Karnataka Bypolls: 66.25% Voter Turnout Recorded as Polling Ends

Catch all live updates on the Karnataka Assembly bypolls here.

Polling is ended in 15 constituencies across Karnataka on Thursday, 5 December, to re-elect their MLAs for the state Assembly. The seats fell vacant after 17 Congress-JD(S) alliance MLAs defected and were disqualified. The polls will determine the fate of the Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa-led BJP government in the state.

• The results of the polls will be declared on 9 December
• 12 of the 15 seats were held by the Congress-JD(S)  coalition earlier
• The BJP needs to win at least six seats out of 15 to remain in power in Karnataka

66.25% Voter Turnout Registered at end of Polling

Activist, Journalist Assaulted Near Polling Booth.

This is just not done @CPBlr @CMofKarnataka @HMOKarnataka why should anyone be slapped? We know our duty @acpwhitefield Krishnappa do you know yours? @dcpwhitefield @XpressBengaluru @hd_kumaraswamy @siddaramaiah @BSYBJP @santwana99 @mani1972ias @NammaBengaluroo @WFRising https://t.co/UeCr1vroF9 pic.twitter.com/0IyzSh4pyW

— Chetana Belagere (@chetanabelagere) December 5, 2019

Bengaluru Police allegedly assaulted an activist and a reporter covering the assault in KR Puram constituency. The activist, who yet to be identified, was standing near a poll booth with a banner reading “save democracy”. He was allegedly picked up by police and slapped. A journalist with an English daily recording this, too, was attacked by the officer.

32.51% Turnout Reported at 1pm

#KarnatakaBypolls voter turnout as of 1 pm is at 32.5% only. Interestingly, the turnout is lowest in #Bengaluru constituencies, with districts in north Karnataka faring better. With voting scheduled to end at 6 pm, election officials are hoping the pace picks up soon@TheQuint pic.twitter.com/HXzVuFbcWY

— Arpita Raj (@arpitaraj92) December 5, 2019

The Many Moods of Voters