Shikaripura seat. People are fed up with hung assembly and I am confident that BJP will get majority," BJP leader BY Vijayendra told news agency ANI
'Voting on the Basis of Candidate'
"I am voting based on the candidate. The candidate in my constituency personally made sure to find out what the problems are in my area. At least he came to listen," 32-year-old Vaishnavi Marapalli, an IT professional from Ulsoor (Bengaluru), told The Quint.
Former Congress Prez Rahul Gandhi Asks People To Vote in Large Numbers
Former Deputy CM G Parameshwara Casts Vote in Tumakuru
Former Deputy CM and Congress leader G Parameshwara cast his vote at a polling booth in Siddharth Nagar of Tumakuru.
Infosys founder Narayana Murthy Casts Vote in Bengaluru
"First, we vote and then we can say this is good, this is not good. But if we don't do that then we don't have the right to criticise," Infosys founder Narayana Murthy told news agency ANI after casting his vote in Bengaluru.
'Yediyurappa Not Contesting Won't Impact Election': Former Karnataka CM's Son
On being asked whether former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa not contesting this time would impact BJP's prospects in the Karnataka elections, his son BY Raghavendra told news agency ANI, "No, it's not going to impact. He took a decision on his own, he was not forced by the party or any person. He is going across the state for the last one month to campaign. Our party workers have also taken it positively."
Will Win by Record Margin: Bommai After Casting Vote
After casting his vote from Shiggaon constituency, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, "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."
'Roads Are Main Concern in Bengaluru'
"I am voting for the first time. For me, the main concern is roads. A lot of accidents happen and that needs to change," 23-year-old Hariharan from Ulsoor, Bengaluru, told The Quint.
Karnataka Polling Day: 7 X-Factors Will Decide Who Wins – BJP, Congress, or JD-S
Will the Congress' '40 percent Sarkara' attack defeat the BJP or will the 'Bajrang Bali' pitch save the day for the latter? Or will the Janata Dal (Secular) emerge as the kingmaker?
The voters of Karnataka are casting their vote on 10 May to elect 224 MLAs and the next government of the state. The stakes are high for the ruling BJP and possibly even higher for the Congress and the JD-S.
Why do we say that the stakes are higher for the two Opposition parties?
What are the X-factors that could decide which way this election goes?
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman After Casting Her Vote in Bengaluru
PM Modi Urges First-Time Voters To Vote in Large Numbers
'People Will Vote for a Change': KPCC Chief DK Shivakumar
Karnataka Congress president and party's candidate from Kanakapura, DK Shivakumar, told news agency ANI, "Today, young voters have a great opportunity...They will vote for a change...They know about the price rise and corruption in the state. I am sure they will go for a change and give us 141 seats. I am confident that Congress party will form the Govt."
"...I am appealing to everyone, please cast a vote by looking at our gas cylinders. I have advised all my leaders to put a gas cylinder outside the booth and put a garland on it," he added, after he offered prayers at a temple before casting his vote in Bengaluru.
Polling Stops in Chamnur Village; Cong MLA Alleges 'Presiding Officer Pushing People To Vote for BJP'
8.21% Voter Turnout Recorded Till 9 am: EC
Welcome Congress Offering Prayers to LPG Cylinders: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya told news agency ANI, "Karnataka, which is the land of Bajrang Bali, will answer all these things on 13 May. We welcome DK Shivakumar and Congress party offering prayers to LPG cylinders, we are happy that Congress is doing some kind of puja at least."
'People Have Decided to Choose a Progressive Govt': Mallikarjun Kharge
Rajya Sabha MP and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted:
"People of Karnataka have decided that they shall choose a progressive, transparent, and 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," Kharge added.
Congress Supporters Offer Prayers to Gas Cylinders Outside Polling Booths
Responding to DK Shivakumar's statements regarding gas cylinders, Congress supporters and voters made an innovative gesture before polling – offer prayers to gas cylinders.
Congress Will Get 130-150 Seats: Former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
"I request the voters to vote for the party which works. The future of this country is also involved in this election," former Karnataka CM and Congress leader Siddaramaiah told news agency ANI.
Former Karnataka CM and Senior Congress Leader Siddaramaiah Casts His Vote
'Not Retiring, but Won't Contest Elections': Former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
"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," former Karnataka CM and Congress leader Siddaramaiah told news agency ANI after casting his vote.
A Day Before Polls, PM Modi Releases Video With 'Message to People of Karnataka'
A day before Karnataka went for polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a video as his "message to the people of Karnataka" on Tuesday, 9 May.
He said, "Dream of every citizen of Karnataka is my dream. Your resolve is my resolve. When we come together and set our minds to a goal, no force in the world can stop us. I seek your blessings in the mission of making Karnataka the Number 1 state in the country."
Former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy Casts Vote From Ramanagara Seat
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy, along with his family, casts his vote for at a polling booth in Ramanagara, news agency ANI has reported.
'Nationalist Muslims Are With Us': Senior BJP Leader KS Eshwarappa
"People across the state are ready to support BJP in Karnataka. We will win nearly 140 seats & get absolute majority. Congress & JD(S) have attempted Muslim appeasement but nationalist Muslims are with us...," says Senior Karnataka BJP leader KS Eshwarappa.
'Vote & Choose a Good Leader for Good Democracy': Former Cricketer Javagal Srinath
Former cricketer Javagal Srinath cast his vote at a polling station in Mysuru.
"...I request people to come, vote & choose a good leader for good democracy. I also voted...We must participate in democracy," he told news agency ANI.
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya Casts Vote in Bengaluru
'Congress Will With Thumping Majority:' Mallikarjun Kharge
Kalaburagi | Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge says, "...Congress party will win the election with a thumping majority...We will get more than 130-135 seats."
Who's Who of Karnataka Politics Cast Vote Amid Fanfare
#InPictures | Take a look at party leaders visiting polling booths to register their ballot in the Karnataka Assembly Elections. Click here.
20.99% Voter Turnout Recorded Till 11 am
As much as 20.99% voter turnout was recorded till 11 am, the Election Commission has said.
In Pictures: Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023 Underway
People wait in queues at a polling station to cast their votes for Karnataka Assembly elections, in Bengaluru.
A wheelchair bound voter being helped at a polling station during voting for Karnataka Assembly elections.
Bengaluru: Infosys co-founders Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy after casting their votes for Karnataka Assembly elections.
Former CM and Congress leader Jagadish Shettar with his family members after casting votes for Karnataka Assembly polls, at a polling station, in Hubballi.
Former CM HD Kumaraswamy Casts His Vote
Former CM HD Kumaraswamy casts his vote in Kethaganahalli near Bidadi, news agency PTI reported.
Former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy with his family members after casting vote for Karnataka Assembly elections, at a polling station.
Karnataka Elections 2023: Will Debate Over 'Bajrang Dal Ban' Harm Congress?
In 2017, ahead of the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah sought to downplay a controversy over Hindutva outfit Bajrang Dal starting self-defence training camps in the state. He reportedly said, "Bajrang Dal is not BJP," adding that the organisation "should not be equated" with the BJP which focuses on "development."
However, six years later, the BJP seems to have taken a contradictory campaign line in Karnataka. At the fag end of the high-voltage campaign for elections to 224 seats in Karnataka Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP seem to have no qualms throwing their weight behind the Bajrang Dal.
Congress Prez Mallikarjun Kharge Casts Vote in Kalaburagi
Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and his wife Radhabai Kharge cast their votes at a polling booth in Kalaburagi, news agency ANI has reported.
Here's What Young Urban Bengaluru Voters Have To Say:
"I am voting for good governance. For us, civic issues matter more than national issues. The person we want to elect has to represent us in the Karnataka Assembly. It has nothing to do with national politics or what goes on in New Delhi," 29-year-old Kokil Abhilash told The Quint.
"The company has given a holiday to employees from Karnataka," 24-year-old Zuhair Khan, an IT professional, told The Quint.
"I am voting for the first time. For me, the main concern is roads. A lot of accidents happen and that needs to change," 23-year-old Hariharan told The Quint.
"I am voting based on the candidate. The candidate for my constituency personally made sure to find out the problems in my area. At least he came to listen," 32-year-old Vaishnavi Marapallian, an IT professional, told The Quint.
Kannada Actor Shiva Rajkumar Casts Vote
Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar and his wife and Congress leader Geetha Shivarajkumar cast their votes.
Why Was Tejasvi Surya Omitted From Star Campaigners List?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, were among the 40 star campaigners for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the Karnataka Assembly elections.
The saffron party, however, has left out a prominent young face, Tejasvi Surya, who is a member of parliament (MP) from Bengaluru South.
37.25% Voter Turnout Recorded Till 1 pm
As much as 37.25 percent voter turnout has been recorded as of 1 pm, the Election Commission has stated.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Casts Vote
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge after casting his vote for Karnataka Assembly elections, at a polling station, in Kalaburagi.
A Newly Wed Couple & a Bride Cast Their Votes
Karnataka Elections 2023: A newly wed couple cast their votes.
Karnataka Elections 2023: A bride casts her vote.
Transgender People Cast Their Votes
(Photo: Twitter/@ECISVEEP)
(Photo: Twitter/@ECISVEEP)
(Photo: Twitter/@ECISVEEP)
Actor Kiccha Sudeep Casts Vote in Bengaluru
"Issues are individuals and one should keep their issues in mind and vote accordingly. I have not come here as a celebrity, I have come here as an Indian and it's my responsibility," said Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep after casting his vote in Bengaluru, as quoted by ANI.
'Credit Should Go to HD Revanna': Former PM Devegowda After Casting Vote in Hassan
JD(S) chief and former Prime Minister HD Devegowda and his wife Chennamma cast their vote at a polling booth at his native village Haradanahalli in Hassan district.
After casting his vote, he told news agency ANI:
"It's a small village. All round development has taken place. Credit should go to HD Revanna, who represents this constituency."
Women Voters Queue Up To Vote In Belagavi
Women voters waiting patiently in the queue for their turn to cast their votes at Shivajinagar Polling Station, Belagavi North Assembly Constituency.
All-Women-Managed 'Sakhi Booths' Set Up Across Karnataka
996 ‘sakhi booths’ –all-women-managed polling stations, were set up across Karnataka to encourage women to vote.
EVM Machines Destroyed in Vijayapura Distt.
EVM machines in Vijayapura district were destroyed by workers. According to the Vijayapura district SP Anand Kumar, "There were additional EVM machines kept and some election officials were carrying them. People near polling stations mistook that EVM machines were being illegally carried before the conclusion of polling and destroyed it."
Kumar told The Quint said that about 15 persons have been taken into custody.
'Congress Going To Win Big': Randeep Singh Surjewala
Senior Citizens Flaunt Their Inked Fingers After Voting
Shivajinagar Voters Find Their Names Deleted From Voter List
In Bengaluru Urban's Shivajinagar constituency, The Quint spoke to several people who came to vote but found their names deleted from the voter list.
The Quint had earlier reported that despite the final electoral roll for the constituency being published on 15 January, an exercise to determine whether over 9,000 people from the area will be allowed to vote or not had been undertaken.
52.18% Voter Turnout at 3PM
Over 52.18 percent of the electorate turned up to cast their votes till 3pm in the Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023, according to data by the Election Commission of India.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar Casts His Vote
Minister of State for Information and Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar was seen waiting in a queue to cast his vote for the Karnataka Assembly elections, at a polling station in Bengaluru.
65.69% Voter Turnout at 5PM
Around 65.69 percent of the electorate turned up to cast their votes till 5 pm in the Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023, according to data by the Election Commission of India.